The beginning (and end) of Route 66 in Chicago

Tracking Historic Route 66 through the heart of Chicago is a challenge. The route is rarely signposted, and the few signs that do exist are regularly stolen by unscrupulous nostalgics. As a result, it's not impossible that the brown "Begin" or "End" sign may have disappeared during your visit...

Route 66, the mythical road that forged the history of the automobile, mass consumption and a new form of marketing in the United States, begins here, on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Chicago, on a journey of 2448 miles, through the skyscrapers of Illinois, the plains of Missouri and Kansas, the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas, the mountains of New Mexico and the deserts of Arizona, to the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles, California. All of America. Cowboys and Indians, cactus and pine trees, beaches and mountains, cities and countryside, north and south, east and west.

Now decommissioned, Route 66 "technically" no longer exists. It's now "just" a historic route that follows existing tracks and is marked for most of its length by brown signs - when they're not stolen, that is - bearing the "Route 66" logo, a white "shield" with a large "66" stamped on it. All information on "How to drive Route 66".

Technically, the route began in 1926 at the intersection of Jackson and Michigan Avenues. The "Historic Illinois US 66 Route - Begin" sign is located across from the Art Institute of Chicago at the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. The sign announcing the end of the route ("Historic Illinois US 66 Route - End") is located at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue.

It's at Lou Mitchell's Restaurant that nostalgic travelers have made a habit of starting their pilgrimage with a hearty breakfast, just as generations of travelers have done before them. Always on the move, Lou's is now considered the starting point of Route 66. Not to be missed.

Dedicated in Grant Park a year after Route 66, the impressive Buckingham Fountain also symbolizes the beginning of the road and remains one of its enduring symbols. Facing the immensity of Lake Michigan, it's a must-see photo to contrast with the Pacific Ocean horizon at Santa Monica Beach in California, nearly 3,000 miles away. It's also one of the largest fountains in the world, inspired by Versailles.