Billy Goat Tavern Entrance.

Famous Navy Pier on a cold, windy FREEZING day, Chicago IL.

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket was the first Route 66 icon on our way (even though Willowbrook is really part of Chicago nowdays).

Our first Route 66 sign was a reassuring sight for foreign travellers having a SMALL amount of trouble finding their way, Dell Rhea Chicken Basket, Chicago IL.

White Fence Farm near Romeoville was our next stop. Very restricted opening hours meant we just got outside photos.

We couldn't resist stopping at Rich & Creamy on Broadway at Route 66 Park, even on a cold and windy day, Joliet IL.

Be sure to drop in and meet the friendly volunteers at the Route 66 Museum, Joliet IL.

Make sure you check first and visit Joliet when the Rialto Theatre is conducting tours of the magnificent building, Joliet IL.

The famous Launching Pad Diner, Wilmington IL.

Cool mural in the Launching Pad Diner, Wilmington IL.

Drink Route Beer, Wilmington IL!

These old Sinclair Dinosaurs last as long as real fossils, Wilmington IL.

The Polk-a-Dot Diner's neon sign.

Old Traffic Lights preserved at the Polk-a-Dot Diner, Braidwood IL.

A Betty Boop sign outside the Riviera Restaurant.

An old sign for the 1920s Streetcar Diner behind the closed Riviera 1928 Restaurant, Gardner IL.

This Route 66 Flag and the Stars & Stripes looked great, even to a foreign visitor, Gardner IL.

The Route 66 Java Stop in Dwight IL is ingeniously constructed from 2 shipping containers on top of each other.

The sign is still there for the abandoned Smaterjax Grill & Pizzeria, Dwight IL.

The sign for the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant - we had lunch here and loved it!

The famous restored Meramec Caverns barn near Odell IL.

Restored Standard Oil Gas Station, Odell IL.

Make time to see the great Route 66 Museum, Pontiac IL.

A really cool Route 66 mural on the back wall of the Route 66 Museum, Pontiac IL.

A cut off abandoned section of old Route 66 has been preserved as "Memory Lane", just outside Lexington IL.

The old sign points the way to downtown Lexington IL.

Old advertising mural, Chenoa IL.

Historic Route 66 - A Geographical Journey, a preserved section of old Route 66, is a must see in Towanda IL.

Abe on 66, Bloomington & Normal IL.

The Dixie Truckers Plaza Diner (Former Dixie Truckers Home) has been serving Route 66 since 1928.

Still on track, McLean IL.

Atlanta Route 66 Park is an interesting tourist attraction.

Atlanta Route 66 Park sign saying we're already half way through pretty Illinois Route 66, Atlanta IL.

Old advertising brought back to life, Atlanta IL.

While taking photos downtown, we ran into Larry Brandt, owner of the J H Hawes Grain Elevator (1903) which is currently nearly ready to open as a tourist attraction. When Larry heard we were foreign visitors he very kindly opened up the elevator and showed us right through. Typical Illinois hospitality. Thanks Larry and Gidday from Australia.

The Lincoln Theatre would have looked great with the signs lit up on this gloomy spring day, Lincoln IL.

Drinks are cool at the Route 66 Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, Lincoln IL.

The Mill in Lincoln IL is a famous Route 66 icon.

The Old Station, Williamsville IL.

The Williamsville IL Route 66 Dream Car Museum looked interesting but was closed when we passed through.

Shea's Gas Station Museum, Springfield IL.

Springfield IL is also home to the Cozy Dog Drive - home of the corn dog.

The Lincoln Bicentennial was being celebrated when we passed through Springfield IL.

We were very lucky to pass through Girard IL just when the iconic Whirl-A-Whip was just opening for the season.

Closed Drive In, hopefully just for the season, Litchfield IL.

The Ariston Cafe neon sign, Litchfield IL.

Shaw's Bar looked like a warm and bright place on a gloomy day, Litchfield IL.

The Vic Suhling Gas sign in Litchfield IL is one of the most photographed on the Route. The sign is all that's left - no gas station.

We're still kickin' on Route 66 in Mt Olive IL.

