360 Chicago (formerly The John Hancock Observatory) is a 100-floor skyscraper in the commercial district of Chicago. It's 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago while maps explain the view in each direction. A special meshed-in area allows visitors to feel the winds 1,030 feet above ground level. In addition to that you have TILT - an exhilarating downward view of Chicago - for those feeling brave!
360 Chicago (formerly The John Hancock Observatory) is a 100-floor (344m) skyscraper in the commercial district of Chicago.
360 Chicago’s 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago while maps explain the view in each direction. A special meshed-in area allows visitors to feel the winds 1,030 feet (314m) above ground level.
Conveniently located along Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO soars 1,000 feet above Lake Michigan and the city’s majestic skyline to offer visitors the most breathtaking views of downtown Chicago, the lakefront and four neighboring states.
Add to that the interactive technologies, TILT the new exhilarating angle on Chicago, the enticing 94th floor café, and you have 360° of all-around entertainment!
He was known as “Scarface” by the press, “Big Fellow” or “Snorky” to his associates, and “Public Enemy No. 1” to the Chicago Crime Commission. No matter what you call Al Capone, or what you think of the legendary mob boss and bootlegger, he left an indelible impression on Illinois.
The legendary story of Al Capone ends at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside where a humble stone flush with the ground reads: Alphonse Capone, 1899-1947, “My Jesus Mercy”.
A large gravestone proclaims “Capone” for all of the family, including Capone’s mother, father, and brother.
Hillside was not the original burying place for the majority of the Capone family. The remains of Al Capone as well as his father, Gabriel, and brother, Frank, were removed from their original burial place at Chicago’s Mount Olivet Cemetery after Capone’s mother, Teresa, died. They joined her in Hillside due, in part, to vandalism of the original Capone gravesite in Chicago.
The resting place for the Capone family in Hillside is peaceful. You’ll find visiting the Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery to be a beautifully reflective experience despite the juxtaposition of the violence associated with Al Capone.
Founded in 1923, Lou Mitchell's is known for handing out fresh donut holes to people waiting in line, boxes of Milk Duds to children, an orange slice and prune for breakfast, and a small cup of ice cream with each meal. Jackson Boulevard was the starting point for the original Route 66, which means you can drive into Chicago on the “Mother Road” from the Kennedy Expressway, Illinois Interstate 90/94. Exit Jackson east and look for Lou Mitchell’s on your right located near the intersection of Jackson and Jefferson. Route 66 was created in 1926, and when the signs went up on Jackson Boulevard, commuters found Lou Mitchell’s waiting for them. We’ve been feeding the hungry travelers with comfort food since 1923. Drop in and enjoy our famous breakfast and/or lunch.
Since Jackson Boulevard is now a one way street east to Michigan Avenue, you will need to return to the expressway by way of Adams Street, which runs west one way. Adams begins in front of The Art Institute of Chicago. A little farther west on Adams is the Willi's Tower (formally known as Sears Tower)
(originally known as Illinois State Penitentiary, colloquially as Joliet Prison, Joliet Penitentiary, the Old Joliet Prison, and the Collins Street Prison) was a prison in Joliet, Illinois, United States, from 1858 to 2002. It is featured in the motion picture The Blues Brothers as the prison from which Jake Blues is released at the beginning of the movie (hence his nickname Joliet Jake). It is also used for the exterior shots of the Illinois "state prison" in the James Cagney film White Heat, and the location for first season of Fox Network's Prison Break television show, and the movie Let's Go to Prison. In 2018, it opened for tours.
Designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mead, and completed in 1874, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery, and is surpassed only by Arlington as the most visited cemetery in the nation. At the entrance to the Tomb is a bronze bust of Mr. Lincoln. Visitors from around the world have stopped to rub the nose of the statue for good luck.
This Standard Oil gas station opened in 1932 and stopped serving gas in the mid 1960’s. Subsequently a body shop it finally closed it’s doors in 1975. It’s since been lovingly restored by the Illinois Route 66 Association and their Preservation Committee, and is now staffed by volunteers happy to welcome Route 66 travelers. It no longer serves gas but you can walk around this beautiful building and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer any questions.
This Standard Oil gas station opened in 1932 and stopped serving gas in the mid 1960’s. Subsequently a body shop it finally closed it’s doors in 1975.
It’s since been lovingly restored by the Illinois Route 66 Association and their Preservation Committee, and is now staffed by volunteers happy to welcome Route 66 travellers.
It no longer serves gas but you can walk around this beautiful building and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer any questions.
The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum features thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66, including Route 66 Artist and Icon, Bob Waldmire's bus and van! There's also a great photo op with the largest Route 66 shield mural, painted on the museum's back wall. Learn the history of Route 66 in Illinois when Route 66 was the most important highway in the nation.
The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois is a must-see destination for anyone traveling along the historic Route 66 highway. Located in the heart of downtown Pontiac, the museum is housed in the historic Pontiac City Hall building, which was constructed in 1891.
The museum features a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the history of Route 66, including vintage cars, gas pumps, and road signs. It's also home to the late Bob Waldmire's bus and van! Visitors can also view a collection of Route 66 memorabilia, including postcards, maps, and photographs.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Route 66 Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the highway's history and preservation. Inductees include business owners, historians, and community leaders who have worked to keep the memory of Route 66 alive for future generations.
