Route 66 Wayside Exhibits in Illinois

As you roll down the Mother Road in Illinois, be sure to pull over and soak up some local history. The Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibits dot the highway from Chicago to St. Louis, offering bite-sized stories about the towns, people, places, and quirky history that give America’s Main Street its character.

Originally you’d find 31 of these Wayside Exhibits across 17 communities along Route 66. But more have been added, including 12 new ones in the Springfield area that were installed in 2024. Each one is strategically placed at a site with deep historical ties to the road, featuring text, illustrations, photos, and even audio that bring the area’s past to life.

For a little extra fun, many exhibits have rubbing stations where you can use a pencil and paper to collect a “stamp” as a memento of your stop.

These Wayside Exhibits are just one of the many efforts to keep Route 66’s legacy alive in Illinois. While you’re cruising, keep an eye out for Experience Hubs, Interpretive Statues, Six on 66 Monuments, and the 3D Route 66 Shields—each one a nod to the magic of the Mother Road.

Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibits

A Road Well Traveled: The Ogden Avenue Corridor

6411 34th St, Berwyn, IL 60402

The Ogden Avenue Corridor has long been a gateway for travelers, starting as an old Indian trail used by fur traders, and later becoming a plank toll road groaning beneath the weight of settlers’ wagons. Over time, planks turned to bricks, and by the 1920s, Route 66 rolled over smooth pavement here. From 1926 to 1976, this stretch of Ogden Avenue was part of the Mother Road, linking Chicago to the rest of the country. Though early travel was tough—often sinking into the swampy terrain—the corridor evolved, becoming a key route for commerce and cross-country adventure.

Automobile Love Affair: A Traveling Showroom

3499 Clarence Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402

In the 1950s, Route 66 became a rolling showroom for America’s latest automotive designs, with bold styles, chrome, and fins capturing imaginations. Ogden Avenue in Berwyn was at the heart of this car craze, hosting a bustling strip of dealerships that showcased the newest rides. While some of these dealerships have faded, Berwyn still honors its car culture, especially at the annual Route 66 Car Show, where thousands gather to celebrate the love affair with classic cars. One local gem, Ogden Top & Trim, has been crafting custom car restorations since 1919, keeping that spirit alive.

Cruising the Strip: Route 66 on Ogden Avenue

7025 Ogden Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402

Ogden Avenue was made for the golden age of cars, designed as a wide, car-friendly street lined with drive-ins, service stations, and dealerships catering to a mobile society. In the 1950s, kids cruised the strip, grabbing burgers at spots like Mac’s in Berwyn, where 8 burgers cost just $1 in 1957. Cars weren’t just for getting around—they became symbols of freedom and fun, especially for the newly coined “teenagers” of the post-WWII era, who embraced the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and drag racing. Even today, Ogden’s history is alive in its car culture.

Eating on the Run: Fast Food on Ogden Avenue

3708 Maple Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402

Fast food joints popped up all along Route 66 after World War I, serving up quick, cheap bites for hungry road trippers. Ogden Avenue still boasts some of these iconic stops. Bunyon’s Hot Dogs, once famous for its giant fiberglass hotdog man, opened in the 1960s and while it’s gone, its legendary statue now stands in Atlanta, IL. The oldest operating White Castle on Route 66, serving sliders since 1939, was one of the first places to make fast food fast, clean, and affordable. And Henry’s Drive-In, still serving its famous hotdogs topped with fries, proudly displays its vintage neon sign from the 1950s.

This was “Countryside”: Farms and Quarries

6200 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL 60525

As Route 66 travelers left Chicago, they sped through the countryside, once filled with farms and quarries. By the time Countryside became a city in 1960, most of the farmland had been replaced by suburban homes and businesses. One of the area’s quirkiest stories involves the Marx Brothers, who briefly tried their hand at chicken farming here in 1917 to dodge the draft, only to abandon it for Cubs games. The quarries east of Countryside played a vital role in Route 66’s creation, supplying the crushed limestone that paved the road from Chicago to Joliet.

Good Eating on Route 66: The White Fence Farm Story

White Fence Farm, 1376 Joliet Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446

In the early 1920s, Stuyvesant Peabody had a vision: a simple menu of top-quality food served in a charming farm atmosphere. That dream became White Fence Farm, built on a 450-acre farm in what is now Romeoville. Once Route 66 was designated in 1926, it quickly became a popular stop for Chicagoans looking for fine dining in the countryside. The farm offered not just great food but also games like shuffleboard and croquet, making it a destination. Today, the Hastert family continues Peabody’s legacy, serving up their famous “World’s Greatest Chicken” to travelers and locals alike.

