WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD BEGINS

Since 1926

Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation’s history – and it lives on today in Illinois' many Route 66 roadside attractions, museums, and restaurants – it's the shining ribbon of blacktop we call 'The Mother Road'.

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

Learn more about the Upcoming Byway Centennial Celebration & the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the State Fairgrounds

Featured Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Member

Chicago, IL

Founded in 1971, Landmarks Illinois is the state’s leading voice for historic preservation. As a membership-based nonprofit organization, they promote preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of buildings and sites of many types in order to leverage our past to create a better future. Landmarks Illinois is pleased to announce it has acquired Illinois Main Street (IMS), a robust community development network focused on commercial corridors, downtown districts and small business economic development, from its partners at Main Street America.

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Landmarks Illinois
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4400
Chicago, IL, 60606
(312) 922-1742

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Events on Illinois Route 66

  • Geocoinfest 2026 in Romeoville

    Romeoville, IL , United States +1 more

    Geocoinfest is a FREE four-day event that celebrates geocaching and trackables. Meet other geocachers from all over the United States and the world, trade or purchase trackables, play in the geocoin poker challenge or learn about minting your own geocoin, trackable.

    Free
  • Motorheads Octoberfest

    Route 66 Motorheads Bar-Grill-Museum 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL, United States

    Get ready for a full day of German food, cold beer, and live music this Saturday, October 17th, from 3–11 PM! ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT AUTHENTIC GERMAN CUISINE BUFFET! Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional German favorites from 3–7 PM! Come hungry! AUTHENTIC GERMAN BEERS! Plus, our Beer Garden will feature a beer trailer loaded with a huge…

  • Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards

    Art Institute 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

    Since 1994, the Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards has honored individuals, organizations, projects and programs whose work demonstrate a commitment to historic preservation. A generous grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation enables Landmarks Illinois to present awards annually in various categories. The awards ceremony is held each fall. Join us November…

  • A Night of Poe at Inn at 835

    Inn at 835 835 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL, United States

    A Night of Poe is a hauntingly immersive evening where Edgar Allan Poe's most famous tales come alive through immersive theater, live music, theatrical storytelling, and expertly crafted cocktails. Over…

  • Illinois Route 66 Scenic Centennial Celebration & Concert

    Route 66 Motorheads Bar-Grill-Museum 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL, United States

    STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas to Headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration in Springfield  Legendary rock band STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas will headline The Route 66 Centennial Celebration on November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois.  As part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Route 66 Centennial Celebration, the day will…