Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway Itinerary

Departure: Arche Fountain in Chicago Heights, Illinois
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

  • 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.

  • Stop 1: Joliet

    From previous stop: 42 minutes / 23.59 mi (37.7 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on US 30 for 23.59 miles until you reach Joliet.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 2: Aurora

    From previous stop: 44 minutes / 22.63 mi (36.2 km)
    Directions:

    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.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 3: Geneva

    From previous stop: 21 minutes / 9.46 mi (15.1 km)
    Directions:

    Go north on IL 31 and follow it for 9.3 miles. Turn left onto IL 38 and follow it into Geneva.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • End: DeKalb

    From previous stop: 35 minutes / 23.81 mi (38.1 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on IL 38 and follow it for 23.81 miles, until you reach DeKalb.

    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.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 79.49 miles / 127.2 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Rochelle

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 17.19 mi (27.5 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on IL-38 and follow it for 16.4 miles. Turn left onto IL-251 and follow it into Rochelle.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 2: John Deere Historic Site

    From previous stop: 37 minutes / 27.78 mi (44.4 km)
    Directions:

    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.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 3: Dixon

    From previous stop: 11 minutes / 6.19 mi (9.9 km)
    Directions:

    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.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 4: Morrison

    From previous stop: 44 minutes / 28.87 mi (46.2 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on IL 2 and follow it for 16.6 miles. Turn right onto US 30 and follow it until you reach Morrison.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • End: Fulton

    From previous stop: 17 minutes / 11.5 mi (18.4 km)
    Directions:

    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.

    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.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 91.53 miles / 146.4 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 50 minutes