Known as the Mother Road or the Main Street of America, Route 66 represents the good ol’ days of themed motels, roadside curiosities, all-American diners, and the great open road.

It brings together all things Americana, transporting the travelers on it back to simpler times. Often, you’ll find yourself driving down Main Street of many different towns along the way, where time appears to be standing still, with the still-family-owned businesses lining the street.

Starting in Chicago, IL and concluding in Santa Monica, CA, Route 66 is made up of 2,448 miles and crosses seven different states. It is the ultimate road trip.

While the original Route 66 has been abandoned over the years in favor of newer, wider superhighways, the old road is still there in most places and the sites along the way are just waiting for you to come and explore.

We’ve gathered all of the best sites and activities along Route 66, which will appear in six article, each featuring one of the states the route crosses (with the exception of Kansas, as only a small section of the road goes through there).

Chicago, IL

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdA_tlxB6_R/?tagged=route66chicago

The windy city has a lot to offer. From deep-dish pizza to great art both inside the Art Institute of Chicago and out in Millennium Park, vibrant nightlife and chilled out cruises on Lake Michigan or on the Chicago River.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEB5wWHkyo/?tagged=deepdishpizza

Wilmington, IL

Route 66 is known for its many curiosities. One of them is the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. The 30 foot tall statue, named after the Gemini space program, holds a silver “rocket ship” in his hands.

Pontiac, IL

A drive on Route 66 means a visit to all sorts of unique museums, and Illinois has one in Pontiac. Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum, where you can learn about Route 66 legend Bob Waldmire.

Atlanta, IL

If the Gemini Giant was your kind of thing, why not visit Atlanta, IL for another roadside curiosity in the form of a giant Paul Bunyan inexplicably holding a giant hotdog?

Lincoln, IL

Something else Route 66 is famous for is a bunch of “World’s Largest…” Lincoln, IL has the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, driven by none other than Honest Abe himself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkge7MWlOJ0/?tagged=lincolnillinois

Springfield, IL

The birthplace of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln! Visit Lincoln’s final resting place, as well as his home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjn4CgHHp4Y/?taken-at=593042975

Meanwhile, the Cozy Dog Drive-In offers a super secret special recipe corn dogs, and amazing Route 66 memorabilia.

Auburn, IL

Follow the red brick road in Auburn, IL, a 1.4 mile long piece of restored hand-laid brick road done in 1931 and placed over a concrete roadbed.