Illinois has invested millions over the last few years on Route 66 redevelopment and promotion, said Eric Wagner with the state tourism office. “Route 66 is huge for us,” he said.

Route 66, the 2,448-mile link between Middle America's capital, Chicago, and the exotic West Coast, was commissioned 75 years ago this summer.

Think of it as a scavenger hunt: The AAA Route 66 map and the EZ 66 Guide from the National Historic Route 66 Federation are particularly helpful. Miles: About 130 miles one way.