Get everything you could ever want from an all-American road trip on Route 66
By Joshua Haigh
Sponsored
We’ve all dreamed about taking a road trip, and nothing is more synonymous with driving down a highway than The Mother Road, Route 66.
The iconic road, which spans across North America, was one of the original highways and originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, and goes all the way to California.
It’s that classic American road trip experience that we’ve all yearned for at one point or another, there’s no better place to start exploring than Chicago.
If you’re visiting during the height of summer, what better way to experience the legendary journey than while feeling the wind in your hair in an open-top convertible. Or if you want to be cheeky and lengthen your trip, you’ve got the option of going one-way and then jetting back to the city.
But, even if you don’t have the time to take it all in, fear not, because many of the route’s famous landmarks lie deep in the heart of Illinois.
Whether it’s taking in the breathtaking views of the city from the Skydeck at Willis Tower – the perfect place for a romantic proposal – or at Grant Park, Chicago’s beauty needs to be seen to be believed.
You can also immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the lakeside at Navy Pier, visit the iconic Cloudgate sculpture in the stunning Millennium Park, which has an array of other exhibits for emerging artists, or check out the city’s vast selection of live music events, which include Lollapalooza, Grant Park Music Festival, Pitchfork and Northalsted Market Days.
Chicago’s famous culinary scene is also jam-packed full of award-winning restaurants and upmarket eateries – so whatever you decide to do first, the city really is the perfect beginning to your trip.
A 30ft tall statue of an astronaut, named The Gemini Giant, can be found in Wilmington. Named after the space program back in the sixties, it’s not something you see everyday, and it’s the perfect place for a cheeky selfie.
For a slice of classic American architecture there’s Ambler’s Gas Station in Dwight, which was the longest running gas station along Route 66. While it’s now inactive, it’s been restored to its former glory in recent years. The Frank Lloyd Wright designed national bank building is conveniently just around the corner too, so make sure to not miss out on that either.
If you’re short on time but want to learn more about the legendary route, then The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac is the place to visit. You’ll be able to glance at iconic images of the road’s rich history, and listen to incredible stories about what life was like back when the route was in its heyday.
The kitschy vibe continues with the Giant Paul Bunyan Statue in Atlanta – where else in the world can you find a 19ft-high man holding onto a hot dog?
There’s also the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, Lincoln, which has a 24ft tall Abe Lincoln sat on what stands as the largest covered wagon in the world, according to Guinness World Records. After a brief stop there, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to head into Illinois’ capital Springfield and check out some of the historic sights.
If seeing Abe has inspired you, then make sure to pay a visit to the former president’s tomb, before stopping by at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and The Old State Capitol for a fascinating slice of American history.
Then take a trip even further into the past with some classic memorabilia on show at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. Whether it’s rich trucking history or actual real-life bunny rabbits, this quirky little tourist attraction offers a truly unique experience for both the young and old.
But all that driving is bound to make you a little bit peckish, and we wouldn’t blame you. But don’t worry, Route 66 has you covered. If you want the classic all-American roadside diner experience, then you’ll have no trouble finding an authentic dining experience to keep your hunger pangs at bay.
Lou Mitchells is great for fuelling up with a big hearty breakfast that gives our U.K. fry up a serious run for its money, and there’s the Cozy Dog, for the famous “corn dog on a stick”. Or if you’re more in the mood for grill, then Dell Rea’s fried chicken is legendary in Illinois.
With numerous non-stop flights between London and Chicago from London’s biggest airports, it’s never been easier to escape the UK for a few days or weeks. Plan your trip at www.enjoyillinois.co.uk and join in the celebration on social media with “amaizingILmoments.