Route 66 Illinois

Route 66, known as the Main Street of America, stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The 2,400-mile journey spans eight states and three time zones, passing through small towns, sprawling cityscapes, and diverse terrains.

Established in 1926, this legendary road was the primary migration route for midwest farm workers during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. By the 1950s, Route 66 was the main highway for travelers heading to Los Angeles. This led to the creation of local businesses along the route.

Through the influence of literature, music, and film, Route 66 has come to symbolize the essence of American exploration and adventure. Despite the efficiency of the interstate highway system, modern freeways lack the nostalgia that Route 66 embodies. The old roads that make up the Main Street of America continue to attract travelers who seek the enduring allure of the open road.

Route 66 Travel Guides and Tips:

There is an amazing free app called the Route 66 Ultimate Guide, which I used daily while on the route: https://route66ultimateguide.com/

I loved having the Route 66 passport! Collecting stamps was so much fun. I found our passport at the gift shop in the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. Here’s a link with all the info you need to purchase one online or in person: https://www.route66navigation.com/pas...

I also had the EZ66 GUIDE for Travelers, which you can find here: https://amzn.to/4cLapsj (Amazon affiliate link). I found it at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. The maps and explanations are much more detailed than any other resource out there. It’s not always obvious where the route is because it’s not just one road from Chicago to LA. You have to know where to go. I usually studied the maps the night before so I would have an idea of what the next day would look like.

Google Maps can be helpful if you turn on the “avoid highways” feature. Without this feature enabled, Google Maps will continually try to send you back to the interstate, which you are usually trying to avoid while driving Route 66!

Timestamps:

0:00 Chicago
1:37 Berwyn
1:50 The History of Route 66
2:29 Joliet
3:24 Wilmington and Braidwood
4:02 Dwight
4:51 Pontiac
6:39 Normal and Bloomington
7:30 Atlanta
7:51 Lincoln
8:45 Springfield
12:00 Auburn and Livingston

Music and Images:

I get all my music from Epidemic Sound: https://share.epidemicsound.com/jw6r46 (affiliate link). There are thousands of tracks from all different musical genres and tons of sound effects. It’s perfect for making YouTube videos!

I create graphics and get stock footage on www.Canva.com. There is a free version as well as a paid one with more features.