Route 66 is all about the journey and the memories made along the way! In 1926, Illinois became the first state to have the entirety of its portion of Route 66 paved, from Chicago to the Mississippi River. Leading up to the Route 66 100th Anniversary in 2026, we're celebrating a future-forward way to enjoy this iconic highway.
Follow the story of Tonia Hope, Phil Clavert and Brian McIntosh as they take an exciting six-day road trip down Route 66 in a customized Rivian R1S electric vehicle. Then charge up your EV and plan a trip of your own!
An EV Made in Illinois Takes an Iconic Illinois Adventure
The 300-mile road trip down Route 66 will unfold over three online episodes, with the journey beginning at the Historic Route 66 Begin sign in Chicago and continuing south until it concludes at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. Each episode will feature local businesses along the Mother Road, highlighting the stories of local craftspeople, artists and entrepreneurs in the Illinois Made program.
Chicago
Episode 1
The journey begins in downtown Chicago and includes iconic Route 66 spots like the "Route 66 Begins Here" sign. They'll eat at The Berghoff and also explore Navy Pier and two local makers: Justice of the Pies, known for its delicious pies and social mission, and the You Are Beautiful store, famous for spreading positivity through creative installations and merchandise.
Joliet to Bloomington/Normal
Episode 2
In this episode they'll explore the historic Old Joliet Prison, visit the nostalgic Ambler-Decker Texaco Gas Station, and stop by the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum & Mural in Pontiac, complete with an EV charging station across the street.
The group will visit Ropp Jersey Cheese to learn about cheese-making and pet calves and goats before heading to Epiphany Farms. There they'll explore both the farm and the restaurant to understand their sustainable farm-to-table method.
Bloomington to East St Louis
Episode 3
The group continues, visiting the state capital, Springfield, and finishing their trip at the Chain of Rocks Bridge by the Mississippi River.
Stops will include the American Giant's Museum, the World's Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, the Auburn Brick Road, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum, and the Pink Elephant Antique Mall.
They'll visit two fascinating makers: the Cozy Dog Drive-In, famous for introducing the corn dog in 1946, and Funks Grove Maple Sirup, where they explore the grove to see sirup production firsthand.
EV Charging Along the Way
Below are just a selection of the EV-charging options along the route:
- Chicago: The Cubs Blue parking lot on West Waveland Avenue.
- Chicago: The famous Millennium Park offers charging stations in its parking garage.
- Chicago: Navy Pier offers EV charging.
- Chicago: River North has many options including a convenient parking garage on North Jefferson.
- Berwyn: Paisan’s Pizzeria & Bar has an EV charging station.
- Pontiac: Wally’s has a charging station.
- Atlanta: There’s a public parking lot with an EV charging station.
- Springfield: Stratton Building EV Charging
- Collinsville: Multiple local charging stations.
Check back soon to watch all three episodes covering this one-of-a-kind journey!
Route 66 EV Road Trip Itinerary
Plan Your Own Route 66 EV Adventure
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Charge up your EV and hit the Mother Road to experience retro, vintage, and restored roadside favorites that have turned this classic road into a timeless icon.
Find Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Illinois
Illinois has 1200+ public EV charging stations throughout the state which allow you to embark on unforgettable EV road trips, exploring scenic routes and hidden gems across the state.