Gardner, IL
There are a few different routes through town, and ours focuses on the oldest of them that winds through Downtown.
Take a detour from the suggested route to see the 1906 two cell jailhouse on E Mazon St. Just follow the signs. Unbelievably, it was not closed until the late 1950's.
The 1926 Riviera Restaurant was about two miles outside of Gardner. The Riviera was a favorite Al Capone hang-out because he sold them bootleg liquor. The Riviera also offered gambling and prostitution. It had unique architecture that featured stalactites hanging from the ceiling. The Riviera had been closed for years when it burned down in 2010.
A 20th century Kankakee streetcar was moved to Gardner in 1932 to serve as a diner. In 1937, the streetcar became a cottage and playhouse. It was moved behind the Riviera in 1955. It was restored by the Route 66 Association of Illinois and inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2001. After the Riviera burned down, it was moved next to the two cell jailhouse.
Gardner participates in the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor events each May.
From Depot St in Gardner, go right on Jackson just before the RR Tracks - Go right on W Parker out of town - Go left on Route 66 (Frontage Rd) as you leave town; there is no Route 66 sign so look for a triangle intersection - Go about 6.5 miles then go left on Dwight Rd as directed by the Historic Route 66 sign - At the next Stop sign, intersect with Old Route 66 and go left into Dwight - When Hwy 47 goes left, stay straight onto on Waupansie St, which will curve around a bit, but will eventually turn into Old Route 66/Frontage Rd
From Gardner, follow Hwy 53 into Braceville
View Route66mc.com - Gardner to Braceville in a larger map
