Chicago Illinois is the start or end of Historic Route 66 and there are signs that officially show the BEGIN or END of the 2448 mile long journey. So for that ‘must’ have memory please see below!

Begin Historic Route 66 Sign

Location: E Adams Street near the junction with Michigan Avenue opposite the Art Institute of Chicago.

There are a few reserved car parking spaces in the No Parking Zone outside of the Consulate General of the Philippines that outside of operating hours you can park for a few moments to take a photo or stick a sticker on the sign.

In fact there is a second Begin sign just at the crossing of E. Adams Street and Michigan Avenue by the traffic lights that has hardly any stickers on it. So don’t be disappointed that the Begin sign a few yards further back is virtually obliterated by previous Route 66’ers embarking on the 2448 mile road trip.

End Historic Route 66 Sign

Location: 98-66 E. Jackson Street.

Located on the second light pole west of the intersection with S. Michigan Avenue the End sign has more parking opportunities for a short stop to take a photograph. The sign is positioned higher up and is relatively free from stickers.

TIP: Visiting Chicago for a few hours book your parking in advance at nearby Millennium Parking Garages

If you park in advance the savings can be enormous from the $26 per hour rate. They have four garages at each corner of Millennium Park and it puts you in the ‘Loop’ and close to public transport.