Route 66 Begin Sign
Chicago, IL
The brown sign on Adams Street marks mile zero of the Mother Road. Grab the photo, then point the car southwest.
The “Begin Route 66” sign on Adams Street in Chicago (Illinois) marks the classic starting point of Route 66, which turns 100 in 2026. It stands downtown at the corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago, and faces westbound drivers. From here the Mother Road runs more than 3,900 km (2,400 miles) to California.
Several signs stand within a block, some mounted high on poles, and their locations and looks have changed over the years. According to Lonely Planet, one of the signs is a replica of the original. Since spring 2026 the city of Chicago has also recognized Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point, about 2 km (1.2 miles) to the northeast (as of October 2026). A few minutes are enough for the photo; Millennium Park and the Art Institute are within walking distance.
- Nearest town
- Chicago, IL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.8795, -87.6243
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
© Zissoudisctrucker · CC BY-SA 4.0Field Museum
© Teemu008 from Palatine, Illinois · CC BY-SA 2.0Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
© Chris Light · CC BY-SA 4.0West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park
Campsites nearby
- Des Plaines Methodist Camp GroundCampsite17 mi from Route 66 Begin Sign
- Camp Bullfrog LakeCampsite19 mi from Route 66 Begin Sign
- Camp Shabbona WoodsCampsite19 mi from Route 66 Begin Sign
- Camp SullivanCampsite19 mi from Route 66 Begin Sign
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Route 66 Begin Sign?
Route 66 Begin Sign is in Chicago, IL, at GPS 41.8795, -87.6243. It is about 30 mi from Lockport.
Can you camp near Route 66 Begin Sign?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground, about 17 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Route 66 Begin Sign?
Route 66 Begin Sign is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part one: Chicago to Oklahoma City.
What is there to see near Route 66 Begin Sign?
Places worth a stop nearby: Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (0 mi), Field Museum (1 mi), Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (9 mi) and West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Route 66 Begin Sign?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)