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CHOOSE CHICAGO LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO PROMOTE EXPLORATION OF ROUTE 66 IN CHICAGO

Neighborhood Trolley Tours and Car Shows this summer will celebrate Chicago as the starting point
of Route 66; new signage installed downtown and in three neighborhoods

CHICAGO (July 2, 2024) – In preparation for the upcoming centennial celebration of Route 66, Choose Chicago is proud to announce a new program to promote the exploration of the historic highway and celebrate Chicago’s role as the starting point of the iconic “Mother Road. ” Choose Chicago has installed eye-catching wayfinding markers downtown and in three neighborhoods to promote an understanding and appreciation of Route 66’s history and impact on Chicago. Starting later this month, Choose Chicago will also partner with local providers to offer free Trolley Neighborhood Tours as well as four Route 66 Classic Cars Show along Ogden Ave, formerly part of the historic route. More information about these new programs along with resources to explore Route 66 in Chicago can be found on Choose Chicago’s new Route 66 landing page. These programs were made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in preparation for the centennial celebration of Route 66 in 2026.

“Originating at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, Route 66 is one of the most important and historic west-bound arteries connecting America to the heart of the country – Chicago. We are proud of its history and profound impact on our city,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “With these new initiatives, we are refreshing our relationship with the ‘Mother Road’ and ensuring that visitors from all over the world can experience the magic of Route 66 throughout Chicago.”

Beginning in downtown Chicago and stretching more than 2,400 miles to the Pacific Coast, Route 66 has shaped the history of the United States and is a major attraction for both national and international visitors. Installed last week, new signage at the current starting point in downtown and in three Chicago neighborhoods along Route 66 will draw visitors to these locations and surrounding businesses while providing educational experiences. Signage has been installed at the following locations:

“The history of Route 66 is fundamental to who we are as a state and our appeal as a global destination,” said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “As we prepare for the centennial celebration of Route 66, we are delighted to support these new programs and we invite visitors to explore all of the Route 66 programming in Chicago and throughout Illinois.”

In partnership with Tours With Mike, Choose Chicago is launching free Trolley Tours that the public can enjoy from July through August. The tours, titled “Route 66 Neighborhoods by Trolley”, will take attendees through neighborhoods along Route 66 in Chicago. Participants will explore the local history, arts & culture, landmarks, and restaurants of these neighborhoods, viewed through the lens of Route 66 history. Tours begin and end at the Art Institute of Chicago and will take place from July 13th through August 11th – free tickets are available here on a first-come, first-served basis.

Choose Chicago is also organizing a series of four free Route 66 Classic Car Shows in July and August. These car shows will give visitors an opportunity to witness the evolution of car manufacturing while enjoying tasty treats from local favorite eateries. Visitors will be able to see classic cars from Klairmont Kollections, dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, including the 1916 Ford Model T and the original 1966 Batmobile from the TV show Batman. They will also see recently released Ford electric vehicles from Fox Ford of Chicago. The car shows will take place at Lu-Lu’s Hot Dogs in Tri-Taylor and La Catedral Café in North Lawndale – no RSVP is needed, and more information can be found on the Choose Chicago website.

“Chicago’s neighborhoods have long been connected to Route 66 and shaped by the many travelers that explored our city along the historic road,” said Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago. “With these new programs, we are making sure that visitors and locals understand the road’s important history and invite everyone to explore the many businesses and attractions along the route. This is one more way that we are using tourism to drive economic impact into communities that have not traditionally had a seat at the table.”

To provide visitors with more information on how to explore Route 66 in Chicago, Choose Chicago is launching a new Route 66 website. This page is a resource hub to learn about the impact of Route 66 on Chicago and its neighborhoods and how to explore important landmarks and must-see places along the route. The site also includes old historical landmarks, a map of Chicago’s Route 66, locations to charge electric vehicles, and more information on all Route 66 summer activities.

“The history of Chicago’s neighborhoods is intertwined with Route 66, and there are so many gems to explore along the famous route,” said Mike McMains, founder of Tours With Mike. “I am excited to partner with Choose Chicago to offer free tours throughout the summer and I hope to use these tours to offer both Chicagoans and visitors a glimpse into the rich history of our neighborhoods.”

The launch of these new Route 66 programs is part of Choose Chicago’s comprehensive efforts to promote visitation to and exploration of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Earlier this year, Choose Chicago released five neighborhood travel films as part of the award-winning travel series The 77: A City of Neighborhoods. Choose Chicago also works directly with 30 neighborhoods across Chicago to market our communities and position Chicago’s neighborhoods as prime destinations for residents and visitors alike.

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About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.