We started Day 3 with so many electronic gremlins that we left a couple of hours later than planned. We couldn’t get the GoPro OR Insta360 to work. Batteries in our phones and all other electronics died, even though we had fully charged them. It was one thing after another. We finally gave up on the Insta360. We charged our phones and the iPad (which we used for navigation) again and finally got to head out.
We made our way back to Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket so we could pick up where we left off.
From there we passed by the White Fence Farm, as we had plans to stop by later in the day when they opened so I could get my stamp, so there was no need to waste time stopping right now.
| DAY 3 STATS | |
|---|---|
| 📍 STARTING POINT: Willmington, IL | 📅 DATE: July 10, 2026 |
| 📍 ENDING POINT: Joliet, IL | 🛣️ ROAD CONDITION: Asphalt |
| 🚘 TOTAL MILES: 20.5 | 🌡️ WEATHER: Partly Cloudy / High 86 |
| ⛽ FUEL COST: $77 | 💮 TOTAL STAMPS COLLECTED: 5 |
Our first stop of the day was at the Romeoville Route 66 Marker, which is located at the historical Fitzpatrick House.
Historic Fitzpatrick House
This is an Illinois Route 66 Passport Station. Make sure to bring paper and a pencil or crayon to get your “rubbing” (I completely forgot).
When we pulled up, there was a university police car in the parking lot. We parked and got out to walk to the Route 66 Marker.
As we were standing there reading the marker, the police officer came up and asked us if we needed help. I said no; we were just reading the marker and taking pictures as we were doing Route 66. He let us know that we were not allowed to be there and that we were trespassing, since those grounds are private property owned by the university.
He was nice about it, but it baffled me. Why would they put a Route 66 marker that has a passport station that you are supposed to trace over with paper and pen on private property that travelers are not allowed to access? I even asked him that.
He said he wasn’t aware that a Route 66 marker was here (we were standing in front of it).
He didn’t run us off after that and was really nice, but I think that department needs to be better informed about Route 66, or if they don’t want people stopping to read the sign, it needs to be removed and/or No Trespassing signs put up.
So just FYI, if you stop, you might be trespassing. I sent an inquiry to the IL Route 66 Association, who let me know that they were not in charge of that marker and to check with the Heritage Corridor Destinations. I heard back from them, who said that the sign was placed there by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, probably back when Heritage Corridor Destinations used to have their office there (although she wasn’t completely sure about that). She did thank me for bringing this to her attention and said she was unsure why the university officers would deter visitors from stopping to read the sign, but that she would look into it.
History
In the 1840s, Patrick Fitzpatrick constructed a Greek Revival home using limestone from the area. The Fitzpatrick family farmed more than 700 acres, sending their crops to markets in Lockport and beyond. Later, they donated land to the Archdiocese of Chicago, which went on to establish Lewis University in 1932.
Lockport
Lockport was a very unexpected surprise. We had only planned to drive in, take a couple of pictures of murals, and then leave. I was thinking it would take 5 minutes, tops. We started at the end of town at the Historical Village. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was but saw it on Google Maps and thought, “Why not?”
I’ve only listed some of our stops here, but make sure you take the time to walk around the town; you won’t be disappointed!
Will County Heritage Village Open-Air Museum
The Will County Heritage Village Open-Air Museum was a neat unexpected find. It’s at the edge of the “downtown” area, and I highly suggest starting here and working your way to the opposite end of town. There’s a free parking lot here; it wasn’t busy, and if you’re in an RV, you should be able to park without issues.
There are only a couple of buildings to check out, but if you are a train buff, there is an old depot and a set of tracks that were moved here.
We were getting hungry, and since there was a free parking lot towards the middle of town, we decided to park and grab some lunch. This is where Lockport sucked us in and tried to keep us.
Our 5 minutes turned into 5 hours!
Gaylord Building
Our next stop was food; we were hungry. The only restaurant that was open for lunch appeared to be inside the Gaylord Building. Once inside the Gaylord Building, we noticed a free museum, and the front desk (which was not manned) had some stickers that said “Gaylord” and some information, so I grabbed what I thought was a pamphlet. It turned out to be a map and scavenger hunt (more about that in a minute).
We quickly visited the museum and then went to the restaurant, where we enjoyed some fantastic food with generous portions. Word of caution, though: it is on the pricier side and the menu is limited. It’s not somewhere I’d take kids for lunch if you are traveling with kiddos or picky eaters.
