This is going to be a tough choice for some Route 66 fans. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is having the people vote on the Seven Wonders of Illinois, and Route 66 attractions are among the nominees.
The voting starts with 12 nominees in each of the seven regions. The number of attractions narrow each week, until there is just one left standing in each region.
The dilemma starts in the Central Region, which has four attractions on Route 66:
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield
- Old State Capitol Historic Site
- Cozy Dog Drive-In restaurant in Springfield
- Bill Shea’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum in Springfield
The Southwest Region has:
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
- World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Collinsville (not on 66, but is frequently associated with the Mother Road)
In Chicagoland, there’s just one nominee on Route 66, but it’s a goodie:
- Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
In Chicago:
- Buckingham Fountain (near the start of 66)
- Sears Tower