The Old 1926 Soulsby Shell Station, Mt Olive IL. Many of these businesses have been here for years and years.

"Hare it is", the sign for Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton IL, a clever play on the other Route 66 rabbit, the "Here it is" sign at Jackrabbit in Arizona (see later in this site for that rabbit).

The driveway into Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton IL. Note the old Standard sign.

A collection of old Route 66 neons rescued at Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton IL.

The Crystal Ball Room is a tourist sight in Staunton IL.

The Bel Air Drive In Sign in Mitchell IL - just a sign, no Drive In!

The Luna Cafe neon sign in Mitchell IL. What a friendly bunch of people we met here. We sat next to a Vietnam veteran who had appreciated friendly Aussie hospitality while on R&R and insisted on paying for our lunch.

The long abandoned Twin Oaks gas station and its neon sign, in Mitchell IL.

Welcome to Missouri!

A small collection of old neon signs adds a touch of nostalgia at the old Chain of Rocks Bridge Old near Venice MO.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is another Route 66 icon heading west out of St Louis MO.

The Eat-Rite Diner is a St Louis and Route 66 icon.

Route 66 State Park MO Visitors Centre.

Still tracking on Route 66 through Gray Summit MO.

The much photographed Diamonds Restaurant & Gardenway Motel Signs, Gray Summit MO.

The Gardenway Motel still seems to be thriving in Gray Summit MO.

The entrance to Shaw Nature Reserve in Villa Ridge MO.

The highlight of our visit to St Clair was lunch at the iconic Lewis Cafe.

Former Sunset Motel Neon, St Clair MO.

The Riverside Reptile Wildlife Center graces the road leading to the Meramec Caverns near Stanton MO.

The entrance to the fanous Meramec Caverns, near Stanton MO.

The Circle Inn in Bourbon MO is another Route 66 landmark.

Happy anniversary, Cuba MO!

Great meals at the Cuba MO Missouri Hick(ory) Bar-B-Q.

One of many interesting murals gracing Cuba MO.

The classic Wagon Wheel Motel neon sign, Cuba MO.

Advertisement for the Worlds Largest Rocker just down the road in Fanning MO.

Worlds Largest Rocker! Dan made us very welcome there so please visit if you're passing through on Route 66. His website is here. A big Gidday from Australia, Dan!

Route 66 Motors, St James MO.

The Uptown Theatre in downtown Rolla MO!

Inventive mailbox, Rolla MO.

The Totem Pole Trading Post - claims to be Missouri's oldest business, Rolla MO.

Filling up with Route 66 juice, Rolla MO.

Mule Trading Post, Rolla MO.

The famous and VERY well photographed abandoned Johns Modern Cabins Sign, near Doolittle MO.

Vernelles Motel still running, near Doolittle MO.

Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ Pit, Devils Elbow MO.....

Sheldons (was Allmans) Market, Devils Elbow MO.

Not sure what a giant bowling pin and an "Adult Super Store" have in common even in Buckhorn MO??

The famous Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon MO.

The classic neon sign for the Rest Haven Court, Springfield MO.

Gillioz Theatre, Springfield MO.

Whitehall Mercantile, Halltown MO.

What the hell's a Choctaw?

The Gay Parita Restored Sinclair Station at Paris Springs owned by Gary Turner. Gary is another of those Mother Road charmers! He welcomed us very warmly, plied us with refreshments and regaled us with stories about the history of the old station and the restoration. One of nature's gentlemen is Gary. Plenty of other people drop in to visit him daily - while we there a Scottish couple passed by and also Jeff Meyer "The Original Roadologist". Gidday from Australia, Gary!

Bernies Bar, Avilla MO.

Maxville MO is the home of Red Oak II. The owner has moved in all kinds of old buildings, vehicles, implements etc to create a whole small vintage town. It wasn't quite open when we passed by but will be soon so do drop by.

Carthage MO 66 Drive-In - great selection of movies showing!

The old Boots Motel now serving as apartments, Carthage MO.

Old sign fading away, Carthage MO.

The Star Lanes Bowling Alley has seen better days, Carthage MO.

Abandoned Route 66 Diner, Carterville MO.

