Earlier this year, I carved out 24 hours to explore a quiet stretch of Route 66, beginning in the charming town of Edwardsville, Illinois. Though the trip was relatively unplanned and laid-back, it still offered a peaceful glimpse into the rich nostalgia that blankets this iconic American highway.
Edwardsville, Illinois Welcome Sign
My time in Edwardsville started with a slow cruise through downtown. The atmosphere was calm, with historic architecture lining the streets and a subtle hum of small-town life in the air. One of my first stops was the Edwardsville, Illinois Welcome Sign — a simple, yet symbolic marker that reminded me I was standing in a town deeply connected to Route 66 history. Snapping a few photos there made me feel as if I was putting all the pieces of Route 66 together to form the entire highway.
Thinking back, I wish I had planned ahead so that I could’ve joined in on the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival, an annual event that celebrates the city’s long-standing connection to the Mother Road.
For over 25 years, this beloved festival has transformed City Park in downtown Edwardsville into a lively celebration of vintage cars, local food, music, and family fun. From morning to night, it’s a full-on tribute to the Route 66 spirit, bringing locals and travelers together to celebrate the culture and stories that continue to define the road. Missing it this time gave me a solid reason to return next year, with the date already circled on my calendar.
Read more of our Route 66 exploration on the blog!
A Short Stretch of Hamel, Illinois
After taking in Edwardsville’s slow-paced charm, I got back on the road and continued my Route 66 journey north to Hamel, Illinois. Though it’s a small village, Hamel surprised me with its unique character.
One of my favorite moments was visiting Trucking Down 66 at Cassens Transport. I didn’t expect to see a lot in such a small town; however, what was displayed was enough to add charm and authenticity to the journey. Stopping here reminded me that Route 66 isn’t just polished murals and retro diners; it’s working towns, industry, and stories still being written.
In Hamel, I also took time to enjoy the quiet. I parked, wandered a bit, took photos, and simply appreciated the simplicity of this moment on the road. Sometimes, it’s these less flashy stops that leave the strongest impressions. As I wrapped up my time in Hamel, I was just a few feet away from the interstate exit that would take me home.
Final Thoughts
This short Route 66 experience reminded me that every piece of the journey matters, even if it’s not perfectly planned or packed with activities. I saw two small towns with big Route 66 hearts and added another meaningful memory to my growing collection of Mother Road adventures.
Next time, I’ll plan ahead for the festival, but for now, I’m grateful for the peacefulness, the signage, the history, and the stories I found by just showing up and being present.
