Driving Route 66 Through Illinois

Route 66 starts in Chicago and crosses 300 miles of Illinois before reaching Missouri. Here's how to experience it.

The Route

Starting Point: Chicago

Begin at Adams & Michigan (official start). The first miles follow city streets before hitting suburban areas.

Ending Point: Chain of Rocks Bridge

Cross into Missouri on this historic pedestrian-only bridge near Granite City.

Total Distance: ~300 miles

Driving time: 5-6 hours without stops (but stop!)

Must-See Stops

Joliet

Miles from Chicago: 40

• Joliet Area Historical Museum (Route 66 exhibit)

• Rialto Square Theatre

• Rich & Creamy ice cream (classic stand)

Wilmington

Miles from Chicago: 60

• Gemini Giant (iconic fiberglass statue)

• Launching Pad Drive-In

Pontiac

Miles from Chicago: 100

• Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

• Murals throughout downtown

• Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum

Bloomington-Normal

Miles from Chicago: 130

• Sprague's Super Service Station

• Ryburn Place (historic gas station)

Atlanta

Miles from Chicago: 165

• Tall Paul (giant Paul Bunyan statue)

• The Palms Grill Café

• Grain elevator murals

Lincoln

Miles from Chicago: 175

• Mill Restaurant

• Lincoln Heritage Museum

• The first city named for Abraham Lincoln

Springfield

Miles from Chicago: 200

• Cozy Dog Drive In (corn dog origin!)

• Route 66 Drive-In Theatre

• Shea's Gas Station Museum

• Plus all Lincoln sites

Litchfield

Miles from Chicago: 250

• Ariston Café (oldest restaurant on Route 66)

• Sky View Drive-In

Collinsville

Miles from Chicago: 280

• World's Largest Catsup Bottle

Chain of Rocks Bridge

Miles from Chicago: 300

Walk across the old Route 66 alignment over the Mississippi.

Planning Tips

Time Needed

• Speed run: 1 long day

• Proper experience: 2-3 days

• Complete exploration: 4-5 days

Best Time to Go

• Spring and fall for comfortable weather

• Summer for drive-ins and outdoor attractions

• Avoid winter (some attractions close)

Navigation

• Route 66 isn't on GPS—use a dedicated guide or app

• Historic route diverges from modern I-55 frequently

• Watch for brown "Historic Route 66" signs

Where to Stay

• Pontiac has charming downtown hotels

• Springfield has full range of options

• Route 66 motels for authentic experience

Food Highlights

Historic diners and drive-ins remain:

• Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield) - Original corn dog

• Ariston Café (Litchfield) - Since 1924

• The Palms Grill (Atlanta) - Classic diner

• Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket (Willowbrook)

• Luna Café (Granite City)

What Makes Illinois Route 66 Special

• It's where the road begins

• Longest segment through any state

• Best preserved of original route

• Deep Lincoln connections throughout