The Story
Between Auburn and Virden, a 1.4-mile section of original Route 66 remains paved with bricks laid in 1932. This is one of the few surviving brick stretches of the entire 2,448-mile highway.
The rhythmic bump-bump-bump of tires on brick, the narrow two-lane width, and the absence of modern highway features provide a visceral connection to Route 66's past. This section survives because it was bypassed in 1940, and the town of Auburn refused to pave over it.
Surprise Facts
→ One of the only remaining brick sections of all 2,448 miles of Route 66
→ Survived because Auburn refused to pave over it
→ Bypassed in 1940 but preserved for posterity
Visit Information
✓ Open to Visit
Address: Snell Rd & Curran Rd, Auburn, IL 62615
Hours: 24/7 public road
Tip: Drive slowly and feel the original brick pavement