Exploring Route 66 in Illinois

We left Nappanee early Sunday morning and made our way across Indiana and into Illinois . . . through farm fields,

and wind farms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our destination, in fact, was in the middle of a corn field!

 

We found the Camp A While Campground on the Passport America site;  it’s a cute little campground with friendly owners – a nice spot to spend a few days!

 

It was a tight squeeze to get the RV pulled into site #8, but we made it!

 

 

 

Today, after work and school were done, we headed north on historic Route 66 to the little town of Atlanta.

As we drove into town, we were greeted by this smiling face.

It was quiet in town, with most places closed on Monday, but we managed to see several well-known Route 66 attractions.

Our first stop was the Atlanta Park,

where we learned about the history of this cute little town and spoke to a couple of volunteers who were cleaning up the landscaping in the park.

Just across the street from the park is the historic Atlanta Library,

and the Palms Grill Café, which used to be the Greyhound Bus Station.

 

 

The Trading Post and the Route 66 Museum were closed, but we were still able to get a peek in the window . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Big Paul Bunyan was still posing for pictures . . . although he seems to have traded his axe for a hot dog!!

What’s up with that??!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did find an Arcade Museum that was open (at least we think it was open . . . they had a sign outside, and the door was open . . . nobody was around, though!)

 

They had quite a collection of old arcade games . . . and some not-so-old ones that I remember!! LOL

 

 

 

Some were even in working condition, and the boys just had to try them out! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way out of town, we stopped to see the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator.

 

It was closed, too – only open in the summer, but we could still walk around and check out the interpretive signs.

 

 

 

Nicolas tried to weigh himself on the scale, but it wasn’t working!

Back in Lincoln, the weather had improved enough to justify a visit to Dairy Queen before they close for the season  (yes, we are still up north, and Dairy Queen closes in the winter!)

 

It sure did taste good!!

 

 

 

 

 

After our treat, we drove through downtown Lincoln, although we weren’t as successful at finding Route 66 sites here!

We did manage to find the County Courthouse, though,

and City Hall (complete with telephone booth on the roof for storm sighting!),

 

Lincoln’s face on a wall,

 

and a Quilt Shop!

We finally gave up on looking for historic sites, and just made our way back to the RV for dinner . . . following a hot air balloon part of the way!

Tomorrow our agenda includes Springfield and Abraham Lincoln!