History
Constructed in 1838, this limestone warehouse helped support the canal’s operation, making it vital for the region’s transportation and development. After periods of decline, it underwent restoration in the 1980s and today houses exhibitions, offices, and a restaurant, serving as a symbol of Lockport’s rich industrial and architectural heritage.
Lincoln Landing
Right outside the Gaylord Building is Lincoln Landing. You’re already there, so you might as well look around!
Opened in 2009, Lincoln Landing celebrates Lincoln’s role in developing the canal system. The small park features bronze statues and interpretive panels.
After checking out the statues and signs, we decided to walk over to a mural we saw driving back from the open-air museum and grab some pictures.
Murals
Lockport has a couple of murals, but our favorite is this 3D-looking one we found! I don’t know the story behind it, but make sure you stop and grab some pictures! It’s on the corner of 7th Street and State Street.
Painted Benches Scavenger Hunt
When we walked into the Gaylord Building, I found what I thought was a brochure of Lockport with a map. Turns out it was a map for a very cool scavenger hunt, where you’d hunt for these painted benches, go into the business that they are located at, and they would give you a sticker to put on your “map.”
We spent the better part of about 3 hours walking around Lockport collecting stickers and visiting the stores.
Sad news…from my understanding, the benches were auctioned off recently, and this scavenger hunt is no more =( . It’s too bad they did not make this a permanent fixture for Route 66. It was so much fun!
Illinois State Museum – Lockport Gallery
This museum is located at the free parking lot. We stopped in as they had a bench outside. We ended up talking to them for about an hour! They are a wealth of information about the area. I highly recommend stopping by, checking out the museum, and having a chat!
Roxy Theatre
While walking around town, you will pass by the Roxy Theater.
The Roxy Theater in Lockport has quite a history, dating all the way back to the 1850s, when the building served as Norton’s Livery and a community feed store. In 1937, it was turned into a 400-seat movie theater and became a popular spot along Route 66. Over the years, the Roxy saw plenty of changes, including a stint as an adult movie theater in the 1950s, a period of vacancy, time as a nightclub, and later as Baxter’s Bar and Grille in the late 1980s.
In 1995, Trinity Services purchased the building to use as a day program and gathering space for people with developmental disabilities. After an extensive renovation completed in 2017, the Roxy got a new lease on life, with its classic marquee restored, limestone walls exposed, and Art Deco lounge brought back to life. Today, it serves as a venue for live entertainment and special events.
Old Service Stations
Lockport has a couple of old service stations still standing. One is the Old Pure Oil Station located at 1035 S. State Street (pictured below), and the other is the Barnsdall Station located at 1600 S. State Street (now an automotive shop). Both seem to date back to the late 1920s.
White Fence Farms
We did a little bit of backtracking in order to grab my stamp for the Illinois Route 66 Passport and my journal since they don’t open until 4pm. The place is massive with several dining rooms. Once you walk in, you are greeted by a massive antique room; you are free to walk around and enjoy.
Outside there are several photo ops and some animals you can feed with their approved feed (you can buy that inside).
We ended up returning another night for dinner since we ended up staying in Joliet for three nights (you’ll read more about that in coming entries). I will say we weren’t very impressed by the menu.
We were immediately seated, and the server brought out “sides.” I don’t really know what you call them; it’s not something we would ever eat. We had to wait for a menu (not sure why she didn’t bring it at the same time) and drinks for about 15 minutes. Once we got the menu, your choice was pretty limited for their “dinners.” Your options are either chicken, steak, a veggie plate, or fried fish. The “lighter” options were all fried, something I can’t do, as it would set off my CVS, and with the current Listera outbreak with lettuce, we were avoiding anything with lettuce on it.
So that left us with chicken or steak. I ended up deciding I would just get a baked potato, as I had turkey for lunch and really wasn’t feeling up for a steak. Jerry decided he would get the oven-roasted 1/2 chicken dinner.
When we went to order, the server told us that since I wasn’t ordering an actual dinner, I was going to be charged a fee of $10 (in addition to the baked potato I ordered). When I asked why, she said it was because of the “sides” that she brought to the table. I let her know we didn’t ask for them. She said that everyone gets them and that we should have told her before we sat down. How the heck were we supposed to know?! I let her know that we weren’t from here, that we were traveling Route 66, and that we hadn’t touched any of the food, since none of it was something we would eat. She grabbed them from the table and said, “Fine, but next time you need to tell us.”