The Peggy Sue Drive-In is a Route 66 icon, Carterville MO.

The Bradbury Bishop Deli is another Route 66 icon in Webb City MO but alas we arrived 5 minutes before closing and got refused entry,

An interesting Route 66 mural, Webb City MO.

The Kanotex (Kansas-Oklahoma-Texas) sign at the 4 Women on the Route Restored Gas Station, Galena KS.

More old signage weathering away, Galena KS.

Route 66 does a hard left in Galena KS.

Howard 'Pappy' Litch Park, Galena KS.

Howard 'Pappy' Litch Park Site Route 66 sign, Galena KS.

Eisler Bros is another Route 66 icon, Riverton KS.

Rainbow Curve Marsh Arch Bridge information, Riverton KS.

Restored 1930 Phillips 66 Station, Baxter Springs KS.

Very old car sales sign, Baxter Springs KS.

Leaving so soon? Route 66 only covers 13 miles in Kansas. Oklahoma here we come.

Welcome to Oklahoma!

A cool historical mural in Quapaw OK.

On track through Commerce OK.

Abandoned shop & neon; reads 'Wardrobe', Miami OK.

The Coleman Theatre, Miami OK; a 1929 Spanish Mission beauty!

The entrance to the famous Buffalo Ranch, Afton OK.

Restored DX Gas Station 'Afton Station', Afton OK.

Guests are not welcome anymore at the abandoned Raimer Hotel, still with its neon sign, Afton OK.

The abandoned Rest Haven Motel Neon Sign, Afton OK. Full house here too.

Center Cinema, Vinita OK.

Clantons Cafe, Vinita OK.

Route 66 Inn, Vinita OK.

The abandoned Country Court Motel's neon sign is a landmark at White Oak OK.

This old neon sign still shows the location of the abandoned Chelsea Motel, Chelsea OK.

1926 Iron Bridge signage, Chelsea OK.

An interesting mural in Chelsea OK. Perhaps the declining oil industry was what led to the sad decline here.

The abandoned Country Cafe, Foyil OK, right next door to the ......

...... excellent Top Hat Diner, Foyil OK.

Totem Pole Park, Foyil OK, another famous icon.

The former Will Rogers Hotel (now Will Rogers Center) still graces Claremore OK.

Will Rogers Memorial entry, Claremore OK.

The Blue Whale entrance, Catoosa OK. Ok so it's not really a sign or a neon but I love the thing so much I had to get it in there somehow!

The former Arrowood Trading Post is another Route 66 icon at Catoosa OK.

The neon clock says it all, Tallys Cafe, Tulsa OK.

We saw some great nens in Tulsa, here are a few.... Tallys Cafe Neon Sign......

The VERY old neon sign for Midway Timber and their Kitchenettes is now barely legible.

Abandoned Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant neon sign, Tulsa OK.

Desert Hills Motel neon sign, Tulsa OK. What a beauty!

The much photographed Meadow Gold neon sign, Tulsa OK.

The Oasis Motel neon sign could use some maintenance, Tulsa OK.

Old signs gradually being repainted in Sapulpa OK.

Make sure you drop into Granny's on Route 66 in Sapulpa OK. Constructed in 1927 and recently renovated, tt's just opposite City Hall on old Route 66. It's owners are Jim Meyer and his wife who made us very welcome and served up some GREAT pie - the rest of the menu looked equally delicious. Their web site is also worth a visit. Please say hello if you're passing through Sapulpa. Gidday from Australia, Jim!

The Happy Burger Diner is another Route 66 icon, Sapulpa OK.

A former Cotton Gin then Diner now Antiques store, Kellyville OK. That's versatility!

An old Coke advertisement brought back to life, Stroud OK.

Interesting historical rail mural, Stroud OK,

The Rock Cafe has long been a Route 66 icon in Stroud OK but was under renovation when we passed through.

What a beauty - the Skyliner Motel neon sign, Stroud OK.

Gar Woolys Food-N-Fun, Davenport OK.

Restored 1933 Texas Co Gas Station, Davenport OK.

Abandoned 1939 Lincoln Motel neon sign, Chandler OK.

