The first 100 miles from Chicago on Route 66
We’ve made it to St. Louis, Missouri on our Route 66 caravan adventure and we’re finding that we’re repeating several of the things we’ve done in the past. But we’re also finding new things to do and see.
One of the things we dragged our traveling friend, Kate, to was IMO’s pizza for some St. Louis-style pizza and fried ravioli. Love it or hate it, it’s a regional style of food and that means it’s on our list to try and share with friends.
We’ve been using the Roadside 66 app which we heard about when we interviewed Doug Kirby from Roadside America in podcast 362. This app is pretty great with both major stops but also a more hard-core layer of things to see.
So that’s how we’re finding some of this stuff including a few of the Giants, or Muffler Men, along the route. There seems to be an ever-increasing number of these Giants thanks to renewed interest so here are a few that we got clued into thanks to the app. Oh, and a Bob’s Big Boy.
Right, we also got to a fork in the road in Granite City, Illinois and, as Yogi Berra was credited with saying, when you get to the fork in the road - take it.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall
Located in the small community of Livingston, Illinois, the Pink Elephant Antique Mall is much more than a traditional antique store. It's a destination that celebrates the offbeat attractions and nostalgic experiences that have made Route 66 famous among road-trippers for generations.
The mall occupies a former high school building and features a large collection of antiques, collectibles, vintage merchandise, and unusual finds. Outside, oversized figures and colorful roadside displays provide plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs.
The attraction opened in 2005 and has become a popular stop for travelers exploring the Illinois portion of historic Route 66.
Meet the Famous Pink Elephant
The star of the attraction is the giant pink elephant that gives the mall its name. It's difficult to miss, and it's exactly the kind of wonderfully unusual roadside landmark that makes a Route 66 journey special.
Roadside attractions once played an important role in encouraging motorists to stop along America's highways. Giant animals, oversized advertising figures, and imaginative buildings caught the attention of passing drivers and turned an ordinary journey into an adventure.
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall continues that tradition. Stop for a photograph, admire the other outdoor displays, and enjoy the playful atmosphere before heading inside.
For Route 66 travelers who enjoy collecting photographs of unusual roadside attractions, this is a particularly worthwhile stop.
One of the things on display is a Futuro Pod which looks like a space ship but was a portable ski lodge of sorts. Interestingly there is one of these coming to the American Giants museum and, like the one here, it will be decorated like a flying saucer.
Oh there is an antique mall
Inside, shoppers can browse an extensive selection of antiques, vintage collectibles, furniture, glassware, jewelry, signs, memorabilia, and decorative items. With merchandise supplied by multiple vendors, the selection offers plenty of variety.
You never know what you might discover. One visit might turn up a vintage advertising sign, while another could reveal an old toy, a piece of retro kitchenware, or a collectible that brings back memories of childhood. I am a huge fan of the movie Mars Attacks and they had a life-sized Martian there. Yes. I was tempted. But there’s no space for another traveler in our truck.
Even if you aren't planning to buy anything, browsing the displays is an enjoyable way to spend some time. Antique malls often provide a fascinating glimpse into everyday American life from earlier decades.
Give yourself enough time to explore rather than simply rushing through the building. The best finds are often the ones you weren't expecting.
Visit the Twistee Treat Diner
Another attraction at the Pink Elephant complex is the Twistee Treat Diner, housed in a distinctive building shaped like an oversized ice cream cone.
The whimsical architecture fits perfectly with the nostalgic atmosphere of the property. It's a fun place to pause during a road trip, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy an ice cream treat.
For families, the diner adds another reason to stop beyond antique shopping. For photographers, the unusual building provides another memorable image to add to a Route 66 collection.
As with any roadside restaurant, check current operating hours before planning your meal around a visit.
Don't Miss the Candy and Fudge
A road trip wouldn't be complete without a little something sweet. The complex has also featured the Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, offering nostalgic candy and sweet treats.
A candy shop is a natural fit for Route 66, where travelers have long enjoyed discovering local businesses and unusual places along the highway. Picking up a treat or a small souvenir can be a simple way to make the stop more memorable.
Check ahead to confirm which shops are currently open and what they offer during your visit.
Granite City neon park pays tribute to the neon signs of Route 66
Granite City Neon Park: A Colorful Stop for Route 66 Travelers
If you love vintage neon signs, roadside Americana, and the history of America's highways, Granite City Neon Park in Granite City, Illinois, is a destination worth adding to your travel plans. For travelers exploring historic Route 66 and the surrounding St. Louis region, roadside attractions like this offer a chance to appreciate the colorful signs and classic designs that once made America's highways so memorable.