Anyway, so just keep that in mind if you plan to visit and eat there. I, unfortunately, can’t recommend the food. My baked potato was cold, and the chicken was dry and had no flavor, and we were made to feel like we weren’t welcome there (on both occasions).
The evening I went in for a stamp (which was today, Day 3), I also purchased an item from their small gift shop. I was made to feel like I was inconveniencing them by purchasing an item and asking for a stamp for the Illinois Passport Book. I ended up waiting there for 30 minutes because people would come in and they would acknowledge them but never me, and since I was just getting a stamp and a souvenir, I was trying to wait for a break between people coming in to ask, especially since it wasn’t completely clear who I was supposed to ask. Anyway, needless to say, when I finally asked, the response was a sigh, an eye roll, and a “you will just have to wait.”
I was honestly shocked; this place is such a big “stop” on Route 66. Anyway, this was our experience over two different nights with different staff. I shouldn’t have returned for dinner after the stamp incident, but I wanted to give them a second chance. That was my mistake.
Once I got my stamp, we headed to Joliet, where we would be staying for the night.
Lambert 1957 Mobil
I highly recommend stopping here. There is a quick photo op outside and some history inside on the walls in the back. The workers here are also super nice and eager to answer any questions you may have. There is very limited parking, and it stays pretty busy, so just keep that in mind.
History
Lambert 1957 Mobil & Convenience Store is a family-owned Route 66 landmark that has been serving motorists since February 1957, when Dan and Helen Lambert opened a Standard Oil service station at the corner of Broadway and Theodore. The original station was torn down in 1982 and replaced with a modern fuel-pumping station, and in 1993, Dan and Helen passed the business on to their sons, Jim and Terry.
In 2021, Terry led a major renovation, transforming the store into a tribute to the family’s history, complete with vintage photographs and a large mural recreating the original 1950s station. Today, it is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating family-run gas stations along Route 66.
Rich & Creamy
Our next stop was Rich & Creamy, where we treated ourselves to a nice cold treat! This is also an Illinois passport stamp location, so make sure to grab a stamp for your passport and your logbook!
While the building wasn’t originally an ice cream stand, it dates back to 1965, when it served as an office for a mobile home dealership. In 1977, it became an ice cream shop called Creamy Delight before eventually taking on the name Rich & Creamy.
Today, its retro appearance and rooftop statues of Jake and Elwood Blues from The Blues Brothers make it hard to miss. The statues celebrate the movie’s connection to Joliet, including the nearby Old Joliet Prison featured in the film.
Route 66 Park
We decided to walk around the park while enjoying our sweet treats, and we are so glad we did! There are several photo ops around the park as well as informational boards.
The park grew out of the city’s Broadway Street Greenway project, which began in 1991 to create a tree-lined green space along the Des Plaines River. In 2007, the area officially became Route 66 Park, celebrating Joliet’s connection to the historic highway.
Today, the seven-acre park features walking paths, public art, Route 66 displays, and a great photo opportunity with a giant neon Route 66 shield and a “Greetings from Joliet” postcard sign. It also offers an overlook of the historic Old Joliet Prison. The park received a major refresh in 2024, with new signs, interpretive displays, and landscaping.
I love that Joliet has created a space where you can take a break from driving, explore a little, and enjoy several Route 66 attractions in one stop.
Dick’s on 66
I took a quick photo from across the street while at the Route 66 park. Dick’s on 66 is located at Dick’s Towing Service, which has been in operation at this location since 1976. This working towing business has turned its property into a fun tribute to Route 66 and classic American cars.
The building is decorated with vintage automotive memorabilia, and you’ll find old cars parked out front and even perched on the roof! It also has a small section of brick pavement marked as original Route 66 roadway, where visitors can stand and get a feel for the road beneath their feet (which we did the following day).
Journal Entry
Are you as tired as I am?! It was a long day, and we only made it 20 miles down the road, lol! Here is today’s journal entry.
My Route 66 Mother Road Story
A Route 66 Travel Journal and Memory Book with Daily Prompts to Capture Every Mile, Memory, Photo, Sticker, and Stamp Along the Mother Road
Route 66 Day 3 Video
Coming soon! Keep an eye on my YouTube channel, and make sure to subscribe and click the bell to be alerted when I post a video!
Day 3 Map
Here is a map of our route and stops for the day.
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