Where ya headed? The idea of passage through our vast country is one of those things that’s burned into our shared cultural history. We all know the narrative of a journey across the West, as if we traveled it ourselves! And physical manifestations of this sentiment—this archetypal sense of adventure—can be found all around us. We’re talking roads, landmarks, institutions. The channels of our defining American spirit. It’s manifest destiny, is it not?! Okay, enough with the poetic rumination. Where can you still get a little bit of Route 66 these days?
A sign marking the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago.
First stop Chicago
Route 66 was the road to end all roads. You might’ve heard “Mother Road” or “Main Street of America,” at some point. This was the route to prosperity for many Americans as they traveled Westward by car towards California. Beginning in Chicago in 1926, this path led thousands to Saint Louis and beyond. Today, our I-55 incorporates much of this road here in Chicago.
A now-abandoned part of Route 66 in Central Illinois.
Roadside snacks
As a result of this new travel route, multiple businesses popped up to respond to the needs of the road-weary travelers. Whole towns were transformed by route 66. A few restaurants still remain from these days, harkening back to early days with classic americana diner elements. For example, the Ariston Cafe in the town of Litchfield, Illinois still serves up sandwiches and mains in wood-paneled booths.
Hotdog stand in Cicero in operation since the 50’s.
Chicago’s 66 culture
Here in Chicago, places like Lou Mitchell’s—which was originally located directly on the highway, when it ran along Jackson Boulevard until the 50’s—still keeps the culture alive with its classic neon signage, stools, and formica countertops. There’s also Henry’s Drive-In out in Cicero, open since 1950 and still slinging hot dogs and root beer to passersby looking for a little nostalgia.
A waitress at Lou Mitchell’s chats with a customer.
The ripple effect
This highway solidified an important part of our Americanness—a central column in our identity as explorers, as individuals seeking adventure and innovation. But it’s important to see how Route 66 cultivated a second counteractive force to couple that traveling spirit which also makes us who we are as a nation—our need for comfort. Sitting in an upholstered booth, being served your eggs and coffee by a waitress who seems to already know your story has been an essential part of keeping our on-the-go lifestyle in balance. There’s a reason we still love our diners and we still keep on truckin’. Here’s to 50, 100, 150, 200 more years of Route 66!