The $30 million road trip that's driving tourism

ABC7 Chicago's Ryan Chiaverini is taking a 14-day road trip from pier to pier to celebrate 100 years of the historic Route 66, sponsored by Hyundai. The road trip is expected to generate significant tourism revenue for local businesses along the route.

The road trip is part of a larger effort to promote Route 66 as a major tourist destination, with the Illinois Department of Transportation estimating that the road trip will attract over 100,000 visitors to the state alone.

A journey through America's geological history

Ryan's first stop is the Meramec Caverns in Franklin County, Missouri, a must-see attraction on the route. The cave system was formed over millions of years as water carved through the region's limestone bedrock, which is one of the defining geological features of the Ozarks.

Stretching for miles, Meramec Caverns is Missouri's largest commercial cave, filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations. The cave system is a testament to the region's rich geological history and a reminder of the natural wonders that can be found along Route 66.

The original monster truck that started it all

Ryan's next stop is the Bigfoot 4x4 headquarters in Pacific, Missouri, where he visits the original monster truck that helped launch the monster truck craze. built by Bob Chandler in 1975, the truck started as a modified Ford pickup before making history by crushing cars and creating a whole new form of motorsports.

Today, the original Bigfoot is on display at the Bigfoot 4x4 headquarters, where fans can see the truck that started it all. The truck is a testament to the region's rich automotive history and a reminder of the impact that Route 66 has had on American popular culture.

Uncovering the region's hidden treasures

As Ryan continues his journey down Route 66, he uncovers the region's hidden treasures, from giant roadside attractions to giant tires. The road trip is not just about celebrating the centennial of Route 66, but also about discovering the region's unique culture and history.

The road trip is a reminder that some of America's most remarkable treasures aren't found on the road itself, but hidden just beneath it . By exploring the region's hidden treasures, Ryan is giving readers a glmipse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Who is behind the Hyundai-sponsored road trip?

The road trip is sponsored by Hyundai, a major automaker that has been a long-time supporter of Route 66. The road trip is part of a larger effort by Hyundai to promote Route 66 as a major tourist destination and to highlight the region's unique culture and history.

The road trip is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in promoting tourism and economic development in the region. By working together with local businesses and organizations, Hyundai is helping to drive tourism revenue and promote the region's unique cultue and history.

What's next for Route 66?

As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday,there are plans to restore and preserve the iconic road. The Illinois Department of Transportation is working with local businesses and organizations to restore the road and promote it as a major tourist destination.

The road trip is a reminder that Route 66 is not just a road, but a symbol of American culture and history.. By preserving and promoting the road, we can ensure that its legacy lives on for future generations.