Route 66, the legendary "Main Street of America," stretching 2,400 miles / 3,800 kilometers from Chicago to Los Angeles. Having lived in the Netherlands for most of our lives, the words and stories around Route 66 always captured our imagination. You could say that Route 66 was the essence of the American Road Rrip. Of course, the US Travel Dad had to drive it with his family.
And there we were, driving through Illinois and seeing the 'Route 66' signs along the highway. Time to play 'Get Your Kicks' on the car stereo, and Pixar's 'Cars' on the screen in the back of the car for the kids. We did not drive the whole route in one go by the way, but rather made the different segments part of our larger road trips. This time we were on our way to Nashville, making the most out of the - otherwise pretty boring - trip through Illinois.
Tour Route 66: The Mother Road
Route 66's storied history began in 1926 when it was officially designated as a highway, the first one connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. Between 1930 - 1940, it was the escape road for over 200,000 people who suffered from financial hardship during the Dust Bowl, a severe drought in the Great Plains of America. During WW2, Route 66 was the main road for transporting military supplies and personal to bases in the West.
After that, the road turned into a family holiday route as the automobile became a main pillar under American lifestyle. Roadtripping Route 66 was about freedom, individualism, prosperity. In its prime, Route 66 was lined with quirky motels, neon-lit diners, iconic roadside attractions, and service stations.
However, the construction of the interstate highway system between 1955 and end of the 1980's led to Route 66's gradual decline. Many sections of the historic route were bypassed, and businesses along the highway saw their fortunes fade. In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned.
1. Chicago: Get Your Kicks
Route 66 kicks off in the great city of Chicago, on the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue to be precise, marked by the iconic "Begin Route 66" sign. This is the spot of course for a family picture, knowing that eventually we would make one again in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.
Before you head out onto the road, make sure to plan a few days in Chicago itself. The 360 Observation Deck on the Hancock Tower - where you can challenge your kids to try the TILT, fun on the Navy Pier, check out Cloud Gate in Millennial Park, see lions in Lincoln Park Zoo, and of course take a ride in the ‘L’, the famous eLevated subway system of the city.
2. Dwight: Ambler's Texaco Station
After Chicago, we really started the Illinois Route 66 road trip. We headed to the highway and traveled south/west for 1.5 hours to arrive in the village of Dwight. Look on the map, and you see exactly the reason for the demise of Route 66 and its little towns that were thriving from its travelers. Interstate 55 bypasses Dwight completely, making a little loop around the village. Once the 55 was built, drivers did not stop anymore, they probably never knew they were even passing Dwight and it’s 5,000 inhabitants. Dwight has a beautifully preserved piece of Route 66 history: Ambler's Texaco Station, a testament to a bygone era. The 1930s gas station was named after its longtime owner ‘Tubby’ Ambler. With its cottage style looks, and green and white tiles, it felt homey to the travelers.
It remained operational until the 1990’s, which makes it one of the longest operational stations on the Mother Road. It is a great spot to stretch the legs and enjoy a family lunch In the nearby ‘Old Route 66 Family Restaurant’.
3. Atlanta: Tall Paul, the Muffler Man
Another hour south/west, just south of Bloomington on Route 66, we made the second stop. This time for Tall Paul! In the quirky town of Atlanta, ’Tall Paul’ the Muffler Man was waiting for us, 112 SW Arch St, Atlanta, IL, carrying a giant hot-dog.
The 19 feet statue was created for $1,500 in 1966, and served for almost 40 years as a signpost for Bunyon’s, a Route 66 fast food stop. Apparently it was a good investment, as the restaurant at it’s peak sold 300,000 hot-dogs a year to travelers on the Mother Road.
There are still 3 Muffler Men in Illinois. Next to Tall Paul, there is the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, and the Gigantic Tire Man in Springfield (the tire is gone, he now holds an American flag).
4. Mt. Olive: Soulsby Shell Gas Station
Another 1.5 hours south/west and we arrived in Mount Olive. Again, the typical story; a small 3,000 people village that was originally part of Route 66, but now completely bypassed by a loop in the Interstate. Here is a must-see stop, one of the best preserved old gas stations; the Soulsby Shell Gas Station, 710 W First South St, Mount Olive, IL. A step back in time for us, complete with vintage gas pumps and signage. Our son found a super cool old Coca Cola machine inside (the door is open).
The Soulsby station was built by Henry Soulsby who had to leave the mining industry after an injury in 1926. He built it by himself and has operated it together with his children until 1991. When the Interstate took away most of the Route 66 traffic, the also repaired cars and televisions from this station.
5. Springfield: Lincoln's Hometown
50 minutes later, we arrived in Springfield, the State Capitol of Illinois. This was our stop for the night. There are several Route 66 spots in this city, and America's Main Street crossed straight through the center. While you are here, I would recommend to take the focus off of the route for a moment, and visit the Abraham Lincoln Home, a National Historic Site. Given the pivotal role Lincoln played in American History, this is a must-see for you and a great way for children to experience how the former president lived, back in the early 1800s.
Tour the preserved home of the 16th President. Stroll through the neighborhood where he lived before becoming America's leader, and explore the visitor center to learn more about Lincoln's remarkable life.
From here, we made a sharp turn East, and moved on to Nashville. We would revisit the second section of Route 66 as part of another roadtrip. More to come on that.
Tips to Drive Route 66 in Illinois
1. Take Your Time
The frequent stops, and some stretches of the Old Route 66 wil take much more time than going in a straight line over the interstate. Make sure you plan for the time needed to get in laid-back mode, and take it all in.
2. Time planning
Next to taking your time, for some stops it is also good to plan your time. The Lincoln Home in Springfield for example closes at 5pm, right at the moment we arrived after starting the day in Chicago.
3. Picnic Fun:
There are many nostalgic and quaint little towns and gems that are worth a stop along the route. Combine it with a family picnics, and a little stroll, instead of getting straight back into the car.
Useful Links:
Doing the TILT in Chicago before you start the trip
A planner specifically for Route 66 Illinois
