One Of The Quirkiest Stops On Route 66 Is This Overlooked Midwest Site, Per Samantha Brown

The rise and fall of Route 66, one of the United States' most iconic highways, is crucial to understanding the history of the 20th century. Once deemed the "Main Street of America," construction on Route 66 was completed in the late 1930s, with the highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, winding through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, amongst many other states. The rise of several industries — such as fast food, roadside advertising, and inns — can be traced to the presence and influence of Route 66 in many small towns. Eventually, with the signing of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, Route 66 would be slowly replaced by wider and safer roads, leading to its decommission in 1985. While its influence has diminished, the Main Street of America remains a popular bucket list adventure for many visitors and locals.

The classic stops are well-traveled, but who doesn't want to discover an underrated gem on a famous route? If you're ever driving along Route 66, make sure to stop at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois, the largest pre-Columbian Native American settlement north of Mexico.

Cahokia Mounds is one of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States and would make for a fantastic stop on any summer road trip. None other than travel expert Samantha Brown calls it one of Route 66's "coolest attractions" in a post on her website. Whether you're a history buff, a young student, or just aimlessly driving down the famous road, don't miss this essential Route 66 pit-stop seeped in mythology and lore.

At its peak around A.D. 1100, Cahokia Mounds was a "metropolis" that stretched across 4,000 acres, contained 120 earthen mounds, and was home to about 20,000 people. Today, the state of Illinois protects a 2,200-acre section, considered the central section of the ancient settlement. Before visiting Cahokia Mounds, explorers are encouraged to watch "Cahokia: City of the Sun," a 14-minute award-winning short film that profiles the people who used to inhabit the historic site. Of course, if you aren't able to watch the film before visiting (or simply want to watch it again), you can enjoy it at Cahokia Mounds' 120-seat theater.

If you're a teacher or parent, Cahokia Mounds is the perfect place for a family-friendly stop on Route 66, as the historic site is student-friendly and has plenty of educational material available. This includes "Journey to Cahokia," a 32-page children's activity book with a list of activities and a glossary. Educational kits that give insight into how natives looked at the stars or their daily activities are also available for loan from Cahokia Mounds.

Beyond the historical and educational value of a trip to Cahokia Mounds, there are also many activities available both in and around the site. Standouts include the "City of the Sun 5K Trail Run," a 3.1-mile race that winds through various types of terrain, all in the name of a good cause — all registration fees go towards maintaining Cahokia Mounds. If you ever need a reason to queue up your favorite songs and lace up some running shoes, this is it! 

Late November also brings the Annual Native American Holiday Market, which brings together over 30 Native-affiliated artists from across North America to sell their unique work. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about various cultural backgrounds while getting your holiday shopping done. Samantha Brown also recommends a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for stunning views of the valley.​​ All in all, it is an integral part of Brown's compelling argument in favor of the so-called "Flyover States." If you're going to explore Cahokia Mounds for several days, there are several hotel options in nearby Collinsville, with an array of RV and camping grounds also available.