United States > The end of Route 66

Today the last stage of Route 66 is on the program. We are driving to Chicago. Before leaving St. Louis, we enjoy the view from the opposite side of the Mississippi River. Across the water stands the Arch, with downtown St. Louis behind it. Via the Interstate 55 highway, we drive northeast. In Litchfield, there is a visitor center for Route 66. We are warmly welcomed. They ask us to place a pin on the world map.

United States - The enormous statue of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington

With some effort, we manage to find a spot near the Netherlands. The hostess enthusiastically praises the museum. We are allowed to take photos, receive a brochure, and are especially urged to look at the old T-Ford. Further along the route in Atlanta stands the statue of Tall Paul. This enormous advertising figure once promoted hot dogs. Today, it is a typical Route 66 landmark. At the Route 66-themed café across from Tall Paul, we order lunch. In a little shop next to the café, the owner insists that we should also visit Pontiac. There’s a nice museum there. The center of Pontiac looks charming. It’s nice to stroll through the little streets. On the wall of the museum is a large Route 66 mural. Motorcyclists pose in front of it. Inside, the museum is busy with Route 66 tourists. When we mention that we are from the Netherlands, we each receive a Route 66 pin pressed into our hands.

United States - The skyscrapers of Chicago

A gift. Our last stop today is Wilmington. Here too stands a giant statue: the Gemini Giant. This statue, like Tall Paul, was once an advertising figure. From here it’s still about a hundred kilometers to Chicago. We take the highway. After about half an hour of driving, we hit a traffic jam. The traffic crawls along for the last dozens of kilometers to Chicago. It’s evening rush hour and the start of a long weekend for Americans. On the city’s ring road, traffic comes to a complete standstill. We inch forward, five lanes side by side. Around half past five we reach the exit and drive into the city center, arriving at the Garden Inn Hilton Hotel. The hotel is located right in the middle of downtown. We park our car in the garage across the street. Paid parking. In Chicago, there is no way around it. In the evening, we walk into Chicago. As dusk falls over the city, we enjoy the lively street scene. We cross the Chicago River and wander through the Loop district. There’s a pleasant atmosphere in the city center. We have a beer and eat at a Thai restaurant.