Route 66 Road Trip to Litchfield, Illinois

U.S. Route 66 was one of the United State's first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated west.

"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Most travelers seem to start their journey on Route 66 in Chicago, and head westbound. That is the direction we take on this website. But others start in Santa Monica and drive eastward to Chicago.

The beginning point of Route 66 in Chicago has changed over the years, originally starting on Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue in 1926. Since 1933 the starting point has been Jackson Boulevard at Lake Shore Drive.

Outside the metropolitan Chicago area, Route 66 followed the Pontiac Trail, a former Indian trail and stagecoach road.

From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed southwest to Joliet, Pontiac, Bloomington, Springfield and Litchfield.

Litchfield, Illinois

Litchfield, Illinois is located an hour between the Land of Lincoln and the Illinois State Capital of Springfield, and the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, MO.

Litchfield began in 1853 with the coming of the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad. Today, it is a city known for its Route 66 icons, expansive lake, and lush landscapes. The city has a population of over 6,000 residents.

Lincoln was located directly on the original U.S. Route 66. Today, it lies along Interstate I-55. It is about 245 miles southwest of Chicago, and 56 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri.

Route 66 travelers today enjoy the Litchfield Museum and Welcome Center, the historic Sky View Drive-In, The Arison Cafe, Lake Lou Yaeger, Milnot Beach, the Shoal Creek Conservation Area, the Pickers Market, and other attractions.

Map showing the approximate route of U.S. Highway 66 in Illinois and the location of Litchfield
Map showing the location of Litchfield in Illinois on Historic Route 66

Greetings from Litchfield ... The Mural

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center

A good place to stop while on your Route 66 road trip ... the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center

334 Historic Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, IL 62056

More information about the Litchfield Museum

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center in Illinois ... Where the Road Began

Sky View Drive-in Theater

The Sky View Drive-In Theater in Litchfield is in its 72nd consecutive season of bringing patrons big-screen entertainment. This outdoor movie theater opened in the spring of 1950. The Litchfield Sky View is one of four drive-ins nationwide, that are located on the historic Mother Road, and has been since its opening. It is also the only drive-in with that claim in Illinois.

The Litchfield Skyview Drive-in is not only a local tradition, it is a Route 66 hall of fame business. It remains one of several original Route 66 businesses on the Mother Road, in Litchfield.

It operates seasonally, April through mid-October, and offers a grill onsite. The drive-in is Located at 1500 N. Historic Route 66 in Litchfield, IL 62056. Read more at the
website of the Sky View Drive -In Theater and Sky View on Facebook

The Ariston Cafe

The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield has been satisfying local patrons and international travelers on Route 66 since 1924. Today, this landmark dining experience continues to attract those who "remember where good food is served".

When you're cruisin' down Route 66 in Litchfield, and hunger strikes, take the time to check out one of the oldest American restaurants on the legendary highway. The Ariston Cafe opened its doors in 1924 and is one of the oldest continually-operated Route 66 restaurants still going today.

Located at 413 Old Route 66 N. Litchfield, IL 62056.
Read more at the website of the The Ariston Cafe