Route 66 in Illinois

Route 66 in Illinois covers some of the most historically rich and well-preserved sections of the entire highway. The Mother Road begins in downtown Chicago at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue and runs southwest for nearly 300 miles through small towns, farmland, and the state capital of Springfield before crossing into Missouri. Along the way, travelers encounter classic roadside landmarks like Ambler’s Texaco Station in Dwight, the restored Standard Oil Station in Odell, and Sprague’s Super Service Station in Normal. The Illinois stretch of Route 66 is widely regarded as one of the most driveable segments of the historic highway, with well-marked alignments, active preservation communities, and no shortage of diners, drive-ins, and roadside curiosities. This section covers everything you need to know about driving Route 66 through the Land of Lincoln.