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 Centennial & the Route 66 Experience

Click the Centennial logo to learn more about the upcoming Centennial and to purchase merchandise available only through the Byway and click the Experience logo to learn more about the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience!

Featured Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Member

Chicago, IL

Located on Jackson Boulevard since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s offers great food and quality baking while continuing the unique tradition of giving every female customer a free box of Milk Duds; everyone gets a donut hole.

Learn More...

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant & Bakery
565 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111

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Events on Illinois Route 66

2024 Holiday Open Studio at David Schwartz Photography

David Schwartz Photography 17010 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH, United States

Photographer David Schwartz is excited to invite you to the 2024 Holiday Open Studio! This special 11th annual event showcases over 150 photographs David captured on Route 66 during his…

2024 Christmas in Carlinville

Downtown Carlinville 112 N. Side Square, Carlinville, IL, United States

For more than thirty years, the first weekend of December in Carlinville has been a destination for holiday shoppers and festival enthusiasts in search of small-town holiday magic. This year,…

Virden Country Christmas

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

Two days of fun--including a beautiful lighted Christmas parade on Friday evening at 7 PM. This year's theme is "Read Me a Christmas Story". There will be hidden painted rocks,…

Free

Christmas Under the Dome – McLean County Museum of History

McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin' with Lincoln 66 Visitors Center 200 N. Main Street, Bloomington, IL, United States

Join the Museum on Friday AND Saturday for free, festive fun during Christmas Under the Dome! Friday, December 6, we'll be open to all from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. for the Downtown Bloomington…

Elkhart Hosting Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Downtown Elkhart 103-104 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart, IL, United States

Elkhart, IL – The Village of Elkhart and the Elkhart Community invite residents and visitors to join the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Veterans'…