One of the largest cities of the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois, Edwardsville has many historic sites dating all the way back to 1805.

Edwardsville is the third eldest town in Illinois and has three historic districts, including the Historic Leclaire Neighborhood District, St. Louis Street District, and the Brick Street District. All are included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city is home to one of the largest college campuses in the United States, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). There are many routes interlinking Madison County Transit Trails. The historic 1909 Wildey Theatre still presents theatrical and musical performances today.

Other honorable Route 66 mentions in Edwardsville include the Hi-Way Tavern, Site Gas Station (current location of Mark’s Muffler Shop), Jacober’s Market building, and a wacky fiberglass steer on the 1947 Main St. Goshen butcher shop named ‘Herbie the Hereford.’

Be sure to stop by the newly renovated West End Service Station for some Mother Road nostalgia. The Route 66 Monument Shield is located just south of this landmark museum/visitor center.