A Well Connected Village: Historic Dwight

101 W Main St, Dwight, IL 60420

Historic Dwight has long captured the attention of Route 66 travelers with its unique architecture and cultural history. The Keeley Institute, founded in 1879 by Dr. Leslie Keeley, put Dwight on the map as it treated alcoholism as a disease, drawing patients from across the globe. At its peak, 800 patients arrived weekly for the “Keeley Cure,” though the method was never widely accepted by the medical community. Dwight’s growth led to landmarks like the Richardson Romanesque-style Dwight Depot, the 110-foot Dwight Windmill, and the First National Bank, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Each landmark tells a piece of Dwight’s rich history as a “model village.”

Full Service On Route 66: A Friendly Refuge in Dwight

Ambler-Becker Station, W Waupansie St, Dwight, IL 60420

The Ambler-Becker Texaco Station, a cozy “house and canopy” style stop, was a welcoming refuge for Route 66 travelers for over 66 years. Opened in 1933, it was a place where flats were fixed, breakdowns were towed, and weary spirits were lifted. Basil “Tubby” Ambler, who owned it from 1954-1966, made travelers feel at home, even keeping a couch in the station. Phil Becker, who started working there as a teen, eventually took over in 1970. Today, the station is a cherished part of Route 66 history, now serving as the Dwight Visitor’s Center and a stop for modern road trippers.

Mom and Pop Motels: The Paulsen-Strufe Motel

398 S Old Rte 66, Dwight, IL 60420

In the golden age of Route 66, local families like the Paulsens and Strufes ran small motels, offering travelers a warm, personal touch. The Paulsen-Strufe Motel, built in 1935, began as Paulsen Court, with five cozy cabins and carports. Danish immigrants Marlin and Metha Paulsen did it all, from pumping gas to washing laundry. In 1952, the Strufe family took over, renaming it the Arrow Motel after remodeling. It was a true family affair, with the kids helping out and rooms named after female family members. Travelers often returned, fondly remembering which “girl” they stayed with last time.

Shifting Roadways: Changes Driven By the Auto

E 3100 N Rd & Old Rte 66, Dwight, IL 60420

Lions Lake tells the story of how Route 66 reshaped Dwight. Originally a farming community along the Chicago & Alton Railroad, Dwight’s landscape changed as cars replaced horses and better roads were needed. The lake itself started as a borrow pit, dug for road fill when the Route 66 Bypass was built in 1946. By the 1990s, it had transformed into a community park. Over the decades, Route 66 shifted its path to accommodate growing traffic, bypassing downtown Dwight in 1926, adding a four-lane bypass in 1946, and ultimately giving way to Interstate 55 in 1977, marking the end of Route 66’s heyday.

The Log Cabin Inn: Turning with the Times

18700 Old Rte 66, Pontiac, IL 61764

The Log Cabin Inn, owned by Joe and Victor “Babe” Selotis, was one of the many family businesses that thrived thanks to the steady traffic along Route 66. Opening in 1926, the Selotis brothers ran the roadside stop, with Joe grilling barbecue and Babe handling car services. When Route 66 was rerouted to the west of their business in the 1940s, the brothers ingeniously jacked up their sturdy cabin and rotated it 180 degrees to face the new road—a memorable event that drew hundreds of spectators from Pontiac.

One of the Inn’s most unique attractions was a talking crow, gifted to Joe Selotis. With Joe’s careful training, the crow became a local sensation, entertaining tourists with its chatter. It was known to perch among beer drinkers and developed a curious fondness for malt liquor, adding another layer of charm to this already quirky Route 66 stop.

A Bridge to the Past: From Route 4 to City Street

601 W Lincoln Ave, Pontiac, IL 61764

This bridge, originally part of Illinois Route 4 and later incorporated into Route 66, has seen it all—from the fast pace of the “hard road” to the slower, more leisurely traffic of today. Built in 1926 and rebuilt in 2005 with its original design, the bridge’s abutments still stand from its Route 66 heyday. The bridge is a testament to the evolution of highway engineering, with concrete proving to be a durable alternative to steel. Near the bridge once stood the Ideal Garage, Service Station, and Lunch Counter, along with the Ideal Cabin Court, offering much-needed rest to early travelers. An original Route 4 marker, still visible on the bridge, serves as a rare reminder of this historic route’s beginnings.

