Route 66: The Mother Road Begins in Illinois

In this special Route 66 episode of Curious Caravan, Jason and Lizette begin a new series exploring the legendary Mother Road as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026. Joined by filmmaker Bobby Marinelli, who explored the entirety of Route 66, they uncover the local stories, roadside attractions, and communities that helped shape one of America’s most iconic highways. Starting off in Chicago and making stops at places like Lou Mitchell’s, Joliet Prison, the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, and many, many more, this episode uncovers the history, art, and personalities that define Route 66 and the small towns shaped by the Mother Road. It sets the stage for a multi-part Route 66 series on Curious Caravan, celebrating the past, present, and future of Route 66 through curious travel and firsthand storytelling.