In the age of social media, a picture is no longer worth 1,000 words, but a passport to likes and shares. With this in mind, Heritage Corridor Destinations, a regional tourism agency, has rolled out a series of Route 66 Shields to provide visitors with the perfect Instagrammable spot on Route 66.
These shield sculptures were created and installed in communities along the first 100 miles of Route 66, including Burr Ridge, Joliet, Wilmington, Dwight, and Pontiac. Collect just one or all 11 to create the perfect Instagram reel.
“Route 66 Begins” sign
Location: Adam Street and Michigan Avenue
It all starts here. What better way to commemorate the mother of all road trips than the Route 66 start sign in downtown Chicago?Half a block from one of the many Museums along Route 66 The Art Institute of Chicago is the photography starting line for this 2,448-mile (3,940-km) nostalgic journey.
The Bean at Millennium Park
Location: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
It would be hard to start this road trip without the iconic mirror image in front of Cloud Gate. Cloud Gate is a large reflective sculpture colloquially known affectionately as “The Bean.”
standing rooster
Location: 1376 Joliet Rd, Romeoville, Illinois
White Fence Farm offers guests family entertainment and a homely dining experience in one of 10 uniquely decorated dining rooms. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot a rooster standing outside.
Harvester Park
Location: 15W400 Harvester Dr, Burr Ridge, IL
Harvester Park is a children’s playground designed as a trip down Route 66, featuring iconic roadside attractions from all eight states the route traverses. From the tall Willis Tower-shaped slide to the iconic blue whale, the landmark has been reimagined with play in mind.
Joliet Prison Historic Site
Location: 1125 Collins St, Joliet, Illinois
Stand in front of the gates of the most famous prison. blues brothers Fame; it’s where the brothers were reunited after spending time in prison. Then, take a walking tour and learn the history of the prison from its opening in 1858 to the present day. True to its historical heritage, the Old Joliet Jail was built of Joliet limestone and housed more than 20 of his buildings within its walls.
rialto square theater
Location: 102 N Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Rialto Plaza Theater (also known as the “Jewel of Joliet”) is a historic vaudeville venue and movie theater. Considered one of the most beautiful theaters in America, this marquee is a must-see and souvenir. It’s so sparkly and bright that it lights up at night!
Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66
Location: 9 W Cass St, Joliet, IL
You can’t miss the 24-foot-tall guitar outside the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66. This brand new museum preserves the history of musicians and bands with ties to Illinois (Chicago, Cheap Trick, Muddy Waters, REO Speedwagon – all Hall of Famers) and educates visitors about music’s rich history. Exists.
Where Route 66 meets Lincoln Highway
Location: Intersection of Chicago Street and Cass Street, Joliet, Illinois
The city of Joliet, Illinois, has long been known as the intersection of two historic roads: Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway. There is a 7-foot sign at the intersection. The Lincoln Highway stretches 5,454 km (3,389 miles) from New York City’s Times Square to San Francisco’s Lincoln Park and predates Route 66 by more than a decade.
First Hundred Mile Welcome Center
Location: 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL
In front of the Welcome Center and Joliet Area History Museum, you’ll find a Route 66 shield representing Joliet.of First Hundred Mile Welcome Center is full on Route 66 Souvenirs and gifts from Illinois artisans are also available. Two Blues Brothers suits worn in the movie are also on display in the museum’s lobby, making them perfect for Instagram.
gemini giant
Location: 810 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, Illinois
The Launch Pad Drive-In (temporarily closed) is home to the Gemini Giant. The 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant is a space-age “muffler man” and one of the few men still standing on Route 66. Since 1964, he has been watching over travelers in a bright green suit and carrying a silver locket.
Polk-A-Dot Drive-In
Location: 222 N Front St, Braidwood, IL
Stand next to Superman or Betty Boop for a fun photo op. Polk-A-Dot Drive-In is his nostalgic 1950s-style roadside diner known for its burgers, malts, and ice cream. From the iconic signage to the retro décor and selfie-worthy pop culture statues outside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
braidwood zoo
Location: 400 E. Amazon St, Gardner, Illinois
A classic example of the vintage kitsch roadside that once dotted Route 66, Braidwood Zoo features animal sculptures built by the late artist Jack Barker. Crafted from scrap metal, wood, and plastic, this whimsical little pseudo-zoo is filled with animals that make the perfect Instagram-worthy memento of your Route 66 road trip.
Ambler Becker Texaco Station
Location: W Waupansie St, Dwight, Illinois
This historic 1933 gas station was the longest operating gas station along Route 66. It currently serves as Dwight’s Welcome Center on Route 66. Stop to chat with knowledgeable volunteers and marvel at the artifacts preserved at the gas station. Forget about signing the guestbook or leaving a pin on the map on the wall. It has a Route 66 shield and old-style signage, perfect for Instagram.
Route 66 Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum Association
Location: 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, Illinois
There are plenty of photo opportunities just outside the museum, including the largest Route 66 shield mural on the side of the Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features thousands of Route 66 artifacts and memorabilia, including the buses and vans of Route 66 artist and icon Bob Waldmeyer.
main street mural
Location: Downtown Pontiac, Illinois
The collection of 19 outdoor murals around historic downtown was created in four days during the 2009 Walldog Summer Bash. These landscapes remind me of a Norman Rockwell version of 20th century America. There are plenty of opportunities to pose with these murals to blend into the story.
Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum
Location: 205 N Mill St, Pontiac, Illinois
This car museum has plenty of Pontiac and Oakland car models perfect for car selfies, but you’ll also find 15 miniature cars decorated in a variety of styles by local artists and art groups here. I can. He has 10 of his trucks, his 57 Chevy and his 3 pickups.
Bunyon Statue: Hot Dog Muffler Man
Location: 112 SW Arch St, Atlanta, IL
Look for the Man in the Hot Dog Scarf and the statue of Paul Bunyon holding a hot dog in downtown Atlanta, Illinois. It was moved here from its original location in Cicero, Illinois, 240 miles away. Although it wasn’t originally on Route 66, it has become a welcome selfie spot for travelers on the Mother Road.
rail splitter covered wagon
Location: 1750 Fifth St, Lincoln, Illinois
Known as the world’s largest boxcar, the Railsplitter and its driver, Abe Lincoln (yes, the famous boxcar), welcome visitors year-round. You’ll feel like a little kid standing next to this imposing wagon. The perfect Route 66 photo op.
brooks cathap bottle
Location: 800 S. Morrison, Collinsville, Illinois
The “Bottle” has served as a water tower for ketchup manufacturers since it was built in 1949, and now it’s one of the city’s unique Route 66 attractions. You may have to go off the Route 66 trail to find it, but it’s worth the detour.
Margarita is the creator and author of DownshiftingPRO.com, a travel and lifestyle blog focused on travel to the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Europe. We bring you unique insights into museums, cultural activities and luxury accommodations. She loves girls’ vacations and traveling with her adult children – family vacations with cocktails. Colombian by birth and Canadian by nationality, she is here to help others plan their lives and travels.