Neon signs are more than advertising. They are part of the story of American road travel, recalling an era when independent motels, diners, gas stations, and small-town businesses competed for the attention of motorists with bold colors, distinctive lettering, and eye-catching displays.
Discover the Charm of Vintage Neon
For much of the 20th century, neon signs were a familiar sight along America's highways. From glowing motel vacancies to brightly illuminated restaurant names, these signs helped travelers find places to eat, sleep, fuel up, and take a break from the road.
Today, vintage neon has become an important part of roadside preservation. Collectors, historians, artists, and communities recognize these signs as examples of commercial art that reflect the character of their time.
A visit to Granite City Neon Park offers an opportunity to explore this nostalgic side of American travel. It is the kind of stop that appeals to Route 66 enthusiasts, photographers, lovers of vintage design, and anyone who appreciates the history of the open road.
Why Neon Signs Matter to Route 66 History
Route 66 became one of America's most famous highways after its establishment in 1926. Stretching between Chicago and Southern California, the highway connected communities and helped create a uniquely American road-trip culture.
Businesses along Route 66 used neon to attract motorists passing through town. Motels displayed colorful signs to welcome weary travelers, restaurants advertised late-night meals, and service stations used illuminated lettering to make their locations easy to spot after dark.
Although Granite City is not directly on the main Route 66 alignment, its location in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region makes it a possible addition to a broader southwestern Illinois road trip. Visitors can combine an interest in neon preservation with other historic attractions throughout the region.
For anyone traveling Route 66, exploring these surviving examples of roadside design helps bring the highway's history to life.
A Great Stop for Photographers and Americana Fans
Neon signs have a visual appeal that crosses generations. Their distinctive typography, unusual shapes, and bright colors make them excellent subjects for photography.
When visiting Granite City Neon Park, consider taking time to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the signs. Look for the lettering styles, decorative elements, and design details that make each display distinctive.
Photographers may enjoy experimenting with different angles and lighting conditions. Vintage signs can also provide colorful backgrounds for travel photos and social media posts.
Even if you are not a dedicated neon collector, a stop devoted to this style of American advertising can offer a refreshing change from the usual road-trip attractions.
The bridge across the Meramec River isn't anywhere near completion despite what our guide tells us
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park preserves a piece of the history associated with Route 66. The park occupies land associated with the former Times Beach community. Times Beach became nationally known after serious dioxin contamination led to the evacuation and eventual removal of the town's residents during the early 1980s. The area was later cleaned up and transformed into a state park.
Today, visitors can explore the park's natural surroundings and learn more about the history of Route 66 and the communities that developed along its path.
Visit the Route 66 State Park Visitor Center
One of the highlights of a visit is the park's visitor center, housed in a historic building associated with the former Bridgehead Inn. Exhibits have helped tell the story of Route 66, the surrounding region, and the people who traveled the highway.
Before visiting, check the Missouri State Parks website for current visitor center hours, exhibits, and operating information. Facilities and opening schedules can vary.
Even if you're primarily interested in the road itself, the visitor center can provide useful background on how Route 66 shaped travel, tourism, and roadside businesses throughout Missouri.
One of the more curious facts about this place is a bridge across the Meramec River. Sort of.
Our Passport said the bridge was under construction but later passports said it was completed. It’s not. It’s still a metal framework because. Well. Government construction projects. There is a really nice visitor’s center here with a friendly attendant plus a vintage neon sign so there is that.
Enjoy the Outdoors Along the Meramec River
Route 66 State Park isn't just about highway history. Its setting along the Meramec River makes it a pleasant place to stretch your legs and enjoy Missouri's natural scenery.
Depending on current trail and facility conditions, visitors can enjoy activities such as:
Walking and exploring the park's outdoor areas
Wildlife and bird watching
Photography along the river and surrounding landscape
Enjoying a quiet picnic break during a Route 66 road trip
Taking a break from driving and spending time outdoors
Bring your camera, especially if you enjoy photographing riverside landscapes and the quieter side of the Mother Road.
We’ve made it to St. Louis
We’re going to spend several days in the Meramec State Park campground but we’re not likely to visit Meramec Caverns on this time. However we have visited in the past and that is one of those must-stop portions of Route 66.
You can also revisit our adventure to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis. Hoist one for us!
