Roadside Eateries Midwest

Pull over for the Midwest’s classic diners, burger stands, and neighborhood restaurants. From a quick shake to a meal at the counter, these stops gave hungry travelers something to look forward to along the highway.

Motels Midwest

Follow the old highways past motor courts, roadside lodges, and colorful motel marquees. Familiar rows of rooms and welcoming signs recall the days when choosing an overnight stop meant seeing what came around the next bend.

Roadside Signage Midwest

Keep an eye out for the Midwest’s vintage roadside signs, from shopping center pylons to bold arrows above small businesses. Unusual shapes and colorful lettering helped motorists spot a stop before reaching the driveway.

Neon Midwest

Take an evening drive through the Midwest’s roadside glow, where motel signs and neighborhood marquees light up familiar streets. There’s plenty worth another look once the sun goes down.

Roadside Architecture Midwest

Explore the Midwest’s distinctive roadside buildings, from sweeping bank rooflines to imaginative storefronts. These places brought a little architectural flair to everyday errands and long drives through town.

Automobile Alley Midwest

Head down Automobile Alley for the Midwest’s classic dealerships, old garages, and familiar service stops. Showroom windows and colorful brand signs recall the businesses that kept the region’s car culture moving.

Grand Theatre Midwest

Step beneath the marquee for the Midwest’s classic movie houses and grand picture palaces. Elaborate entrances and familiar theatre signs recall evenings when a trip downtown came with a ticket to the show.

Drive-in Theatres of the Midwest

Head back to evenings of speaker poles, snack bar visits, and a double feature beneath the stars. Explore the Midwest’s outdoor theatres, where tall screens and roadside marquees welcomed moviegoers by the carload.

Ten Pin Alleys Midwest

Look for oversized pins and distinctive signs announcing the Midwest’s classic bowling alleys. These neighborhood gathering places offered rented shoes, familiar faces, and another chance to pick up a spare.

Roadside Americana Midwest

Take a detour for the Midwest’s oversized figures, unusual attractions, and familiar roadside characters. From a towering lumberjack to an unexpected sight outside a shop, these landmarks made the drive part of the fun.

Retrolook Midwest

Look back at the Midwest’s old businesses, historic buildings, and well-remembered gathering places. From neighborhood storefronts to ballparks, these sights recall the places that became part of everyday life.