Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway Itinerary
| Departure: | Arche Fountain in Chicago Heights, Illinois |
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| Destination: | Fulton, Illinois |
| Time to allow: | 2 days |
Take a leisurely drive across Illinois on the historic Lincoln Highway. Watch as the story of America’s first transcontinental highway unfolds before your eyes. Be sure to stop at many of the Lincoln historic sites along the way.
Day 1
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Start: Arche Fountain in Chicago Heights
Start your journey at a beautiful fountain meant to honor Abraham Lincoln. The fountain was erected as a resting spot for cross-country travelers on the Lincoln Highway.
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Stop 1: Joliet
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 30 for 23.59 miles until you reach Joliet.
Distance from Previous Site: 23.59 miles / 37.7 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 42 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Walk through the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory to enjoy a variety of birds and plants. Travel through the one-block long lobby in the Rialto Square Theatre to enjoy a range of entertainment opportunities.
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Stop 2: Aurora
Directions from previous place: Go east on US 30 for 18.2 miles. US 30 will end and become Hill Ave. Hill Ave will become Galena Blvd after 2.3 miles. Turn right onto N. Ohio St. and them left onto E. New York St. Turn left onto IL 31 and follow it into the middle of Aurora.
Distance from Previous Site: 22.63 miles / 36.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 44 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours Learn about pioneer times at the Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village. See a show at the restored 1930s Paramount Theater. Try some experiments at the SciTech Hands-On Museum. Shop, dine, or search for entertainment in Walter Payton's Roundhouse Complex.
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Stop 3: Geneva
Directions from previous place: Go north on IL 31 and follow it for 9.3 miles. Turn left onto IL 38 and follow it into Geneva.
Distance from Previous Site: 9.46 miles / 15.1 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 21 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Nestled in the Fox River Valley, take the Fox River Trail through parks and playgrounds. Shop at the Historic Geneva Shopping District. Wander around the Fabyan Villa, redesigned by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Overnight Point: DeKalb
Directions from previous place: Go west on IL 38 and follow it for 23.81 miles, until you reach DeKalb.
Distance from Previous Site: 23.81 miles / 38.1 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 35 minutes Look at the "Soldiers and Sailors" Memorial Clock and a historic mural in Dekalb Memorial Park. Examine the unique Egyptian Theatre. Explore the Victorian style Ellwood House.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 1: 79.49 miles / 127.2 km
Day 2
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Stop 1: Rochelle
Directions from previous place: Go west on IL-38 and follow it for 16.4 miles. Turn left onto IL-251 and follow it into Rochelle.
Distance from Previous Site: 17.19 miles / 27.5 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 35 minutes Observe the railroad at the Railroad Park, see the third interpretative mural in the Lincoln Highway series, or stop at the old Standard Oil Filling Station that has been restored as a visitor center.
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Stop 2: John Deere Historic Site
Directions from previous place: Go west on IL-38 for 22 miles. Turn right onto CR-26 and follow it to CR-1. Turn right onto this road. Turn left when you come to CR-36 and follow it to Main St. Turn left onto S. Main and follow it until you see the John Deere Historic Site.
Distance from Previous Site: 27.78 miles / 44.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 37 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes Learn the history of the John Deere company and watch re-enactors at the original blacksmith's shop. Brose the gift shop and the archaeological exhibits.
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Stop 3: Dixon
Directions from previous place: Go northeast on S. Main St. and turn right onto CR 36. Turn right onto IL 2 and follow it for 5.5 miles, until you get to Dixon.
Distance from Previous Site: 6.19 miles / 9.9 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 11 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours You can see historic centers, parks, and theaters. Don't miss Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home or the site of Lincoln's Great Speech.
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Stop 4: Morrison
Directions from previous place: Go west on IL 2 and follow it for 16.6 miles. Turn right onto US 30 and follow it until you reach Morrison.
Distance from Previous Site: 28.87 miles / 46.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 44 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Enjoy a short stay the the Hillendale Bed & Breakfast before you explore the Morrison Rockwood State Park or the Odell Agricultural Heritage Museum.
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End: Fulton
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 30 and follow it for 8.6 miles. As you near Fulton US 30 will turn south. Continue straight on the road to go on IL 136 into town.
Distance from Previous Site: 11.5 miles / 18.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 17 minutes Here you can visit Fulton Windmill to learn about the area's cultural heritage, Heritage Canyon to historic buildings and enjoy nature, and Lock and Dam #13 to view large ships traveling the Mississippi and watch wildlife go by.