Patrolling “Bloody 66”: Hard Road Cops

720 W Lincoln Ave, Pontiac, IL 61764

Route 66, often referred to as “Bloody 66,” was notorious for its dangerous stretches, particularly in District 6. State troopers stationed at the District 6 Headquarters, such as Captain Francis Mowry and Lt. Chester Henry, patrolled the road from Dwight to McLean, enforcing safety laws and assisting drivers in need. Many accidents occurred at intersections with county roads and railroad crossings, with some stretches, like the notorious “Dead Man’s Alley” north of Pontiac, becoming infamous for frequent fatalities.

An Underground Crossing: The Ladd School Subway

599 N Ladd St, Pontiac, IL 61764

When Route 66 came through Pontiac in 1926, it boosted local business but raised safety concerns, especially for parents worried about children crossing the busy road to reach Ladd School. In response, the State Highway Commission built a pedestrian tunnel under the highway, allowing students to cross safely until a new Route 66 alignment bypassed the city in 1945, sealing the tunnel entrances. Concerned parents had petitioned for safety measures, leading to the tunnel’s construction, while nearby businesses like the Indian Inn thrived, serving travelers with food, fuel, and lodging.

International Route 66

110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764

歡迎 Bienvenue Willkommen Welcome Benvenuti Bienvenidos いらっしゃいませ

You are traveling on one of the most famous roads in the world. On September 25, 2005, Illinois Route 66 was designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Enjoy the journey from the Windy City to the Chain of Rocks. The International Route 66/Historic Route 66 Illinois Wayside Exhibit at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum welcomes visitors from around the world.

Protecting Travelers: State Police Headquarters

15551 Historic Hwy 66, Pontiac, IL 61764

The Illinois District 6 State Police Headquarters, built in 1941, played a vital role in keeping Route 66 safe during its busiest years. As traffic surged on the “Hard Road,” troopers stationed here risked their lives daily patrolling one of the state’s most traveled highways. The building, believed to be designed in the shape of a Derringer pistol when viewed from above, embodies the Art Moderne architectural style, with its sleek, linear design and curved corners. Though traffic moved to I-55 in 1977, the District 6 officers continued their service here until the headquarters closed in 2003. This iconic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, remains a symbol of Route 66’s storied past.

A Station and a Home: Sprague’s Super Service

305 Pine St, Normal, IL 61761

Sprague’s Super Service, opened in 1930 by William Sprague, is the only two-story Tudor Revival service station on Route 66. Built during the Great Depression, Sprague knew travelers still needed food, gas, and repairs, so he designed the station to blend with the neighborhood, making it look more like a house than a business. The first floor housed a gas station, restaurant, and repair garage, while the owners, attendants, and their families lived upstairs. Over time, the building served various purposes, from a welding shop to a bridal store, but it was restored to its 1930 appearance by Dr. Terri Ryburn and her husband Bill in 2006. It’s now on the National Register of Historic Places and inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame. A charming local love story adds to its history: in 1940, Walter Bittner, smitten with Irene, a bank elevator operator, finally got her to agree to a lunch date at the Triangle Café (Sprague’s restaurant) after nine attempts. They married in 1941.

Risks of the Road: Bloody 66 and Insurance

200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701

Illinois Route 66 earned the nickname “Bloody 66” due to its dangerous curves, crossroads, and bridge abutments that claimed the lives of many speeding motorists. After World War II, safety improvements such as straightened roads, bypassed towns, and four-lane expansions, along with stricter enforcement by Illinois State Police, helped reduce accidents. Insurance companies, like Bloomington’s State Farm, offered protection to motorists. Founded in 1922 by George Mecherle, State Farm grew rapidly by offering low rates to farmers who drove less than city drivers. Patrolman Chester Henry, who patrolled Route 66 for decades, became well-known for enforcing traffic laws and once held the record for the most tickets issued, slowing down wary motorists. He was inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 1993.

