Route 66 Road Trip to Romeoville, Illinois
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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.
The beginning point of Route 66 in Chicago has changed over the years. Today, the starting point is at East Adams Street at South Michigan Avenue, and the end point is at East Jackson at South Michigan. One way streets in the area can be difficult to navigate for first-time Route 66 visitors!
Once 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 Romeoville and Joliet, and then on to Wilmington, Dwight, Odell, and Pontiac.
Map showing the approximate route of U.S. Highway 66 in Illinois and the location of Romeoville
The Village of Romeoville
The Village of Romeoville is a southwestern suburb of Chicago that is located on the Des Plaines River in the northeastern part of Will County. It is located about 26 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, and has a population of about 40,000 residents.
It was originally platted in 1835, and work commenced on the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1836.
The community, along with nearby Joliet, became known as "Stone City" in reference to its prosperous limestone quarries. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield was unveiled in 1888, and is constructed entirely of Romeoville limestone.
Romeoville was located along official Route 66 from 1929-1939, and then the alternate Route 66 from 1939-1977 when the Illinois portion of Route 66 was officially decommissioned. For travelers wanting to re-trace the path of the original or alternate Route 66, there are several places of note to visit while in Romeoville, included on this page.
Today, area highways include I-55, I-355, Illinois Highway 7, and Illinois Highway 53. The Metra Station is located on the Heritage Corridor line, and Lewis University Airport is nearby.
For those interested in Romeoville and Illinois history, be sure to stop by the Romeoville Historical Society at 14 Belmont Drive.
The village is a popular stop for national and international Route 66 heritage travelers. It offer visitors a wide variety of attractions, hotels and lodging, and dining options.
Scenes Around Romeoville |
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Route 66 sign outside the Romeoville Athletic & Event Center at 55 Phelps Avenue ... a great photo op! |
White Fence FarmSince its beginning in the early 1920s, White Fence Farm (1376 Joliet Road) has been recognized throughout the Midwest for its outstanding chicken dinners and being a stop on historic Route 66! While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the goats and alpacas in the petting zoo and explore the antique collections located throughout the restaurant. From classic cars and clocks to a 130 piece Department 56 Snow Village, seeing the vintage items are an adventure in itself! The main restaurant is located at 1376 Joliet Road in Romeoville. Phone: (630) 739-1720 |
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Fitzpatrick HouseThe house was built sometime between 1860 and 1865 in the Greek Revival style and is constructed of local limestone. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Fitzpatricks were successful farmers who eventually amassed 1,200 acres of land, part of which they donated to the Archdiocese of Chicago so that Lewis University could be built. The home was occupied continuously by the family until 1950 when Francis Fitzpatrick died. The house site is not currently open to the public. |
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More Scenes Around Romeoville |
Lewis University was established on the outskirts of town in 1932. It is a private Lasallian university with an enrollment of about 6,500 students in more than 80 undergraduate programs, 35 graduate programs, and accelerated programs for working adults. |
Romeoville High School |
More Attractions In and Around Romeoville
- Isle a la Cache Museum - situated on an island in the Des Plaines River on the east side of Romeoville
- The Beller Museum - collection of vintage and classic cars and trucks from the 1920s and 30s, mostly Fords. Located just off Route 66, at 275 Rocbaar Drive
- Romeoville Area Historical Society & the James P. Sczepaniak Museum
- Gaylord Building - 200 West 8th Street in Lockport
- Deer Crossing Park
- Gaylord Building Historic Site
- Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery
- Lincoln Landing
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
- O'Hara Woods Preserve - in the very heart of Romeoville near the Village Hall
- Centennial Trail - three mile long trail for walking or biking besides the Des Plaines River; includes a passage over the historic 135th Street Bridge
- Prairie Bluff Preserve - wetland just south of Romeoville on the east bank of the Des Plaines River, between the Lewis University campus and the Stateville Correctional Facility
- Heritage Falls Water Park - pools, slides, splash pad, and diving area managed by the Lockport Park District
- RomeoFest - first weekend in August - music, games, food, races, car show, fireworks and more
- Lake Renwick Preserve - wetland habitat west of Romeoville is a former aggregate quarry
Interactive Map of Romeoville, Illinois
Lodging, Dining and Attractions in Romeoville
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Hotels in Romeoville with traveler reviews at TripAdvisor Romeoville restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor Attractions and Things to Do in Romeoville |
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