Route 66 - Southern Illinois Road Trip

You’ll split your time between Historic Route 66 and I-55 as you make your way to Springfield, state capital and the birthplace of the corn dog (try one at Cozy Dog Drive In). Plan to stretch your legs in Livingston to see the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, and in Mt. Olive, where the out-of-service Soulsby Service Station has been restored to its Route 66 glory days.

It’s a straight shot on I-55 from Springfield to the outskirts of Lincoln, where you’ll rejoin with Historic Route 66. Fans of Honest Abe will want to stop in Lincoln to see the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, a roadside attraction that is quite popular with tourists. Near Atlanta, look for “Tall Paul” the Muffler Man, a fiberglass statue of Paul Bunyan holding a hot dog.