Granite City’s Spotlight Moment: Route 66 Sock Hop & Cruise

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Granite City found itself in the international spotlight. A group of more than 60 travel professionals from around the world visited the city as part of a post-conference FAM (familiarization) tour tied to the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW Conference.  The tour, titled “Route 66: Chi > StL,” traced the iconic highway from Chicago to St. Louis and was organized and led by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. With the upcoming Route 66 Centennial in 2026, the itinerary was designed to spotlight communities along the corridor that represent authentic Americana—and Granite City was among them.  Rivers and Routes played the central role in curating the experience, handling logistics, coordinating stops, and showcasing southern Illinois’ charm to international travel buyers and media.

The tour, whose starting point was Chicago, visited Joliet that is known for its historic Rialto Square Theater and Route 66 Welcome Center, Pontiac, home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and colorful murals, Springfield, Illinois’ capital and a major Route 66 hub with Lincoln heritage sites, Collinsville where the world’s largest ketchup bottle resides and the Cahokia Mounds Historical Site, Granite City and the final destination was the Gateway Arch and historic Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Photos courtesy: 62040 LLC

In Granite City, the group experienced the city’s downtown and the new Neon Sign Park at 19th and Delmar Avenue.  The Route 66 Sock Hop event featured a vintage car show, local vendors, a display of vintage Graniteware and live rock-and-roll entertainment by Frankie and the House Shakers, turning the sizzling hot afternoon into a celebration of Route 66 heritage.  The tour group was treated to a flavorful welcome at “The Speakeasy” enjoying signature cocktails, charcuterie-style finger foods and live entertainment.  Jerry’s Cafeteria served up their homemade fare to the group as well, all within walking distance of the event.

Although the sweltering temperatures may have been a deterrent for locals, keeping attendance lower than expected, it didn’t affect the tour group’s enthusiasm. The efforts and investment by Great Rivers and Routes bringing in media guests to tour “The District” should be a helpful tool in promoting Granite City as a destination stop for travelers in the future. The cities included on the tour were selected to showcase a blend of classic Americana, cultural landmarks, and community charm—all leading up to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026.