Greetings from Illinois Postcard. Available at Legends’ General Store.
For the most part, Illinois Route 66 glides evenly and easily through the State in a diagonal direction between Chicago and St. Louis. Generally, it follows I-55, but several alignments zig-zag over, under, and parallel the interstate.
In the Land of Lincoln, the path begins near the shore of Lake Michigan. Connecting the Midwest with the golden state of California, the road from Chicago initially followed State Route 4 from Chicago to East St. Louis. This original gravel road was built before Route 66 even existed and was first called the Pontiac Trail in 1915.
Enjoy your journey through the Land of Lincoln.
The Castle Car Wash in Chicago washed its last car many years ago. By Kathy Weiser.
The old Route 66 Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois,
by Kathy Alexander.
Route 66 Postcard Color Book, available at Legends General Store.
Westbound on Route 66:
Chicago – The Route 66 Journey Begins
Chicago’s Flapper Ghost of the Roaring Twenties
Joliet – Route 66 in the Chicago Suburbs
Wilmington – Home of the Gemini Giant
Coal Mining Towns Along the Mother Road
Dwight – Not Just A Bump In The Road
Odell – Small Town Charm on Route 66
Pontiac – City of Swinging Bridges
Chenoa, Lexington & Towanda – More Small Town Charm on Route 66
Normal and Bloomington – Heart of Illinois
Funk’s Grove – Maple Sirup Country
McLean and Atlanta – Villages Along Route 66
Lincoln, Illinois – Abe’s Namesake Town
Lincoln’s Stomping Grounds on Route 66
Springfield – Home of Honest Abe
Ghosts of Historic Springfield
Pre-1930 Segment of Route 66 – Chatham to Staunton
Chatham – Small Town Charm in a Springfield Burb
Thayer – Working the Northern Mines
Girard – Still Keepin’ the Pace
Mt. Olive, Illinois – More Coal on Route 66
Staunton and Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
Farm Country of Southern Illinois
Leaving the Land of Lincoln via Mitchell
Off the Path:
View our Illinois Route 66 Photo Gallery HERE
You’re At the Beginning!