Cruise the Mother Road and embark on an exciting new adventure in cuisine. From mom-and-pop eateries and ice cream shops to fine dining and long-standing supper clubs, prepare to broaden your palate on The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 in Illinois.

Before your road trip, fuel up with a mouth-watering meal of fried chicken, corn fritters, and pickled beets at White Fence Farm in Romeoville. Afterwards, take a stroll outside to visit the restaurant’s petting zoo and snap a photo at the Route 66 Shield Monument.

The Route 66 Shield Monument at White Fence Farm is one of 20 photo-worthy shield monuments along The First Hundred Miles. Nearby, Route 66 Monument Park in Lockport features several new enhancements for travelers, including new pathways and seating to take a break before the next leg of your journey.

After snapping the perfect road trip photo at Route 66 Monument Park, head over to Public Landing in downtown Lockport. Housed in the historic Gaylord Building, this upscale yet casual eatery offers crisp salads, grass-fed steaks, craft cocktails, and over 30 gluten-free dishes.

Your next stop is Route 66 Park at Broadway Greenway in Joliet. The freshly revamped greenway welcomes visitors with a neon Route 66 shield sign at its entrance. Stroll through the 7-acre park and enjoy enhanced landscaping and interpretive signs highlighting Joliet’s rich history and heritage.

Before you leave, stop and savor a sweet treat from Rich & Creamy, an old school ice cream shop located in Route 66 Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of frozen treats from the walk-up window, including ice cream sundaes, cones, shakes, and nostalgic root beer floats.

For an elevated dining experience, eat at Cut 158 in downtown Joliet. This chophouse uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create their carefully curated menu of salads, fresh seafood, savory steaks, and tender chicken breasts.

South of Joliet, the iconic Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington is a rite of passage for Route 66 road trippers. Built in 1964, the 30-foot-tall statue stands proudly at its home in Wilmington’s South Island.

Commemorate your visit to the iconic Muffler Man with a souvenir from The Landing Pad Souvenir Shop, located right next to the Gemini Giant. For the perfect souvenir — from bobbleheads and t-shirts to pins and stickers — The Landing Pad has your Route 66 merchandise, including official centennial items.

If all that sightseeing and shopping worked up an appetite, then head across the street to Nelly’s, a cozy restaurant where visitors can dig into made-to-order hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Quench your thirst at RT 66 Old School Brewing in the same building. This microbrewery has a selection of Route 66 and Gemini Giant themed beers, including the Gemini Giant’s ReEntry and the Interplanetary Funkmanship ales.

For an iconic photo finish, head to Pontiac to see the largest Route 66 Shield Mural from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. Located on the exterior of the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, this must-see art installation is one of more than 20 murals in the heart of Pontiac. Other murals, like the “Past, Present, and Future” mural, showcase the evolution of Route 66 through technological advancements.

Downtown Pontiac is a great destination for quick bites and sweet treats. If you need a caffeine fix, the Cup and the Scone offers a homemade gluten-free menu filled with yummy baked goods, teas, and brewed-up goodness.

Whether you have a hankering for nostalgia and rich history or an appetite for delicious bites, look no further than The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 in Illinois!