Restored 1930 Phillips 66 Gas Station, Chandler OK.

The Route 66 Interpretive Centre is in a restored 1937 Armoury building in Chandler OK.

A section of old Route 66 is now on privately owned land - the owner is selling ownership over small parcels of the old concrete road, Luther OK.

Round Barn, Arcadia OK, a real Route 66 icon.

Anns Chicken Fry House is an OKC and Route 66 icon, Oklahoma City OK.

Anns Chicken Fry House restaurant interior - very retro indeed, Oklahoma City OK.

Another one of Anns Chicken Fry House, Oklahoma City OK.

And yet another of Anns Chicken Fry House, Oklahoma City OK.

Western Motel neon sign, Oklahoma City OK.

Will Rogers Theatre, Oklahoma City OK.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City OK.

National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma City OK.

Maes Home Cooking neon sign, Yukon OK.

Abandoned Deer Diner, Yukon OK.

Beef industry mural, Yukon OK. town.

Old closed Standard Station, Yukon OK.

Yukons Best Flour Grain Elevator, Yukon OK.

Old 'Watch Your Curves' beef sign near Yukon OK.

Abandoned Los Campanarios Restaurant, El Reno OK.

Interesting and ornate worked iron cemetary sign, El Reno OK.

Abandoned Desmonds Supper Club Restaurant, Geary OK.

Abandoned Rusty Bucket Cafe, Geary OK.

Lucille's is a Route 66 icon near Hydro OK, now replaced by a new Lucille's slightly further west.

Air & Space Museum, Weatherford OK.

The new Lucille's Roadhouse in Weatherford OK has retained much of the vintage "look and feel" of the original one, just a few miles east on the other side of Hydro.

The abandoned Route 66 Drive In's Ticket Booth near Weatherford OK - gradually being reclaimed by nature.

McLain Rogers Park - very art deco, Clinton OK.

The Route 66 Museum is a major tourist attraction in Clinton OK.

The Dairy Best Drive In promises "broasted" chicken (whatever that is!) in Clinton OK.

Former Cotton Boll Motel, Canute OK.

Former Washita Motel, Canute OK.

National Route 66 Museum - very impressive and extensive, Elk City OK.

Sugar Shack - sounds delicious, Elk City OK.

Former Westland Theatre, Elk City OK.

Route 66 Bar & mural, Sayre OK.

Western Motel neon sign - what a beauty, Sayre OK.

We spotted these odd symbols on the sign for the abandoned Stovall Theatre in Sayre OK. I'd love to learn their significance if any reader has any info please share it with me!

These street banners pronounce Erick's fame as birthplace of some great 50s and 60s talent, main street Erick OK.

Roger Miller Museum (1929 Building), Erick OK, a fellow King of the (Mother) Road!

Former Elm Motel, Erick OK.

Former Brandin Iron, Erick OK.

Abandoned 'The Dixie' Snow Cones, Erick OK.

Abandoned Cabana Motel, Erick OK.

Former City Meat Market, "redneck capitol of the world", Erick OK.

Abandoned Water Hole #2, Texola OK.

Welcome to Texas!

Abandoned Motel complex & VERY old sign, Shamrock TX.

The U Drop In Tower Conoco station in Shamrock TX is a famous Route 66 icon.

Nice restored Phillips 66 Gas Station, McLean TX

Route 66 Museum & Devils Rope Museum, McLean TX.

We're still with Mother - old Route 66 road marker, Alanreed TX.

Signs to "Panhandle" and "Borger" (like being back in Chicago) as we approach an overpass of I-40 near Conway TX.

Undoubtedly the highlight of our visit to Amarillo TX was the dinner at the Big Texan. Great fiendly service and possibly the best steak I've had in a life full of eating good steaks!

Big Texan - Giant Boot, Amarillo TX.

The famous Big Texan Sign is a Route 66 icon, Amarillo TX.

The abandoned Ding Ho Chinese Restaurant neon sign is a mournful sight, Amarillo TX.

The Cattleman's Club & Cafe sounded like another great place to eat, Amarillo TX.

The Cowboy Motel seemed to fit right in in Amarillo TX. While taking the photo of this sign we also accidentally got the signs for the Sundown Motel and the Wagon Wheel Motel.

