I’ve always loved a good road trip, but there’s one legendary adventure that’s been on my mind forever: the iconic Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, it’s not just a highway—it’s a time capsule of America’s past, packed with retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and pure open-road magic. Back in the ’60s, it even inspired the hit Route 66 TV show! So, grab your imaginary suitcase and let’s hit the road to explore some of the coolest spots along this historic journey. Buckle up—it’s going to be a ride to remember!
A Little Route 66 TV Show Trivia
- This road’s charm and mystique might have inspired the Route 66 TV show, but the series didn’t follow the route. In fact, only a few of the episodes referenced the highway.
- The series was filmed in locations across the country, from New Orleans to Oregon, that are nowhere near Route 66.
- The final episode of the series took place in Niagara Falls, more than 2500 miles from the end of Route 66 and over 500 miles from its start!
Where the Road Began
The Route 66 TV show celebrated the freedom and unpredictability that traveling the open road embodies. But all roads begin somewhere, and for Route 66, that is in Chicago, Illinois. A “Begin Route 66” sign on Adams Street at Michigan Avenue marks the starting point of this iconic route.
Chicago was chosen as the official start of Route 66 because it was home to the headquarters of Cyrus Avery, known as the “Father of Route 66.” Avery played a crucial role in promoting and developing the highway, working tirelessly to secure funding from local and federal governments. As part of the Good Roads Movement, he successfully lobbied for the creation of bridges and other infrastructure necessary for travelers to make their way across the country.
The original starting point of Historic Route 66 was at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. A sign and plaque mark the spot now recognized as “The Beginning of Route 66.” Today, visitors come to explore nearby attractions and landmarks, highlighting the history and significance of the route’s original starting point. Sadly, Congress decommissioned Route 66 in 1985.
The Buckingham Fountain
During the visitor season, Buckingham Fountain is a popular tourist attraction located in Grant Park. It’s just steps away from the original starting point of Historic Route 66. Built in 1927, the fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world, known for its intricate design and spectacular water displays.
From May through mid October, visitors can catch daily water shows every hour on the hour. What’s so special? How about over 1.5 million gallons of water shooting into the air while accompanied by music and lights? The fountain also features four seahorses. Each represents one of the first four states Route 66 passes through: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Aside from being a beautiful sight to see, the Buckingham Fountain holds cultural significance as well. It was designed to symbolize Lake Michigan and the surrounding states’ connection to water, as well as the influence of French garden design on American landscaping.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
I have to admit that I’ve never had much desire to head off to Chicago. However, it would almost be worth it just to explore the area where the Mother Road began. Note that I said, almost. Sorry, Mama, while I’m drawn to your scenery, quirky small towns, and charisma, I’m not sure I’ll ever embark on this iconic journey. And that raises the question: would you go?
Join me next week for my next stop along the Historic Route 66, the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Even though the bridge is no longer an active roadway, it remains a significant landmark.
If you enjoyed this week’s Friday Morning Post, please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the post! Thanks for being here!
See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view Chasing Hawaii waterfalls.
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My time was 10:01.
7:59, love the picture. I worked in Chicago for thirty years and walked over to the fountain on my lunch hour many times. It’s impressive in person, just have to be careful which way the wind is blowing!
6:10 A very interesting article. Thanks for sharing.
6:35. Friends of ours drove Route 66.
10:36
9:51
My time was 8:54. Very interesting history of Route 66 and the TV series. I’ve have not traveled Route 66 but it sounds like something I might enjoy.
9:02 I remember the TV show and a mystery with that focus by Kris Neri, Revenge on Route 66
Historic Route 66: With its signs for “New Dead Things,” the Biker Bunny Bin, and the Kontiki Pizza and Chinese Restaurant that serves only waffles – it’s kitchy, crazy, and fun. How appropriate that it would hold a place of importance to unconventional Tracy Eaton and her dad, aging Hollywood hunk, Alec Grainger. Their Route 66 adventures always included a stay in Tecos, New Mexico, but their regular stop at Lucy Crier’s Lunch Pail Cafe is now a thing of the past, since Lucy plugged her ex-beau and went to the big house for murder. That’s why it’s perplexing when Lucy, safely ensconced in her cell, is simultaneously seen dodging traffic along Route 66. Naturally, Alec uses that mystery to lure Tracy and her sweetie Drew back to America’s Main Street. But the road takes a darker turn when Woody Crier, Lucy’s smarmy son, turns up dead, and an even stranger bend when the FBI goes gunning for Tracy, calling her one of America’s Most Wanted. She has no choice but to go on the lam, but this time, the Mother Road provides no escape. As the danger escalates, Tracy knows if she can’t cut through the web of secrets and lies shrouding her favorite haunts and the pasts of those dearest to her, everything she cherishes could vanish in a Route 66 minute.
My time today was 5:51. I knew very little about Route 66 (the road or the TV show), so this was a very interesting read!
12.07 pretty picture!
7:06 dont know why it took me so long this morning!
8:13
I have traveled Route 66 through Arizona and New Mexico numerous times