Welcome to Burr Ridge, Illinois
Burr Ridge is a quiet, affluent suburb in DuPage County that sits along one of the more under-appreciated stretches of the Illinois Route 66 corridor. Unlike the well-signed and frequently visited sections further south and west, the Route 66 alignment through the Burr Ridge area requires a bit of navigation — and rewards travelers who make the effort with one of the most authentic old-road experiences available in the northern Illinois corridor. The original highway here, now serving as a two-way frontage road running north of Interstate 55, retains the feel and pace of the pre-freeway era.
Where Is Burr Ridge, Illinois?
Burr Ridge is located in DuPage County in northeastern Illinois, approximately 18 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It borders Willowbrook to the north, Darien to the west, and Hodgkins to the east. Interstate 55 runs through the area along what was once the Route 66 corridor, and the original highway alignment is preserved as a two-way frontage road running parallel to the north side of the interstate between Lemont Road and County Line Road.
The History of Burr Ridge and Route 66
Burr Ridge as an incorporated community is relatively young — it was not in existence in 1926 when Route 66 was established. The area was then part of a large rural farmland collectively known as Lyonsville. The highway passed through open countryside and farmland, a very different landscape from the dense suburban corridor that exists today. After World War II, suburban development swept through the region, and communities like Burr Ridge gradually emerged from what had been agricultural land along the old highway.
When Interstate 55 was constructed, it largely followed and absorbed the Route 66 corridor in this area. The section of the original highway that survives as the north frontage road preserves the old alignment and offers a genuine connection to the road as it was before the interstate era. The Burr Ridge area was once home to International Harvester experimental fields — giving the area its former name, Harvester, Illinois — a reminder of the agricultural and industrial character that defined this part of Illinois before suburbanization.
Route 66 Through Burr Ridge
The most authentic Route 66 experience in the Burr Ridge area is driving the north frontage road that parallels I-55 between Lemont Road and County Line Road. Though inconsistently signed as Historic US 66, this two-way road preserves the original alignment and passes several sites of quiet historic interest, including the former site of the International Harvester experimental fields. Travelers who make the effort to find and follow this frontage road will be rewarded with a genuine sense of the old highway and its relationship to the Illinois landscape.
What to See and Do in Burr Ridge
Route 66 Playground at Harvester Park
One of Burr Ridge’s most family-friendly Route 66 attractions is the Route 66 Playground at Harvester Park. This colorful, themed playground celebrates roadside attractions and landmarks from all eight Route 66 states, turning a roadside break into a playful educational experience. The park is an excellent stop for families traveling the route with children, offering a creative and interactive introduction to the Mother Road’s geography and culture.
The Original Route 66 Frontage Road
Driving the preserved section of original Route 66 as the north frontage road along I-55 is the defining experience for Route 66 enthusiasts in the Burr Ridge area. The two-lane road allows travelers to experience the pace and character of pre-interstate travel, cutting through a landscape that has changed significantly but still offers moments of recognition for those who know what they are looking for. The nearby Cass Cemetery and the former site of the Martin B. Madden mansion — now a Carmelite priory — are additional points of historical interest along the alignment in neighboring Darien.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket — Willowbrook
Just east of Burr Ridge in neighboring Willowbrook, Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is one of the most celebrated surviving Route 66 restaurants in Illinois. This beloved roadside institution has been serving travelers since the 1940s and remains a functioning restaurant and Route 66 landmark. While technically in Willowbrook rather than Burr Ridge, it is so close to the Burr Ridge corridor that no Route 66 traveler passing through should miss it.
Climate and Weather in Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge has a humid continental climate with warm summers reaching the mid-to-upper 80s°F and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are pleasant for exploring the Route 66 frontage road. The suburban character of the area means the driving experience is comfortable year-round, though peak summer foliage adds pleasant greenery to the corridor.
Tips for Visiting Burr Ridge, Illinois
- Use mapping tools to identify the north frontage road running parallel to I-55 — this is the original Route 66 alignment and the most authentic driving experience in the area.
- Allow extra time to navigate the swings north around the I-55 interchanges between Lemont Road and County Line Road; the original alignment is slightly difficult to follow but navigable.
- Stop at the Route 66 Playground at Harvester Park if traveling with children — it is a creative and well-done tribute to the full eight-state route.
- Combine the Burr Ridge corridor with a stop at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in neighboring Willowbrook for one of the best Route 66 dining experiences in the Chicago suburbs.
- Continue south to Joliet for the full northern Illinois Route 66 experience. [INTERNAL LINK NOTE: Link “Joliet” to your existing Joliet page at route66travelinfo.com/joliet-illinois-a-route-66-destination-rich-in-history-and-culture/]
Final Thoughts on Burr Ridge, Illinois
Burr Ridge is a Route 66 stop for the curious and the committed — travelers who want the full story of the highway, not just its most photographed icons. The preserved frontage road, the family-friendly playground, and the proximity to Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket make the Burr Ridge corridor a rewarding detour that connects the suburban present to the rural past of one of America’s greatest roads.
Nearby Route 66 Highlights
- Willowbrook, Illinois — Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, a celebrated Route 66 roadside institution
- Joliet, Illinois — Old Joliet Prison, Rialto Square Theatre, and the Route 66 Welcome Center
- Elwood, Illinois — Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and WWII arsenal history [INTERNAL LINK NOTE: Link “Elwood” to the Elwood post once published]
