Day 5 takes you from Fort Wayne into Indiana and Illinois, weaving through historic brick road sections, quirky roadside attractions, and iconic landmarks of the Lincoln Highway. This stretch is filled with car culture, mysterious creatures, and a few nostalgic stops before reaching the Chicago area.
Morning
Monster Turtle Statue
đź“Ť 1 Park Dr., Churubusco, IN
A tribute to the legendary Beast of Busco, a giant turtle rumored to inhabit Churubusco Lake. This fun roadside statue is a must-see for lovers of local legends.
Old Brick Section of the Lincoln Highway
đź“Ť South of Ligonier, IN
One of the last original brick sections of the Lincoln Highway, offering a glimpse into how America’s first cross-country road once looked.
Ligonier Visitor Center & Old Service Station
đź“Ť Ligonier, IN
Stop by this historic visitor center and check out the restored service station, a nod to the golden age of roadside travel.
Goshen Police Booth
đź“Ť Goshen, IN
A small, vintage police booth—one of those quirky, overlooked relics of early 20th-century town infrastructure.
Olympian Candy Kitchen
đź“Ť Oshkosh St., Goshen, IN
A classic small-town candy shop that’s been serving handmade chocolates and sweets for generations.
Midday
Studebaker National Museum (Lincoln’s Death Car)
đź“Ť 201 Chapin St., South Bend, IN
Home to a fascinating collection of classic Studebaker cars, including the carriage that transported President Lincoln’s body after his assassination. A must-see for car and history buffs.
Bendix Woods Studebaker Tree Sign
đź“Ť New Carlisle, IN
A massive Studebaker logo made entirely of trees—one of the most unique remnants of the company’s legacy. The only way to see this is from above though.
Afternoon
Teibel’s Family Restaurant
đź“Ť 1775 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375
A long-standing family restaurant known for classic comfort food, a great place to grab a late lunch or early dinner before heading into Illinois.
Monument to “The Ideal Section” of the Lincoln Highway
đź“Ť 1250 Joliet St., Dyer, IN
This monument marks a stretch of road that was designed as the model for future highways, a piece of Lincoln Highway history that shaped modern road-building.
Evening
Joliet Prison
đź“Ť 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL
Famous for its role in The Blues Brothers movie, this historic prison offers tours and is a striking piece of Joliet’s history.
Harrah’s Casino Joliet
đź“Ť 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, IL
If you’re looking for a place to stay, Harrah’s was a nice hotel.
Day 5 blends classic car history, roadside oddities, and the evolving story of the Lincoln Highway. From the legendary Beast of Busco to Studebaker’s lasting impact, and finally, the Ideal Section that shaped American highways, this route is packed with must-see stops.
Have you visited any of these places? What’s your favorite roadside legend or historic stop? Let me know in the comments!
