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LLINOISouth is crossed by SO MANY scenic byways, and each route is full of unique stories and attractions to visit. Route 66, the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail and the Great River Road all travel north and south through our territory, while the Historic National Road travels east and west. No matter which road you take, you’ll find something that will make you say “I didn’t know that was in Illinois!” The stretch of Route 66 that cuts through ILLINOISouth has a few notable stops that will make you whip out your camera. On the alignment of the Mother Road that connected Pontoon Beach and Granite City sits the Luna Café,
"...EACH ROUTE IS FULL OF UNIQUE STORIES AND ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT."
where their fantastic neon sign is an Instagram celebrity. Once you get to Granite City, make sure to make a stop at O’Brien Tire & Auto to take a selfie in front of their HUGE Route 66 branded tire! The last stop is on a once temporary alignment of Route 66 in Venice, which is home to the very large Salute to Steel Sculpture! For more info visit illinoisroute66.org.
Two of our great road trip routes intermingle with one another – the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail and the Great River Road. Also known as “Illinois’ First Road,” the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail dates back to 11,000 BC. Kaskaskia was the first state capital in 1818 and is home to ‘The Liberty Bell of the West.’ A notable stop along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail is Fort de Chartres, Chartres which was built in 1720, and is home to the oldest building in the state! As previously mentioned, the Great River Road overlaps the ▶ 6
Road Trips
ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021