Laying the Hard Road Through Atlanta

401 Arch St, Atlanta, IL 61723

In 1922-23, Illinois State Road 4, known as the “Great Illini Boulevard,” was laid through Atlanta, becoming the first paved road to connect Chicago and St. Louis. In 1926, it was re-designated as U.S. Route 66, stretching all the way to Los Angeles. A small section of this original pavement remains, a lasting reminder of the historic “Mother Road.” Led by foreman Albert Irvin, workers used horses and mules to build the roadbed through Atlanta during the summer and fall of 1922, with concrete being poured the following spring. The community played an essential role in funding the project, with locals raising money to secure the right-of-way. The Atlanta Argus celebrated the road’s progress, calling it a critical development for the region and urging community support. By April 1923, the first trainloads of materials were arriving, marking a milestone in the construction of the historic highway.

Wheels of Fortune on 66: Business followed the Highway

105 S E Race St, Atlanta, IL 61723

When Route 66 was built in the 1920s, Atlanta thrived, but the boom was short-lived. In 1947, the road was rerouted to bypass the town, causing many local businesses to falter. New establishments along the bypass had their moment of success until I-55 replaced Route 66 in 1977, leading to more closures. Recently, renewed interest in historic Route 66 has revitalized Atlanta. The Palms Grill, which opened in 1934, became a popular spot for travelers and locals alike, while gas stations and cafes in downtown Atlanta served as community hubs. Businesses like the Deep Rock Station on Arch Street once bustled with customers until the Route 66 bypass left them abandoned. The Palms Grill also served as a Greyhound Bus Line stop, where passengers signaled the driver with a neon sign light.

Roadside Attractions: World’s Largest Covered Wagon

1750 5th St, Lincoln, IL 62656

The Railsplitter Covered Wagon, holding the Guinness World Record as the largest covered wagon, stands as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln in the town named after him before his presidency. Built in 2001 by David Bentley while recovering from heart disease, the wagon was originally displayed on Historic Route 66 in Divernon. In 2007, local philanthropist Larry Van Bibber purchased and donated it to the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau. The wagon moved to Lincoln, Illinois, where it attracted attention and traffic as curious travelers stopped for photos. After another move in 2009, it now resides in front of the Best Western Lincoln Inn, symbolizing both Lincoln’s legacy and Route 66’s promise of roadside fun.

The Tropics: A Route 66 Landmark

1109 Hickox Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656

The Tropics, a Route 66 landmark, opened in 1950 in Lincoln, Illinois, named after Vince Schwenoha’s time in Hawaii. Lew Johnson started working there in 1951, met his future wife, Bev, and took over the restaurant in 1955. The Tropics survived two major fires and even an ice storm in 1978 that nearly shut it down, but utility crews saved it by making it their main spot to eat. Though the restaurant closed in 1997, its iconic neon sign was restored in 2018, keeping the memory of the Tropics alive for Route 66 travelers.

The Golden Years: Doing Business on “Main Street”

102 S Elm St, Williamsville, IL 62693

Route 66 was the lifeline for businesses in Williamsville, connecting the town to the nation and bringing in travelers for food and fuel. Cafes and service stations thrived along the highway, with Route 66 running through the heart of town before 1941. The Turner Garage and Gas Station sat near a hazardous curve that saw numerous accidents. In 1941, Route 66 was enlarged and bypassed towns for safety, with businesses moving or dying as a result. By the time I-55 replaced Route 66 in 1977, only a few service stations like Bill Fawns’ survived, serving travelers in the 1950s and 60s.

Service Stations on Route 66: Frank’s Old Station

117 Elm St, Williamsville, IL 62693

Frank’s Old Station, built in the mid-1930s, was more than just a spot to fuel up on Route 66—it was a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, swapping stories over coffee. While Williamsville once boasted over a dozen gas stations, many faded when the bypass was built in 1940. Frank’s operated until 1963, and though the pumps are long gone, the building still stands, welcoming visitors who come to soak up the nostalgia and share a tale or two from the Mother Road.

Route 66 Pavement

1 Carpenter Park Trl, Springfield, IL 62707

Built in 1922, this peaceful stretch of concrete winding through the woods was once a lively highway! From 1926 to 1936, Route 66 traffic roared across its surface toward the Sangamon River, carrying travelers along the Mother Road’s early path.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience

Gate 2, 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

Experience the magic of Illinois Route 66 at The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience! This walk-through exhibit showcases the 92 communities from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Explore vintage billboards, a classic drive-in theater, Legends Neon Park, and a tribute to those iconic giant muffler men. Afterward, hit the Mother Road to see these local treasures up close!

