Route 66

There is one road in the United States that has come to symbolize the nostalgia of the American Highway System. This is, of course, the internationally recognized Route 66, which has been immortalized in music, television and literature. John Steinbeck named it The Mother Road. This is an appropriate description, since it was the first completely paved road linking Chicago and Los Angeles. Route 66 was responsible for revitalizing rural communities. Along the Route 66 map filling stations, roadside restaurants, and motorist lodging were built in places that were formerly once isolated from the rest of the nation. Perhaps you read our article about Route 66 in Arizona, and you are interested in exploring the stops along the Illinois route. If so, read on.

Route 66 in Illinois symbolizes the beginning of the Mother Road. It unites the sophisticated urban city of Chicago with the rural countryside of the Illinois heartland. Along the Chicago segment, Route 66 proudly displays the elaborate Buckingham Fountain, the elegant Michigan Avenue and the impressive Sears Tower. When you get hungry on this portion of the Route 66 map, stop at Lou Mitchell's, which is a classic American diner. You can rest your sleep head at the Brer Rabbit Motel. You can't miss it: It has a neon sign with a rabbit on it.

When you reach Joliet, you will find the remnants of a 1950s favorite past time: the Hill Top Drive in Theater. Although this theater is currently closed, the Harvest Moon in Gibson Illinois is open during the warmer months. Joliet is also home to a Route 66 casino. This should not be confused with the Route 66 Casino located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Joliet Route 66 casino is located in the Joliet Harrah's Hotel. The casino at Harrah's contains all the top games you would expect from a top quality gaming venue, as well as fantastic entertainment.

Joliet Illinois is also home to the Route 66 Raceway, which the record-setting 1/4-mile drag strip and 1/2-mile dirt oval racetrack. This multipurpose facility hosts a wide variety of entertaining events, which include NHRA PowerAde Drag Racing National events featuring Top Fuel, Funny Cars, Pro Stocks and motorcycle racing. Route 66 Raceway also features World of Outlaws, USAC Sprint and Midgets, demolition derbies, monster truck shows, Jr. Dragsters, car shows, bracket racing, concerts, an NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing event, and many more exciting spectator activities. Route 66 Raceway has a diverse selection of events to choose from. Fans and racers can watch or participate in their favorites, or try their luck at a new event.

If you plan to "motor west," why not explore the historic Route 66 in Illinois?