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

SEARCH OR NAVIGATE ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 HERE

Countdown to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Centennial Celebration - STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas

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

Garden Gate Tea Room
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Garden Gate Tea Room

Granite City, IL

Step inside the Garden Gate, a quaint and cozy lunch spot where good food and great conversations bloom. Enjoy homemade favorites, soups, salads, quiche, signature chicken salads, sweet treats. A charming place to gather with friends. Perfect for intimate private events.

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Garden Gate Tea Room
1410 Niedringhaus Ave
Granite City, IL 62040-3137
(618) 501-1011

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Events on Illinois Route 66

Events

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  • Route 66 Submerged

    Route 66 Submerged: A Sunken Road. A Story Resurfaced.

    Lake Springfield Marina 17 Waters Edge Blvd, Springfield, IL, United States

    Step aboard Route 66 SUBMERGED, a 45-minute interpretive boat tour on Lake Springfield that reveals a hidden chapter of America’s most iconic highway. Beneath the surface lies a stretch of…

  • Illinois State Fair

    2026 Illinois State Fair – Miles of Smiles

    Illinois State Fairgrounds 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL, United States

    The Illinois State Fair returns for 2026, August 13 - 23, with an all star concert lineup and with the theme of "Miles of Smiles". Grandstand Events (Gates open 1 hour prior to the show) - The 2026 Illinois State Fair features a diverse lineup of evening performances, with tickets available for purchase: Aug 14:…

  • Downtown Pontiac Cruise Nights

    Recurring
    Downtown Pontiac 115 W. Howard, Pontiac, IL, United States

    Get ready for another unforgettable season of Downtown Pontiac Cruise Nights 2026! Join us as we celebrate the Route 66 & Pontiac Car Centennial with a full lineup of special…

    Free
  • Sprague's Super Service

    Route 66 Centennial Parking Lot Party

    Sprague's Super Service 305 Pine Street, Normal, IL, United States

    You are invited to Ryburn Place at Sprague's Super Service, 305 Pine Street in Normal. Join us 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 for a Route 66 Centennial Parking Lot…

  • Main Street Mingle in Virden

    2026 Main Street Mingle in Virden

    Virden on the Square 175 E Jackson, Virden, IL, United States

    Main Street Mingle season is officially ready for vendor sign-ups — and trust us, this year is going to be BIG. With themed events, our Renaissance edition, and the massive Route 66 Centennial Celebration closing out the season, you’re going to want in on this one. Location: Old Route 66 – Virden Town Square 9…