Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Restaurant (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Lou Mitchell's: Breakfast on Route 66
Begin your Route 66 journey at Lou Mitchell's, a Chicago institution since 1923. Known as the 'Mother's of Route 66', this iconic diner has been serving up hearty breakfasts and warm hospitality to travelers for generations. Indulge in their famous doughnuts, fluffy omelets, and strong coffee as you soak in the nostalgic atmosphere. Before you leave, don't forget to grab a piece of their signature doughnut holes – a sweet start to your epic road trip. Lou Mitchell's is more than just a restaurant; it's a living piece of Route 66 history and a must-visit for any road trip enthusiast. Did you know that Lou Mitchell's gives every lady and child a box of candy as they leave? It's a sweet tradition that adds to the restaurant's charm.

  https://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/
Place #2
Distance: 17.90mi , Attraction : Roadside Attraction (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
120 Bridge St, Wilmington, IL 60481, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Gemini Giant: A Route 66 Icon
Comin on your left, make a pit stop at the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois, a towering fiberglass statue that has become a symbol of Route 66. This larger-than-life figure, originally created to promote the Launching Pad Diner, stands over 30 feet tall and holds a rocket in his hands. Pose for a photo with this iconic roadside attraction and marvel at its quirky charm. The Gemini Giant is a perfect example of the unique and often bizarre attractions that made Route 66 so memorable. It's a must-see for any road tripper looking to experience the true spirit of the Mother Road.

  https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2048
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Lou Mitchell's: Breakfast on Route 66
Map Pin Place 2 Gemini Giant: A Route 66 Icon
Map Pin Place 3 Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum
Map Pin Place 4 Springfield Illinois
Map Pin Place 5 Cozy Dog Drive-In: Corn Dog Heaven (Break)
Map Pin Place 6 St. Louis, Missouri – The Gateway to the West
Map Pin Place 7 Chain of Rocks Bridge: Historic Landmark
Map Pin Place 8 Gateway Arch: Symbol of Expansion
Map Pin Place 9 Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders
Map Pin Place 10 Totem Pole Trading Post: Snack break and Souvenir Stop
Map Pin Place 11 Uranus Fudge Factory: A Quirky Finale for Day 1
Map Pin Place 12 Lebanon, Missouri – Classic Americana on the Mother Road
Map Pin Place 13 The Ozarks
Map Pin Place 14 Springfield, Missouri – The Birthplace of Route 66



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Related travel ideas and destinations for you to explore

Best Self-Guided USA Scenic Drives: Audio Tours & 1-Day Itineraries

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 14 stops, covering top attractions such as Lou Mitchell's: Breakfast on Route 66, Gemini Giant: A Route 66 Icon, Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, Springfield Illinois, Cozy Dog Drive-In: Corn Dog Heaven (Break).
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Lou Mitchell's: Breakfast on Route 66 (Address: 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!