Cheryl Eichar Jett

There are only 13.2 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, but the Sunflower State packs in as much history and adventure per mile as any of the eight Route 66 states. Route 66 in Kansas includes the wild tales from the days of Red Hot Street and the First Cowtown in Kansas. Blood was spilled here during the Civil War and when workers in the mines fought for their rights. Travelers will meet a beloved character from the motion picture Cars, cross a rare Rainbow Bridge, and see classic scenes along the Main Streets. Kansas was completely bypassed and was not even mentioned in the Bobby Troup song (Get Your Kicks) on Route 66, but it would be a major mistake to pass it by today. It deserves to be experienced slowly--with the top down and the radio up.

There are only 13.2 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, but the Sunflower State packs in as much history and adventure per mile as any of the eight Route 66 states. Route 66 in Kansas includes the wild tales from the days of Red Hot Street and the First Cowtown in Texas. Blood was spilled here during the Civil War and when workers in the mines fought for their rights. Travelers will meet a beloved character from the motion picture Cars, cross a rare Rainbow Bridge, and see classic scenes along the Main Streets. Kansas was completely bypassed and was not even mentioned in the Bobby Troup song (Get Your Kicks) on Route 66, but it would be a major mistake to pass it by today. It deserves to be experienced slowly with the top down and the radio up."

Route 66 goes through the heart of Illinois: between the great cities of Chicago and St. Louis, there are 300 miles of adventure, history, culinary delights, and quirky attractions. This is the Land of Lincoln and roadside giants. There are cozy motels, cozy diners, and Cozy Dogs. Interstate 55 will speed travelers to their destination, but Route 66 offers something more. It goes through the hearts of the towns, wandering onto old brick pavement far from the roar of the interstate. Historic restaurants like Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, the Palms Grill in Atlanta, and the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield still keep their coffee pots warm. Waitresses, pump jockeys, gangsters, cops, and politicians all gave the Main Street of America its distinctive personality, and their stories are within these pages. So slow down, take the next exit, and head toward the beckoning neon in the distance. Come explore Route 66 in Illinois - where the road began.