Things to do on Route 66

Family maple sirup business on historic Route 66.

Nature center with educational programs and trails.

Route 66 icon and historic roadside location.

Historic Route 66 location in McLean.

Local museum showcasing town and Route 66 heritage.

Historic Route 66 location in Atlanta, IL.

Local sweets and snacks shop on Route 66.

Outdoor murals and mini park celebrating Route 66.

Visitor bureau in historic Lincoln, IL, Route 66 town.

Historic civic building along Illinois’ Route 66 corridor.

Visitor hub with exhibits, guides, and gift shop.

Historic abandoned motel site.

Historic cemetery near the Route 66 corridor.

Local dining spot in a small Route 66 town.

Eclectic café and boutique on Route 66.

Outdoor murals with local and Route 66 themes.

Route 66-era lodging option.

Main info hub for visitors near historic downtown attractions.

Historic eatery serving upscale American fare since the 1880s.

Historic Route 66 ice cream stop in Wilmington.

Tire shop with retro Sinclair Dino statue — quirky Route 66 photo-op.

Small-town garage with vintage vibes and service station throwback feel.

Local gift shop with Route 66 memorabilia, souvenirs, and charm.

Restored streetcar converted into a nostalgic diner on Route 66.

Memorial site honoring the historic Riviera Roadhouse.

Architecturally significant building from the late 1800s still serving customers today.

Local diner serving family meals with Route 66 décor.

Log cabin–style diner known for rustic charm and hearty meals.

Classic roadside motel along Route 66 offering simple accommodations.

Historic pedestrian footbridge offering scenic views.

Government building in historic area, part of Route 66 heritage.

Historic Pontiac police station with Route 66 connections.

Historic marquee theater and one of Chicago’s signature icons.

Expansive downtown park with gardens, winding paths, play spaces and skyline views.

Scenic urban river promenade lined with views, dining and activity.

Iconic skyscraper offering dramatic skyline and lake views.

Classic downtown beach framed by high-rises, lakefront paths and some of Chicago’s best skyline views.

Adaptive reuse concert venue with industrial character and river views.

Historic free zoo set within scenic Lincoln Park.

Historic Uptown theater known for concerts and glowing marquee.

Iconic neon-topped drive-in serving legendary Chicago dogs.

Legendary hot dog stand famous for Depression dogs and fries.

Mini-park with benches, statues, and signs celebrating Route 66 history.

Historic site of one of the earliest Dairy Queens.

Gas station and food stop with Route 66 branding.

Czech-American eatery with hearty dishes and an old-world lounge.

Restaurant and petting zoo serving fried chicken with Americana décor.

Retro-style ice cream stand near Route 66 Park.

Navy Pier tribute marking Route 66’s beginning with themed signage, souvenirs and a symbolic Pier-to-Pier connection.

Lakefront museum campus with three world-class cultural attractions.

Iconic Chicago beach known for skyline views, volleyball, lakefront energy and people watching.

Colorful Route 66-themed mural beside beloved hot dog stand.

Surviving post-fire landmark anchoring the Magnificent Mile.

Historic lakefront planetarium offering astronomy exhibits and some of Chicago’s best skyline views.

Shuttered Route 66-era motel, now in ruins.

Farm-to-fork restaurant featuring local meats.

Local bar and nightlife spot.

Botanical garden featuring diverse native California plant species.

Once a bustling resort on Route 66, now closed and overgrown.

Convenient RV park near Cadillac Ranch.