The Giant Slide: Slide Down 66

Central Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

Slide Down Route 66! The Giant Slide, a State Fair tradition since 1968, brings thousands to the Illinois State Fair each year. Originally designed by Fred Pittroff, this 40-foot tall, 130-foot long slide has thrilled visitors for decades. In preparation for the Route 66 centennial in 2026, the slide got a fresh makeover, featuring a bold Route 66 shield painted by Ace Sign Co. of Springfield. Start your own tradition by “Sliding Down 66!” at the Illinois State Fair!

The Sky Glider

801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

Soar over Route 66! Get a bird’s-eye view of the Mother Road and the entire Illinois State Fairgrounds from the Sky Glider. Debuting at the fair in 1968, this classic ride has been a permanent fixture, lifting riders 50 feet into the air for a perfect view of all the action.

Shea’s Gas Station Museum

2075 N Peoria Rd, Springfield, IL 62702

Bill Shea is a Route 66 legend. In 1955, he opened the Marathon service station, just down the road from the Texaco station he had run for nine years. When it closed in 1982, the station transformed into a treasure trove of quirky Route 66 artifacts. Travelers from all over the world stopped by to marvel at Bill’s unique collection, making it a must-see stop on the Mother Road.

Route History Museum

737 E Cook St, Springfield, IL 62703

Discover the untold stories of Black travelers on Route 66. Explore the pivotal role Black-owned businesses played, the importance of the Negro Motorist Green Book, and the impact of the Great Migration. Take a virtual reality journey that brings this rich history to life, offering a deeper connection to the experiences and challenges faced by Black travelers on the Mother Road.

Revitalizing a Business Hub: South Town

1110 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703

In the 1940s and ’50s, South Town was a bustling commercial district just east of Route 66, drawing travelers and locals alike. With the South Town Theater for movies, Madison’s for furniture shopping, and South Town Grill for a bite to eat, it was a lively stop along the road. Today, the area thrives as a hub for innovative entrepreneurs, keeping the spirit of South Town alive and kicking.

Cozy Dog Drive In

2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703

Treat yourself to a Cozy Dog, the original deep-fried hot dog on a stick! First known as the “GI Hot Dog” in 1946, Ed Waldmire launched the tasty tradition with three stands at the Illinois State Fair to honor WWII soldiers. Now, three generations of the Waldmire family continue serving up their iconic dogs to road trippers and locals alike!

Fun Along the Road: Knight’s Action Park

1700 Knights Recreation Dr, Springfield, IL 62711

Knight’s Action Park has been a staple of Springfield since 1930, beginning as a driving range on the Route 66 Bypass. George Knight, Sr., a golf enthusiast, opened Knight’s Golf Range to cater to travelers, and over the years, the family expanded into a full-fledged recreation center. In 1976, the park moved to its current location on Old Chatham Road, a former segment of Route 66. Renamed Knight’s Action Park in 1980, it now boasts a mini golf course, go karts, and a waterpark, making it the largest regional attraction in downstate Illinois. Despite the decline of drive-in theaters, Doug Knight revived the tradition by reopening the Route 66 Drive-In in 2002, keeping the family’s legacy alive.

Preserving Route 66 Heritage: Route 66 Motorheads

600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62711

Motorheads, a true gem on Route 66 in the capital city, celebrates the cars and racing culture that defined the Mother Road. Once a Stuckey’s gas station, this unique stop has transformed into a haven of vintage signs, classic vehicles, and Route 66 memorabilia. Towering over it all is the 30-foot-tall “Big Ron” giant, proudly holding the World’s Largest Outdoor Route 66 Shield, standing 70 feet high! It’s a must-see stop for any road tripper cruising through.

Sangamo Brewing

109 E Mulberry St, Chatham, IL 62629

Sangamo Brewing offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its collection of antique signs, bottles, and other “breweriana” from historic breweries in Springfield and downstate Illinois. The brewery’s name and logo pay homage to the 1912 Sangamo beer label from Springfield’s iconic Reisch Brewing Company, capturing a piece of local brewing history with every sip.

City of Auburn Community Center

153 N 5th St, Auburn, IL 62615

Founded in 1835 along the Alton & Sangamon Railroad, Auburn still holds the small-town charm that welcomed Route 66 travelers from 1924-1930. The town’s iconic double-decker bandstand, originally built in 1905, was rebuilt in 2001 to preserve its heritage. While you’re in Auburn, don’t miss the chance to visit the original brick stretch of Route 66 at Snell and Curran Roads—a true piece of Mother Road history!

