Welcome to The First Hundred Miles of Route 66

The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Shaw Media, are proud to announce the launch of The First Hundred Miles, a comprehensive new tourism brand dedicated to promoting the best attractions, restaurants and events found along the first leg of the globally-renowned Route 66.

On this new mobile-friendly website and accompanying social media accounts, you’ll find feature articles dedicated to noteworthy attractions, interviews with restaurateurs, inspiring photo galleries and a comprehensive events calendar. This new site also hosts a variety of printable route maps and pre-built road trip itineraries, directing you to popular boutique shops, sprawling nature preserves and delicious dining destinations.

What You’ll Find On The First Hundred Miles:

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Play Under the 'Play' section of The First Hundred Miles, you'll find nostalgic photo-ops, family friendly museums and unbeatable outdoor adventures. Featured here is one of the massive zip lines at The Forge: Lemont Quarries outdoor adventure park.

The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 is a remarkable start to your journey, winding you from the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s legendary Magnificent Mile to the picturesque farmland of Central Illinois, seemingly untouched by time. You’ll encounter boutique shops, sprawling nature preserves, delicious dinning destinations and, of course, iconic sights of yesteryear, like glowing neon signs and the famed Gemini Giant “Muffler Man” statue.

Our goal? To help you find the hidden gems along this route. The First Hundred Miles site and social media channels are the premiere destination to start planning your Route 66 odyssey. Here you’ll find feature articles on noteworthy attractions, interviews with popular restauranteurs, inspiring photo galleries, a comprehensive events calendar, printable route maps and pre-built road trip itineraries.

To kickstart your adventure, be sure to sign up for The First Hundred Miles Newsletter, where you’ll get a once-weekly e-blast featuring exciting upcoming events and info on our exclusive giveaway contests! To see all of our latest articles, and beautiful photos taken along Route 66, be sure to follow The First Hundred Miles on Facebook and Instagram.