Illinois

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  • The Ultimate Curveball: The Fascinating History of the Chain of Rocks Bridge

    Spanning the mighty Mississippi River, The Chain of Rocks Bridge connects St. Louis, Missouri with Madison, Illinois. Construction was completed in 1929 and immediately drew attention because of its unique engineering. Originally the bridge was planned as a straight, 40 foot wide road, across the river, but that was soon to change. Once construction started, […] More

  • Gemini Giant: Route 66’s Space-Age Icon to Launch to a New Home

    Nestled in the small town of Wilmington, Illinois, the Gemini Giant has stood as a towering testament to America’s mid-century captivation by space travel and the open road. Until now, that is. This 28-foot-tall fiberglass colossus has been a quirky landmark on Route 66 since the 1960s. The Gemini Giant not only captures the spirit […] More

  • It’s ‘Catsup’, Not Ketchup! World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Is In Illinois

    Before “ketchup” dominated American markets by the mid-20th century, the alternative spelling “catsup” was used by brands like Brooks Catsup. That’s why if you travel 2 miles off Route 66 to Collinsville, Illinois, you’ll find The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle. Standing over 170 feet tall, you may ask yourself, “is it really full of ketchup?” […] More

  • Rockin’ Down the DBH: The Polk-A-Dot Drive-In

    Head on down to Braidwood, Illinois to find the iconic Polk-A-Dot Drive-In on 66. Since the beginning, this roadside cafe has been like a shrine to mid 20th-century music and culture.  Here’s how it got started: 1956 was a flourishing time for many businesses along the Mother Road. President Eisenhower approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act […] More

  • Seat of Power: The Rocking Chair Rivalry

    Until 2015, the Fanning 66 Outpost held the record for the largest rocking chair in the world. Standing at an impressive 42 feet tall, this iconic structure weighs in at 27,500 pounds. Built out of steel and wool, this is not your average grandma’s rocking chair. However, another rocking chair took the world record when […] More

  • Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Travel Different Sections of Route 66

    Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Travel Different Sections of Route 66 Route 66, the iconic American highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, offers diverse experiences across its nearly 2,500-mile length. This guide will help you plan the best times to travel different sections of the Mother Road based on weather, events, and attractions. 1. […] More

  • This Is the Quintessential Route 66 Drive-in Theater

    A romantic night under the stars? Located in Springfield, Illinois, the Route 66 Drive-In Theater is a nostalgic gem that harkens back to the golden age of American cinema and road travel. This iconic venue offers moviegoers a unique experience that blends the magic of the silver screen with the allure of the open road. […] More

  • Lou Mitchell’s: “The First Stop on the Mother Road”

    A hearty breakfast, a friendly wait staff, and a hundred years of history are what earns Lou Mitchell’s its title as 66’s first stop. Oh and did we mention the donut holes? Since 1923 Lou Mitchell’s has been serving breakfast and lunch to everyone and anyone in the Chicago area. It’s location at 565 W. […] More

  • See the Route 66 Hall of Fame – Pontiac Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum

    Step back in time at the Pontiac Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Tucked away in Pontiac, Illinois, the Museum stands as a vibrant tribute to the golden age of American road travel. The building that once housed the fire department and the City Hall for Pontiac, now stands as an heirloom museum. Feast […] More
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