Frankies Route 66 Diner is another place we would have patronised if we'd had more time in Amarillo TX.

The old Natatorium sign, Amarillo TX.

Old weathered Route 66 signs, Amarillo TX.

Faithfully on track on the Mother Road, Amarillo TX.

Sinclair dinosaur & sign at OCs Used Autos, Amarillo TX.

This abandoned Shell Gas Station looked like it hadn't been closed THAT long, Vega TX.

Abandoned Roadrunner Drive-In, Vega TX.

Dots Mini-Museum is a long standing Route 66 icon in Vega TX.

This restored 1926 Magnolia Gasoline Station in Vega TX is a Route 66 must see.

If you ever pass through Adrian TX be sure to stop at the Midpoint Cafe. We were greeted with warmth and interest by the people there and the "ugly crust" pie is a must-eat and a Route 66 legend. You'll meet friendly fellow road travellers and spend a memorable time here for sure! Gidday from Brisbane Tom and Fran!

Tom, now working at the Midpoint Cafe, is the former proprietor of the now closed Bent Door Midway Station and Phillips 66 Station - another Route 66 icon in Adrian TX.

The Texas Bar-B-Q looks like another interesting place to eat in Adrian TX.

One of those enigmatic, indeed eccentric, Stanley Marsh 3 signs, this one in Adrian TX. Stanley Marsh 3 is the creator of the Cadillac Farm outside Amarillo, amongst other things.

An abandoned Motel & Cafe, Glenrio TX.

Welcome to New Mexico!

Abandoned Tourist Complex 'Modern Rest Room', Endee NM - long abandoned.

Abandoned Diner & Bar 'Pour House', San Jon NM. Clever, LOL!

Abandoned Drive-In Diner & its neon sign, Tucumcari NM.

Abandoned Economy Inn Motel lobby & sign, Tucumcari NM.

The abandoned Ranch House Cafe and its neon sign, Tucumcari NM. No Mexican meals here anymore.

This abandoned Trading Post still displays its old neon sign in Tucumcari NM. It seemed to have offered boot repairs.

"Tucumcari Tonight!" urges the street signage and the Apache Motel's neon sign speaks of a welcome resting place in the general abandonement.

Buckaroo Motel and neon sign, Tucumcari NM.

The famous Blue Swallow Motel and its iconic neon sign has long been a Route 66 mainstay in Tucumcari NM. It's been fully renovated by new owners now.

The abandoned Lasso Motel neon sign, Tucumcari NM.

The Lizard Lounge and famous Pow Wow Inn neon signs, Tucumcari NM.

Main Street Route 66 "road art", Tucumcari NM.

The Palomino Motels eye catching neon sign, Tucumcari NM.

Paradise Motel and neon sign, Tucumcari NM.

The Pony Soldier Motel offers high plains hospitality, Tucumcari NM.

Rubees Diner offered a good New Mexican meal, Tucumcari NM.

The Route 66 Auto Museum is worth a visit on the way into Santa Rosa NM.

The Comet II Restaurant in Santa Rosa NM was a welcoming sight.

Josephs Bar & Grill neon sign, Santa Rosa NM.

La Mesa Motel's neon sign is a splash of colour in the Santa Rosa NM night.

The Santa Fe Grill looked like another good place to eat in Santa Rosa NM.

The Route 66 Restaurant & its old neon sign, Santa Rosa NM.

The Sahara Lounge neon sign, Santa Rosa NM.

Classic Diner neon sign, simple and timeless, Santa Rosa NM.

What a classic - the Sun n Sand Motel neon sign, Santa Rosa NM.

Clines Corners NM.

The abandoned Longhorn Ranch neon sign in lonely Wagon Wheel NM.

AND the abandoned Longhorn Ranch had a motel with a neon sign, Wagon Wheel NM.

El Comedor Restaurant & its neon sign are well known on Route 66, Moriarty NM.

Frontier Bar and neon sign, Moriarty NM.

Tracking on OLD Route 66 through Dilia NM.

The stylish and interesting Plaza Hotel is well worth visiting in Las Vegas NM.

