Route 66: A Journey Through Time

The Mother Road, one of America's most iconic highways, is turning 100 in 2026. For travelers, this milestone is a perfect excuse to embark on a road trip along Route 66, exploring its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

The journey begins in Chicago, a city steeped in art, history, and culture. The Art Institute of Chicago is home to an impressive collection of American and European art, including works by famous artists like Edward Hopper and Georges Seurat.

As travelers leave the city behind, they enter the heart of Illinois, where small towns and cities reveal the history and spirit of Route 66. In Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the region's past, with exhibits on local history, the Lincoln Highway, and of course, Route 66.

Music lovers will enjoy the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum, which celebrates the state's influence on American music. From Chuck Berry to Styx, the museum showcases the contributions of Illinois musicians to the world of rock and roll.

History buffs will appreciate the Joliet Railroad Museum, which tells the story of railroads in the region. Housed in a preserved early 20th-century signal tower, the museum offers a unique perspective on transportation history.

No visit to Joliet is complete without a trip to the Old Joliet Prison, a limestone penitentiary that operated from the mid-19th century until 2002. This historic site has been featured in several films and TV shows, including 'The Blues Brothers' and 'Prison Break'.

Further west, in the village of Godley, lies the Illinois Route 66 Mining Museum. This small but fascinating museum tells the story of the area's coal mining past, including the tragic 1883 mining disaster that claimed 74 lives.

The town of Pontiac is home to some of the richest collections of Americana along Route 66. The Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum showcases an extensive collection of vintage cars, while the Museum of Gilding Arts highlights the craft of silver and gold leafing.

The International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum adds a splash of color and creativity to the experience, featuring the work of artists whose murals now animate Pontiac's downtown.

At the end of the first hundred miles, the Route 66 Association of Illinois Museum invites travelers to step into the soul of the Mother Road. With vintage license plates, historical photographs, and a classic VW bus, this museum is a celebration of nostalgia and community.

For those who want to remember their trip, there are plenty of souvenirs to choose from, including socks, t-shirts, and vinyl stickers featuring iconic Route 66 imagery. Whether you're a lifelong Route 66 enthusiast or traveling for the first time during the centennial, this journey is about more than just asphalt and signposts – it's about people, creativity, history, and the many stories that have traveled alongside you from Chicago to Pontiac and beyond.