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 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

Chatham, IL

The Apple Barn in Chatham features seasonal flowers and perennials, frost-free ceramic pots, garden supplies, fruits and vegetables, apples, pumpkins, gourds, mums, hay bales, corn stalks, Christmas trees, candy, wreaths and roping. We also carry fresh cider, local honey, jams, jellies, apple butter and sugar-free varieties. Our bakery items including homemade pies, fudge, cookies, bars and our famous cider donuts. We also offer many gluten-free bakery items including pies, cookies, brownies as well as Keto baked goods and pizza crusts. Open year-round!

Read More...

The Apple Barn
2290 East Walnut
Chatham, IL 62629
217-483-6236

Visit Our Website

Events on Illinois Route 66

  • Bloomington Bison Hockey – Agriculture/Route 66 Night

    Grossinger Motors Arena 101 S. Madison Street, Bloomington, IL, United States

    Celebrate local history of Central Illinois with the Route 66/Agriculture Night! The Bison will don specialty jerseys that pay homage to the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the business…

  • MICA Event: The Centennial Celebration of Route 66

    Horace Mann Companies 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL, United States

    Sign up now for Mid-Illinois Communications Association's January program, a presentation by Casey Claypool, Executive Director at the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. She will discuss the 100th anniversary of…

  • Bolingbrook Arbor Day and Celebration of Trees

    Bolingbrook Town Center 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    Our annual Arbor Day and Celebration of Trees event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, 2026 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Village of Bolingbrook Village Hall, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL …

  • 2026 Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

    Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL, United States

    This two-day festival, May 2nd & 3rd, 2026, is all about family fun on the most famous two-lane highway in America - Route 66. Sponsored by the fifteen communities which…