Elwood, Illinois
(Yeah, you never thought of that until now, did ya’?)
Where Rail, Roads, and Industry
Meet Route 66
The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railway followed the old stagecoach route.
Prohibition led to the route being referred to as the “bootleggers highway”.
The prefect personification of small-town America along the old Mother Road.
Elwood, Illinois is a growing Will County community known for its unique blend of small-town character, industrial innovation, and transportation history along the historic Route 66 corridor. Originally rooted in agriculture and rail commerce, Elwood has evolved into a major logistics and intermodal hub due to its proximity to the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, one of the largest inland ports in North America. Despite its modern industrial significance, the village maintains a strong sense of community while serving as an important gateway between Illinois’ historic Route 66 heritage and the future of national freight transportation.
“Not so Standard”
1970 Ford Pickup Bench
Yvonne Perez
Yvonne is a Joliet-based fiber and mixed media artist whose creative work spans sculpture, photography, mural projects, and costume design. Her artistic journey centers on exploring dreamy, nature-inspired themes, which she brings to life through the use of soft textures, playful forms, and carefully crafted details. The natural world and a sense of whimsy serve as her primary sources of inspiration, guiding her to create pieces that invite viewers into imaginative environments. Within these spaces, softness, curiosity, and storytelling come together, encouraging engagement and sparking wonder.
Elwood’s Rt 66 Historical Marker
Mississippi Avenue and
Douglas Street
Elwood, IL
- Route 66 Landmark
- Great photo spot
- Parking on the premises