Route 66 Coal Towns: The Battle of Virden

107 E Jackson St, Virden, IL 62690

In the late 1890s, tensions between coal miners and companies reached a peak, culminating in the infamous Battle of Virden. On October 12, 1898, eight miners, four company guards, and one bystander were killed, with over 35 wounded in the violence. The conflict began when the Chicago-Virden Coal Company refused to honor a union contract agreed upon by other mine owners, locking out local miners. To break the strike, the company hired guards and recruited African-American workers from Alabama, hoping to exploit their desire for better opportunities. Armed miners from surrounding towns clashed with the train carrying the Alabama workers, and the company’s guards opened fire, leading to twenty minutes of bloodshed. Illinois Governor John Riley Tanner, siding with the union, sent troops to disarm the guards and restore order. Shortly after, the coal company conceded, paying workers the union rate, marking a significant victory in labor rights history.

Circling the Square: Route 66 in Carlinville

Public Square, Carlinville, IL 62626

In the early days of Route 66, the iconic highway circled the Carlinville Square, connecting travelers from Chicago to Los Angeles. Before Route 66’s opening in 1926, Carlinville was already a key stop along Illinois State Route 4, and local businesses like the Ariston Restaurant thrived with the influx of road-weary travelers. However, when Route 66 was rerouted east of town in 1930, many businesses had to decide whether to stay or move. The Ariston chose to relocate to Litchfield, where it still serves visitors today. Carlinville’s rich history includes the Macoupin County courthouse, once located on the square, where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The grand “million dollar courthouse” built in 1869 still stands as a lasting testament to the town’s legacy.

Fine Dining on Route 66: The Ariston Café

413 Old Rte 66 N, Litchfield, IL 62056

The Ariston Café, opened by Pete Adam in 1924, is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on Route 66, with its name, “Arito,” meaning “best or finest” in Greek. Originally located in Carlinville, the café moved to Litchfield when Route 66 was rerouted through Illinois. Now, three generations of the Adam family continue to serve fine dining to travelers. Over the years, the café has hosted famous diners like Vice Presidents Henry Wallace and Hubert Humphrey, as well as Big Band leader Tommy Dorsey. In 1938, the “first booth on the left” became the site of a proposal when delivery man Jesse Anderson asked waitress Mattie Stogsdill Anderson to marry him. The café moved to its current location in 1935 after initially being located across the street.

Historic Route 66 in Illinois

1107 Historic Old Rte 66, Staunton, IL 62088

歡迎 Bienvenue Willkommen Welcome Benvenuti Bienvenidos いらっしゃいませ

You are traveling on one of the most famous roads in the world. On September 25, 2005, Illinois Route 66 was designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Enjoy the journey from the Windy City to the Chain of Rocks. The International Route 66/Historic Route 66 Illinois Wayside Exhibit at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch welcomes visitors from around the world.

Trucking Down 66: Cassens Transport and Hamel

11 S Old Rte 66, Hamel, IL 62046

Cassens Transport, founded in Hamel, Illinois, in 1931, started with the Cassens family hauling four cars from Detroit to their dealership. By 1941, the company had grown to a fleet of 35 car transporters, becoming a key player in the Route 66 trucking industry. In 1937, George Cassens opened the Tourist Haven Restaurant next to the terminal, serving Route 66 travelers and drivers. Managed by his wife Louise, the restaurant remains a classic Route 66 stop, preserving its rich history inside.

Endless Nights: The Sky View Drive-In

5700 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226

The Sky View Drive-In, opened in 1950, remains the last original Route 66 drive-in theater in Illinois. In an era when most families didn’t even own a black-and-white TV, this outdoor movie experience became a beloved pastime. Families, friends, and couples gathered under the stars to watch films, often staying out late—an unusual activity for the farming community of Litchfield. The privacy of cars made the drive-in ideal for romantic dates, while kids played in the playground or fell asleep in the backseat. During intermission, dancing hotdogs on the screen enticed viewers to visit the concession stand, adding to the charm of the evening.

Map of the Route 66 Wayside Exhibits in Illinois

Don’t want to miss a thing on your Route 66 road trip? Explore the history of the Mother Road with our Map of Route 66 Wayside Exhibits and Experience Hubs in Illinois. Each kiosk marks a stop rich in stories, bringing the road’s past to life.