Two Cell Jail: Gardner, IL



The earliest historical site located within Gardner is the Two Cell Jailhouse. Built in 1906 and was in operation until the late 1950s. The white brick structure is probably the most "advertised" attraction in Gardner but the most forgotten thanks to the Riviera roadhouse and streetcar. As you enter the downtown, signs will point you in its direction.



It has been restored by the community and holds a strong presence near Gardner's downtown area.

Vistitors are now encouraged to "go behind bars" and have their own photo taken.

The Christian Christiansen Memorial is alos located on the property. Christiansen was a Norwegian man who was pivotial in preventing the Nazis in WWII  from obtaining atomic weapons. The King of Norway even issued a letter praising his accomplishments.

Underground Tunnel: Odell, IL

Rolling down the streets of the sleepy little town of Odell, IL it is hard to believe that the Route was so busy that it required a tunnel to be constructed. Across the street from St. Paul Catholic Church lies the underground subway.



The traffic along the Route was so congrested at the time, that for the safety of church-goers and schoolchildren, a tunnel was constructed in 1937 for everyone's safe passage.



By 1947, the main road bypassed Odell and the tunnel no longer was needed. The tunnel was then filled in. In 2006, the Route 66 Association of Illinois restored the first few steps and erected a sign detailing the tunnel's importance to the city.

Meramec Caverns Barn: Cayuga, IL

Cayuga, IL is one of those places that can be describe as forgettable. There isn't much to this tiny town in Livingston County. All that dot the countryside are fields, barns and more farmland. But look closely and you can discover a hidden treasure of Route 66's golden days; a newly restored Meramec Caverns barn.



Meramec Caverns owner Lester Dill found a new way to advertise his attraction in Stanton, Missouri. He offered to paint various barns across the country with the name of his establishment. Many farmers accepted his offer and the the famous Meramec Caverns advertising was born. Today, Cayuga and Hamel are the only two Illinois towns along Route 66 with Meramec barns. This barn in Cayuga was restored by the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee in 1998. Illinois Department of Transportation has even made a turnout near the site where passerbys can safely exited and view the barn.