About 2 hours outside of your last pitstop in Auburn Il, you will come across the infamous Chain of Rocks Bridge (the original). On one side you’re in Madison Il - and the other St Louis Missouri.
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The bridge opened for traffic in 1929 - and for more than 3 decades was a major landmark for Route 66 explorers. 60 feet above the mighty Mississippi river - this mile long bridge has one very unique aspect to it - it has a 30 degree turn right in the middle .
The bridge was shut down to motor transit in 1968 due to the 2nd Chain of Rocks Bridge opening about 2000 feet upstream. And in the 1970’s the Army was even considering blowing it up just to practice! Needless to say this epic bridge, which has changed very little since it was built - gives you a true sense of time and a new appreciation for the construction of bridges in the early 20th-century!
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Photo by @timnolen
As you continue your journey Illinois on Route 66, watch for Snell Road, in Auburn, Il, to access historic alignments of old Route 66. On Snell Road you’ll find Becky's Barn, a Route 66 snack shop, info center, and antique shop. Inside you’ll find a collection of antiques and collectibles as well as a the restored snack shop, filled with loads of interesting Route 66 memorabilia. .
Just in front of Becky's Barn is one of the must sees for the history buffs in your family - the Red Brick Road. This stretch of the highway is the original road, which was laid by hand and completed in 1931. This stretch of highway is well-preserved and has many examples of Route 66's early years and shows early highway era construction methods.
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Photo source: Valerio Fallucca
Although the #route66 highway went around instead of straight through Pontiac - this quaint little town has become one of the main destinations along this epic highway. .
While you’re here you and your family can stop by the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum which is located inside the original town’s fire station. You can also see some of the original gas stations, billboards and old photos of the roads heritage. And don’t forget to get your picture taken in front of the Route 66 mural!
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Photo source: flickr.com/people/115615415@N06
Let the journey begin - at the start of your epic #route66 road trip - while in Chicago, definitely take a some time with your family to see #GrantPark - where you can visit the spectacular Buckingham Fountain, or what is sometimes known as the Bean - but it’s actual name is Cloud Gate at Millennium Park.
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With loads of things to see and do in the Windy City - it makes a perfect start to your Route 66 Road Trip!
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Photo by @route66images
Are you looking for a nice getaway on the east coast? Take a trip to Rangeley, Maine where you can visit Angel Falls - the largest dropping waterfall in the state! This awe inspiring 90ft waterfall is just a short 1 mile hike to get to - perfect for the family to go and enjoy nature! And if one fall isn’t enough - just a short drive away is Small Falls - a series of waterfalls and cascades - perfect to add to your families adventures!
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Photo by pooroldtim(flickr)
Þingvellir National Park is a stunning and magical place to see in Iceland. One of the many popular things to do here that is fun for the kids and family is to go scuba diving and fishing all with the beautiful background of the Almannagjá canyon. •
The geographic land formations is another popular reason to visit this place - Almannagjá canyon sits between two tectonic plates - creating a beautiful display of the continental drift. •
Photo taken by Chris Ford (chrisschoenbohm via flickr)
Definitely one of the most recognized structures in China, the #GreatWallofChina has a long and vivid history, with its numerous walls and fortifications, it is definitely a must see for your family's bucketlist! To truly get an awe inspiring experience - take your family to see this magnificent piece of history in the fall - with all the leaves changing - it's truly to be a memorable experience! •
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Great Wall of China by Liang Zhang mutianyu
To be one of the most photographed sites in all of #Colorado is really saying something and visiting during one of the most #colorful times of the year is especially a treat.
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Crystal Mill is an abandoned building that used to harness the #river for power and is perched precariously on a rock overlooking a #waterfall and surrounded by #Aspens and #mountains. Located near the ghost town of Crystal, summer and #fall are the only times of the year it is accessible. The #fallcolors with this amazing backdrop is a sight and a #photography dream. •
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📸 = jumpingborders.com/America-the-Beautiful
Considered the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Waterfalls is the ❤️wonderful destination to take in the #fallcolors 🍂🍁 and #outdoors.
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With a #waterfall over 100 feet and hiking🚶 to 🏄♀️water activities, this area is one of the most famous and 🍁scenic attractions in this great state. Deep in the woods of the Pocono Mountains with 8 total falls and bridges and trails for access, your family and kids will love a visit in the fall season. •
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📸 = shutterbug.com/content/autumn-color-bushkilll-falls-pa
