Route 66 Start Sign: While you're in Chicago, snap a photo with the Route 66 Start sign in Grant Park. It's free and an iconic way to begin your journey.
Museum of Science and Industry: Though this museum does charge for admission, it’s one of the best places in Chicago for history and innovation. If you’re traveling on a budget, look for free days or discounts.
Route 66 Visitor Center: Located at the Route 66 Association of Illinois building, you can grab free maps and advice from locals.

Joliet Area Historical Museum: While this museum charges an entry fee, it’s very affordable and includes exhibits on Route 66 and local history.
Old Joliet Prison: You can view the prison from the outside for free. For a small fee, you can take a guided tour of this historic prison, which once housed notorious criminals like John Wayne Gacy.

Gemini Giant: A quirky roadside attraction—a giant fiberglass astronaut at The Launching Pad Drive-In. It’s a great spot to snap a free photo.
Wilmington Depot: This historic train depot offers a peek into the past. It’s part of the local history and accessible at no cost.

Braidwood Historical Society Museum: This small museum is free to visit and offers a glimpse into the history of this tiny Illinois town along Route 66.

Dwight Historical Society Museum: Explore the history of the town with a free visit to the local museum, which includes artifacts related to Route 66 and the early days of travel.

Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum: A great stop for car enthusiasts, this museum is free to enter and showcases a collection of classic cars, including some from the Route 66 era.
Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum: This museum is small but packed with Route 66 history. It’s free and offers a great way to learn about the cultural impact of the highway.

McLean County Museum of History: With affordable admission fees, this museum highlights the local history and is a great place to stretch your legs.
David Davis Mansion: While there’s a small entrance fee, the mansion is a fascinating stop for history buffs, and the surrounding gardens are free to explore.

Abraham Lincoln’s New Salem: While a bit off Route 66, it's an excellent (and free) stop to explore the life of President Abraham Lincoln. The recreated village gives you a taste of early 19th-century life.
Lincoln’s Tomb: A free, somber stop in Oak Ridge Cemetery where you can pay your respects to one of the nation’s greatest presidents.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: While this museum charges an entry fee, it often has discounts or a lower price for entry if you visit during off-peak hours.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site: Free to visit, this is where Lincoln lived before he became president, and the guided tours are a great way to learn more about his life.
Route 66 Drive-In: If you want a bit of retro fun, check out this affordable, old-school drive-in theater for a night out.

Litchfield Route 66 Park: A small park with historic markers, murals, and a great place for a quick rest. You can explore for free while soaking in the town’s history.
Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center: Free entry, offering local history and information on Route 66.

World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle: Stop by the world’s largest ketchup bottle for a quirky, free roadside attraction.
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts: If you love art, this is a low-cost stop where you can explore galleries and exhibits related to local culture.

Gateway Arch (in nearby St. Louis): Just a short detour from Route 66, the Gateway Arch is free to explore from the outside and offers fantastic views of the Mississippi River. A truly iconic sight.
The Cahokia Mounds: A short drive from Collinsville, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers free entry to an ancient Native American city, with trails and interpretive signs.

Gateway Arch National Park: While the tram ride to the top costs money, the park itself and the views around it are free to visit.
City Museum: While admission isn’t free, it’s a low-cost, unique stop filled with interactive exhibits that will keep you entertained.
Route 66 Sign at the Arch: The famous "End of the Trail" sign is a must-see and is free to visit for a classic Route 66 photo.

Camping: There are many affordable campgrounds along Route 66 in Illinois. Use apps like Campendium or FreeCampsites.net to find free or cheap campsites.
Picnicking: Pack lunches or stop at local parks to enjoy a picnic and save money on meals.
Hostels & Budget Motels: Look for inexpensive hostels or motels along the route, especially in smaller towns.
Public Transport: In larger cities like Chicago, you can take the bus or subway for budget-friendly transportation.

Wandering Souls