If you're ever diving the old Santa Fe loop of old Route 66 be sure to visit Pecos National Historical Park NM.

This rattlesnake warning in Pecos National Historical Park is not a joke!

The Bobcat Bite Diner is another Route 66 icon just outside Santa Fe NM.

The 66 Diner is another Mother Road icon, Albuquerque NM - love that art deco look.

Route 66 lives, Albuquerque NM!

Albuquerque NM turned out to be a trasure trove of great neon signs. Because we stayed overnight in town we were able to catch some of them at their colourful best. Here is the Aztec Motel neon sign.

The Kimo Theatre in downtown Albuquerque NM is yet another Route 66 icon.

The Library Bar & Grill in Albuquerque NM - what a laugh. The "book" titles are "Gone with the gin", "Tequila mockingbird", A midsummer night's drink", "The wrath of grapes", "Lord of the onion rings" and "Partying 101".

I would like to have come back at night to see the Lobo Theatre neon sign lit up, Albuquerque NM.

Interesting mural, Albuquerque NM.

Garcia's Cafe neon sign lights up the early evening, Albuquerque NM.

Closed Route 66 Malt Shop & Grill, Albuquerque NM.

We stayed at the Monterey Non-Smokers Motel in Albuquerque NM and can recommend it. Cool neon sign too.

The Westward Ho Motel Neon seemed to be ushering us west out of Albuquerque NM.

The Route 66 Casino didn't lure us in, Rio Puerco NM.

Budville Trading Company established 1928, Budville NM.

Abandoned Whiting Brothers complex neon sign, San Fidel NM.

The Franciscan Lodge Motel & neon sign, Grants NM.

Grants Cafe offered good cheap food, Grants NM.

Neon Sign for demolished Bluewater Motel, Bluewater NM.

The now closed Red Mountain Market & Deli, Thoreau NM.

Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, Defiance NM.

Welcome to Lupton, Arizona!

Fort Courage Trading Post in Houck AZ, said to be the home of "F Troop", is now closed and abandoned.

Fort Courage Trading Post Abandoned Pancake House Restaurant, Houck AZ.

66 Diner, Sanders AZ - a pink statement!

Petrified Forest National Park AZ entrance sign.

Still getting our kicks, Holbrook AZ.

The Wigwam Motel is a famous Route 66 icon, Holbrook AZ.

The Beautiful Badlands Shop is just opposite the Visitors Centre, Holbrook AZ.

Bubba's Big Pig Bar-B-Q, Holbrook AZ. I've always wanted to meet someone called Bubba!

One of MANY signs on I-40 for Geronimo Trading Post AZ.

The Jackrabbit "Here It Is Sign" is one of the most iconic signs on Route 66, Joseph City AZ

Standin' on the Corner Statue, Winslow AZ. I just love the "ghost painted" reflection of the "girl in a flat bed ford" in the shop window.

La Posada was an unexpected treat in Winslow AZ. Don't miss it if you pass through, classy place and great food.

This closed Trading Post & large Route 66 map are all that is to be found at Meteor City AZ.

All that's left at Two Guns AZ are these Tourist Complex ruins.

Abandoned Trading Post, Twin Arrows AZ.

Babbitt Brothers Building (1888), Flagstaff AZ.

Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ.

Orpheum Theatre, Flagstaff AZ.

Still on track with the Mother Road, Flagstaff AZ.

Crown Railroad Cafe, Flagstaff AZ.

Miz Zips Restaurant Flagstaff AZ - classic road food.

Grand Canyon Cafe & its neon sign, Flagstaff AZ.

Granny's Closet Restaurant is a Route 66 icon.

Arizona Motor Hotel & neon sign, Williams AZ.

Canyon Club & neon sign, Williams AZ.

Cruisers Cafe 66, Williams AZ.

We dined at Goldie's Route 66 Diner and can give it a big thumbs up, Williams AZ.

Grand Canyon Hotel & neon sign, Williams AZ.

Interesting mural, Williams AZ.

Rods Steak House & neon sign, Williams AZ.

Turquoise Tepee & neon sign, Williams AZ.

Wild West Junction, Williams AZ.