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Route 66 Association of Illinois

Where The Road Begins

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  • News
    • Meramec Barn Repaint – 2025
    • Pontiac Parking
    • President’s Letter – Spring 2025
    • Memory Lane Tree Removal
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    • In Memorium
      • Kathy Miller
      • Rich Henry
      • Joy Henderson
      • Durelle F. Pritchard
    • Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
      Route 66 in Illinois
    • The 66 News Archives
  • Centennial!
    • November 11, 1926
      US Highway 66 is Established.
    • Meramec Barn Repaint – 2025
    • US Route 66 Centennial Website Launches
    • 66 Centennial Series
    • Looking For Route 66 Stories
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National Register of Historic Places

Chain of Rocks Bridge

Hall of Fame member, inducted 1998

Riverview Dr, St Louis, MO 63137, USA

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River between Chocteau Island on the east and St Louis, Missouri on the west was built in 1929 as part of the construction of Route 66. One of the bridge’s most unique features is the bend located about half-way through it’s one mile stretch. Today this Bridge is the world’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The Chain of rocks Bridge is open for foot and bicycle travel year-round and opens for vehicular traffic during special car events.

Rialto Theatre

Hall of Fame member, inducted 1999

102 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

This architectural masterpiece and historic vaudeville movie theatre was built in 1926 and is also known as the “Jewel of Joliet”. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful theaters in the Nation and was originally conceived to be a “Palace for the People.” During the 1980’s this theatre was restored to its original splendor. The Rialto is a must see!

http://www.rialtosquare.com/

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket Restaurant

Hall of Fame member, inducted 1992

645 Joliet Road, Willowbrook, IL, United States

Route 66 travlers have been welcomed by the Rhea family since the 1940’s when the restaurant served as a Blue Bird bus stop. Currently they serve the best fried chicken you will eat! Take time to browse through all the great 66 memorabilia and their delightful collection of chickens.

Phone: (630) 325-0780

http://www.chickenbasket.com/

Sunday - Thursday 11AM - 9PM
Friday - Saturday 11AM - 10PM

Brooks Catsup Bottle

Hall of Fame member, inducted 2008

800 South Morrison Avenue, Collinsville, IL, United States

This is one of Collinsville most unique attractions. The “bottle” served as a water tower for the catsup maker since it was built in 1949. This roadside attraction is Americana at its finest. You may have to wander off 66 a bit to find it, but it’s worth the effort. Local volunteers keep the catsup bottle looking its best.

http://www.catsupbottle.com

Original Brick Road

Curran Road, Auburn, IL, United States

This beautiful 1.4 mile long piece of restored hand-laid brick road is a segment of 66 done in 1931 and placed over the concrete roadbed.

Paving with brick was actually completed after the realignment of Route 66 to the eastern routing that runs through Litchfield. This section of road was briefly reverted to Illinois SBI 4 until the current alignment of Illinois 4 took place in 1932. It is well maintained and in fantastic condition, a worthy location for a photo opportunity.

Soulsby Station

Hall of Fame member, inducted 1990

Old Route 66, Mt Olive, IL, United States

This Route 66 icon is affectionately known by many as the Soulsby Station. The Station stood on the landscape before the road was paved in 1926.

Tom Teague, Route 66 historian and author gathered volunteers to restore and preserve the structure in honor of Russell Soulsby former proprietor and friend to Route 66. Read his restoration journal.

Ariston Cafe

Hall of Fame member, inducted 1992

413 Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, IL, United States

Michael Wallis, the noted author, calls this Cafe “One of the best the old road has to offer.” After you join the hundreds of locals and Route 66 visitors you’ll understand why. The owners, Nick and Demi Adam, serve excellent food and give first-rate service with reasonable prices while carrying on the tradition that Nick’s father started in 1924.

Phone: (217) 324-2023

http://ariston-cafe.com/

Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm

Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant

Hall of Fame member, inducted 2002

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL, United States

You’re in for a treat! Lou Mitchell’s is a Chicago landmark and a favorite of Route 66 since 1923. The staff serves up great food to over 1200 customers each day. A tradition at this friendly restaurant includes a free box of milk duds while you’re waiting for your table.

http://www.loumitchells.com

7 AM – 4 PM

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Upcoming Events

Jun 13
June 13 - June 15

Motor Tour 2025 – A Bridge to the Giants

Jun 16
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT

Berwyn Cruise Nights 2025

Jun 20
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm CDT

Lincoln Third Fridays Downtown

Jun 20
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm CDT

Route 66 Cruisers Cruises

View Calendar

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Donations Fuel Our Mission!

Your donation to our Association helps support our efforts to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. We are a volunteer organization and thank you for your generous donation toward maintaining our nostalgic slice of Americana. The Association is a 501(c)(3) for tax purposes.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Route 66 Association of Illinois, a 501(c)(3) charitible organization
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