Route 66 has three relevant starting points in Chicago. Navy Pier became the road’s new symbolic starting point in 2026. The familiar westbound Begin Route 66 sign remains near Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, while the original 1926 eastern terminus was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Here is what each location means and which one to visit.
| If you are looking for… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| The new 2026 symbolic starting point | Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue |
| The familiar historic Begin Route 66 sign | Adams Street near Michigan Avenue |
| The original 1926 terminus | Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue |
| The traditional westbound driving start | Adams Street |
Many travellers visit Navy Pier for the new ceremonial marker and Adams Street for the traditional Begin sign.
Route 66’s Three Chicago Starting Points
Navy Pier: the new symbolic start
In March 2026, Chicago formally recognized Navy Pier as the new symbolic starting point of Historic Route 66. A new sign dedicated on March 25, 2026 created a ceremonial “pier-to-pier” connection between Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier. Navy Pier describes this as the ceremonial beginning of the trail, not a physical rerouting of the historic road.
Adams Street: the familiar Begin sign
The best-known Begin Route 66 sign stands on Adams Street near Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago. This remains the traditional westbound photo stop and driving reference used by Route 66 travellers.
A Choose Chicago itinerary identifies the location as 122 S. Michigan Avenue, near East Adams Street.
Jackson Boulevard: the 1926 terminus
When Route 66 was established in 1926, its Chicago terminus was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Later traffic changes led the westbound route to use Adams Street, producing the familiar Begin sign on Adams and the End sign on Jackson.
Visiting the Route 66 Signs
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is located at 600 E. Grand Avenue. It has on-site parking garages and can also be reached by public transport. Check current operating and parking information before visiting.
Adams and Michigan
The Adams Street Begin sign is near Michigan Avenue and the Art Institute of Chicago. It is a street-side photo stop, so remain aware of pedestrians, traffic and any temporary access restrictions.
Jackson and Michigan
The Jackson Boulevard location is one block south of Adams and can be included in the same walking visit.
Find Each Location
- Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 – view on Google Maps
- Adams Street Begin sign – near 122 S. Michigan Avenue at E. Adams Street – view on Google Maps
- Jackson Boulevard terminus – Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue – view on Google Maps
For the current official route alignment, see the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway map.
Beginning Your Route 66 Journey
If you begin at Navy Pier, treat it as the ceremonial start of your trip before continuing to the traditional Begin sign near Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. From downtown, the historic route works southwest out of the Loop and picks up Ogden Avenue, where centennial wayfinding signs mark the alignment through the near-west suburbs. From there it's Joliet Road through Countryside, past our front door, and on toward Willowbrook, Joliet, and the Gemini Giant. Use a current <a href="https://illinoisroute66.org/">Route 66 map</a> rather than relying only on modern navigation, which may favor expressways over the historic road. William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta is located on Joliet Road in Countryside, along a historic Route 66 corridor southwest of Chicago. It can serve as an overnight stop when exploring the Illinois route.
Stay on Route 66 in Countryside
What Changed for the Route 66 Centennial?
Route 66 marks its centennial in 2026. As part of the anniversary, Chicago designated Navy Pier as the road’s new symbolic starting point and unveiled a ceremonial marker in March 2026. The historic Adams Street Begin sign and the original Jackson Boulevard terminus remain important parts of the route’s story.
Read more: Navy Pier’s ceremonial start page, our guide to the Route 66 centennial in Illinois, and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Continue Your Route 66 Trip in Countryside
Continuing southwest from Chicago? William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta is located on Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois. Explore rooms and suites, dine at Tell’s Tavern, and use the hotel as a base for more Route 66 stops in Illinois. Read the William Tell Hotel’s history on the Mother Road. Nearby La Grange makes an easy weekend add-on—see our weekend guide to La Grange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Route 66 start in Chicago today?
Navy Pier became the new symbolic starting point of Historic Route 66 in 2026. The traditional westbound Begin Route 66 sign remains on Adams Street near Michigan Avenue.
Where is the Begin Route 66 sign on Adams Street?
The familiar Begin Route 66 sign is on Adams Street near Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago. Choose Chicago identifies the visitor location near 122 S. Michigan Avenue.
What was the original starting point of Route 66?
When Route 66 was established in 1926, its Chicago terminus was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. The westbound route later shifted to Adams Street following changes to downtown traffic patterns.
Should I visit Navy Pier or Adams Street?
Visit Navy Pier for the new ceremonial starting-point marker and Adams Street for the traditional Begin Route 66 sign. The Jackson Boulevard location is also nearby for visitors interested in the original 1926 terminus.
Where can I stay along Route 66 southwest of Chicago?
William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta is located at 6201 Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois, along a historic Route 66 corridor. Check current directions and room availability when planning your trip.