Route 66 - Southern Illinois Road Trip

161.5 miles: 3 hours, 50 minutes

It’s all about the open road on this Route 66 journey across Illinois. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for photos (with a giant pink elephant, anyone?) and fuel (a stop at Ariston Cafe has been a Route 66 tradition since 1924). Retro gas stations, faded neon signs, drive-in theaters and Abe Lincoln’s hometown—the Americana on this trip can’t be beat.

flickr/Leo Reynolds

Edwardsville to Springfield

90.1 miles: 2 hours, 2 minutes

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.

Recommended Stops

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Address not available Springfield, IL 62701

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

8th St. & Jackson St. Springfield, IL 62701

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

301 E. Lawrence Ave. Springfield, IL 62703

AAA Photo

Springfield to Bloomington

71.5 miles: 1 hours, 47 minutes

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.

Recommended Stops

The Inn at 835

835 S 2nd St Springfield, IL 62704

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Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

1500 Monument Ave. Springfield, IL 62702

Lincoln Heritage Museum

1115 Nicholson Rd. Lincoln, IL 62656

David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

1000 Monroe Dr. Bloomington, IL 61701