In addition to the exhibits and Hall of Fame, the museum also offers a gift shop that sells Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase t-shirts, hats, and other items to commemorate their visit to the museum and the historic highway.
Overall, the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the famous highway. And don't forget, there's a great photo op with the largest Route 66 shield mural, painted on the museum’s rear wall!
The house, purchased by Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln in 1844, was the only home that Lincoln ever owned. During the time he lived here, Lincoln was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846, and elected President in 1860. Lincoln’s home in downtown Springfield has been restored to it’s 1860 appearance and opened to the public. Access to the house is by ticket only – tickets are free but on a first-come first-served basis.
The house, purchased by Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln in 1844, was the only home that Lincoln ever owned. Located at the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets, the house contains twelve rooms spread over two floors. During the time he lived here, Lincoln was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846, and elected President in 1860.
Lincoln’s home in downtown Springfield has been restored to it’s 1860 appearance and opened to the public.
Abraham and Mary Lincoln bought the house in 1844 for $1200 and lived there for 17 years. Access to the house is by ticket only - tickets are free but on a first-come first-served basis.
It was closed when I visited (being used for filming of a documentary) but the surrounding streets are beautiful and very well maintained.
The Bunyon Giant takes its place as the second of the state's iconic "brothers". Similar to the Gemini Giant that precedes it, this colossal figure once belonged to the illustrious clan of mufler men originally employed to promote automotive services on the route. These larger-than-life fiberglass statues have become a distinctive part of Americana, particularly along historic highways like Route 66.
In the case of the Bunyon Giant in Illinois, the sculpture underwent a transformation that added to its unique charm. Over time, this particular muffler man was repurposed to hold a massive hot-dog as it once proudly graced the exterior of "Bunyon's" restaurant in Cicero, Illinois.
With the closure of "Bunyon's" restaurant in 2003, the sculpture was relocated to Atlanta, a move that allowed it to continue its presence along the iconic Route 66. As a nostalgic symbol of America's roadside culture and history, the Bunyon Giant remains an enduring piece of art that connects the past with the present, inviting people to explore the stories and memories of the open road.
The Ambler's Texaco Gas Station has been identified as the longest operating gas station along Route 66, dispensing fuel for 66 continuous years until 1999! Ambler's was the subject of major restoration work from 2005–2007, and reopened as a Route 66 visitor's center in May 2007. The local community have really done a great job in restoring this to it's former glory and staffing the site with knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers.
The Ambler's Texaco Gas Station has been identified as the longest operating gas station along Route 66, dispensing fuel for 66 continuous years until 1999!
Ambler's was the subject of major restoration work from 2005–2007, and reopened as a Route 66 visitor's center in May 2007 staffed with knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers.
The local community have really done a great job in restoring this to it's former glory with help from funding via the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The main office and canopy area has been taken back to the 1930s and the service bay area has been taken back to it's 1940s appearance.
The look of Ambler's Texaco Station is commonly known as "house and canopy" or "domestic style". The style was developed in 1916 by Standard Oil and consisted of a small house-like building with attached canopy. The style was meant to evoke feelings of home and comfort in order to make people feel more at ease buying goods.
The building evokes feelings of early Route 66 tourism and is a great example of the architectural stylings of the time.
Situated in the small town of Wilmington, the launching Pad Drive-In has been feeding Route 66 travelers since it first opened it’s doors in 1960. The colourful interior has had a recent makeover courtesy of new owners Tully and Holly and makes the diner an inviting stop between Chicago and Springfield. Recent posts on social media indicate a huge renovation after being empty for quite some time. On the south side of the diner is the Gemini Giant – a huge fibreglass astronaut and one of the 3 “brothers” of Route 66 in Illinois. If you’re travelling east to west he’ll be one of the first unique landmarks you’ll encounter driving Route 66.
Supporting the Launching Pad, one of the most iconic stops in the first leg of your east to west journey, is essential. Stop by, grab a bit to eat, and soak up the atmosphere - it's out of this world
Whether you need a car towed or want to see some vintage cars, this Route 66 roadside attraction is for you. Dick’s on 66 in Joliet, Illinois (AKA Dick’s Towing) features old cars on their roof and a slice of the Mother Road at a real Joliet business.
The big white and orange building on Route 66 is decorated with a Route 66 shield, aging oil canisters, hubcaps and tools, a cutout of a man in the window and four vintage cars. Two old cars are positioned on the roof: an old tow truck that says “Dick’s Towing” and a black 1950s Pontiac Silver Streak with “California or Bust” written across the side. In front of the building are two more, including a vintage police car marked with “Car 54” and “support your local police.”
Located in the former Livingston High School building, the Pink Elephant Antique Mall showcases the wares of more than 50 antique dealers. From floor to ceiling, browse the shelves for a unique find. If you happen to work up an appetite, they have you covered with a quaint diner offering burgers, nachos, sandwiches, and refreshments. Save room for ice cream!
A retro 50's style diner offering a variety of sandwiches and ice cream for dessert!
Shop 'til you drop at the Pink Elephant and take a break at the Twistee Treat Diner for a bit to eat. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich served with a side of crispy fries is a visitor favorite. You can't go wrong with the hamburger basket and homemade waffle cone and ice cream for dessert.
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