6 Days/5 Nights
See the "Best of Route 66" on this six-day, fly-drive itinerary where you'll experience America's Mother Road first hand from Chicago to St. Louis. It's the ultimate real American road trip.
As you wind through small towns and back roads, stop and take photographs of quirky, off-the-beaten-path landmarks from a different era. From small town diners to drive-in movie theaters, this is roadside America at its finest.
Day One/Chicago to Springfield - 199 miles
Begin your first day with breakfast at legendary Lou Mitchell's in Chicago. Stop for some great pictures at the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, the Polka Dot Diner in Braidwood, the Old Log Cabin in Pontiac and some great old gas stations. Check out the Dixie Truck Stop with its Route 66 museum and memorabilia. In Springfield stop at Bill Shea's Route 66 Gas Station Museum, a favorite photo stop. Overnight in Springfield.
Day Two/Springfield
Take the day and discover some of America's most significant historic sites in and around Springfield: Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Old State Capitol State Historic Site, New Salem Historic Village and the Dana Thomas House by Frank Lloyd Wright. You have to stop and have lunch at the Cozy Dog to get an American original corn dog. Spend that night sampling the local music scene. Overnight in Springfield.
Day Three/Springfield to St. Louis - 96 miles
Depart Springfield and drive south along Route 66, stop at the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield. Stop at Cahokia Mounds, the site of the largest prehistoric Indian civilization north of Mexico. Cross into Missouri and drive to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Newly reopened it is the world's longest pedestrian and biking bridge. In the heart of downtown St. Louis, the imposing Gateway Arch, America's tallest monument, is a must see. Take a 630 foot ride to the top. Overnight in St. Louis.
Day Four/St. Louis
On of the tastiest spots along the Mother Road is Ted Drews Frozen Custard. They have been dishing out "concretes" since 1929. Just minutes from Ted Drewes is the urban oasis of Forest Park. This historic green space houses the Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center and Missouri History Museum - all open free of charge.
That night tour the music clubs of the Laclede's Landing and the Soulard neighborhood. Overnight in St. Louis.
Day Five/St. Louis to Galesburg, Illinois - 190 miles
Day five of the trip takes you north of St. Louis for a stop in Hannibal, Missouri, boyhood home of author Mark Twain. Then it's back across the Mississippi River to Illinois. Head to Galesburg, home to American poet Carl Sandburg who immortalized Chicago as "The City of Big Shoulders." Stroll down Seminary Street to shop and dine. Overnight in Galesburg.
Day Six/Galesburg to Chicago - 185 miles
A quick interstate journey north finishes you loop back to Chicago and home.
Gateway: Flights to Chicago
Fly/Drive: Chicago - Springfield - St. Louis - Galesburg - Chicago
For more information contact:
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-814-1550, Fax: 312-814-6175
Partners:
Illinois Department of Commerce and
Community Affairs, Illinois Trade Office, Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau, St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission