Belgians on the Mother Road: Day 2: Normal, IL to St. Louis, MO

Our road today would finish out the second leg to cross the state of Illinois. Just like yesterday, each corner was filled with Route 66 memorabilia through pretty much every town.

Maple Syrup at Funks Grove

Soon after we started, we got to Funks Grove, a place where they make and sell maple syrup. At the same time, this point marked the mid-point of Route 66 through Illinois. Unfortunately for us, the place didn't open until noon so we could not venture into their business to observe the syrup making process (or buy some for that matter).

Downtown Atlanta

Atlanta Tower and Library

A couple towns down, we got into Atlanta, who dedicated their whole downtown (and pretty much every business in it) to glorify the route. A neat feature was the 40-feet tall tower and clock that is still wound by hand every three days by 55 turns.

Still a couple towns further we entered Lincoln, the place renamed after the 16th president where he practiced law.

Courthouse where Lincoln practiced law

Lincoln home in Springfield, IL

Eventually, we got into Springfield, state capital of Illinois, and home to several Lincoln memorabilia, including his home and tomb. Given that we had some time, we visited both and it was neat to take ourselves back in time.

Lauterbach Muffler Man in
Springfield, IL

The "Launching Pad" Muffler Man
in Wilmington, IL

Springfield is also home to the third "Muffler Man", the other two being in Wilmington and Atlanta. You will see the pictures of all three below. They are known as the three brothers on the route.

The "Hot Dog" Muffler Man in
Atlanta, IL

Today as well, we saw several restored gas stations and old motels. It's also nice to see some really old diners from back in the day that are still open to visitors of Route 66.

Art's Motel and Restaurant - Closed in Farmersville, IL

Restored Texaco Gas Station in Lincoln, IL

Route 66 Cafe in Litchfield, IL

Luna's Cafe in Mitchell, IL. Capone used to drop by back in his days on Route 66.

Our stopping point today ended right at the Mississippi river at the Chain of Rocks bridge. Now closed to car traffic, it is an impressive piece of steel work across the river that used to hold the Route 66 traffic. The narrowness of the bridge, together with the 22 degree turn in the middle of the bridge makes you wonder how cars and trucks ever got across the bridge in its hay days. As the sun was going down in front of us, reflecting on the metal of the bridge, it was a perfect way to end the day.