Archive for Midwest - page 3

Atlanta Public Library, Museum and Clock Tower 100 SE Race St Atlanta, IL (217) 648-2112 Route 66 attraction, Architecture Built in 1908, the octagonal library with a 36- ft clock tower is now a museum on the National Register of Historic Places. The clock tower…

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Although the music doesn’t really work with the imagery, and they “went backwards” from LA to Chicago, this is a fun representation of all (or at least most) of the city limit signs you will encounter all along route 66.     (Thanks to Ron…

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Cars on the Route – Tow Mater 119 N Main St Galena, KS 620 783-1366 Website Souvenirs, Inspiration for “Cars” character This old Kan-O-Tex station is where “Cars” director John Lasseter and Pixar’s Joe Ranfit saw the old mining boom truck that inspired the “Tow…

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Old Route 66 Baxter Springs, KS Historical site/marker Designed by James Barney Marsh and built in 1926, it is the only remaining Marsh Arch “Rainbow Bridge” on Route 66, and you can still drive over it! In 2000, country singer Brad Paisley performed “Route 66” on…

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Wisconsin Concrete Park – Fred Smith 1886-1976 N8236 State Highway 13 Phillips, WI 715-339-6475 Website Concrete environment Built: 1948 – 1964 “It has to be in the man.  You almost have to be gifted to do what I’ve done” — Grassroots Art Center exhibit, Lucas…

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Lauterbach Tire’s Muffler Man 1569 Wabash Ave Jerome, IL 217-546-2600 website Muffler man This patriotic behemoth standing guard at Lauterbach Tire is one of the “Illinois 66 Giants” – 3 muffler men – the Gemini Giant, the Lauterbach Giant, and the Hot Dog Muffler Man….

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Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket 645 Joliet Road Willowbrook, IL 630-325-0780 Website Great road food (as seen on TV), Chicken dinner, American Fried chicken has been being served here since the 1930s. The restaurant was an ideal stopping place for Route 66 travelers coming from or…

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It’s that time of the year to start thinking about summer vacations. Whether you are going to be sticking close to home, or planning a big road trip across country, here are 27 apps you should have on your phone before you leave town. Of…

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Leila’s Hair Museum 1333 S Noland Rd Independence, MO 816-833-2955 Website Local attraction, Offbeat museum The Independence School of Cosmetology also houses the headquarters of Leila’s Hair Museum. Leila freely admits that she’s “beyond obsessed with hair.” Back in 1956 she bought her first hair…

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Nelson’s Riverton Store (Eisler Brothers) 7109 SE Hwy 66 (Route 66) Riverton, KS 620-848-3330 Grocery store, Inspiration for “Cars” character This well-kept hole-in-the-wall is a throwback to the general store days of yore, and its owner Scott Nelson loves to talk and sing. “Route 66,”…

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