Established in 1928 in McLean, Illinois, on Route 66, the Dixie Truckers Home has survived all these years because it was lucky enough not to be bypassed with the coming of the interstate. Old 66 in that area was simply improved and expanded, magically turning into new Interstate 55. Traffic never stopped flowing past the stop's pumps, restaurant, and for a while, a small Mother Road museum. The establishment has endured its share of hardships over the years, including bankruptcy in 2001 and a worrisome switch to corporate ownership in 2003. It actually burned to the ground in 1965, but through it all this truck stop has remained open for business continuously since the day it was founded, except for a few hours that busy day of the fire.
I first visited the Dixie in 2005, and yes, I did have the "broasted" chicken. The waitress warned me that the house specialty would take 20 minutes to prepare, but that was no problem for a traveler from the two-lane. She must have mistaken me for a busy I-55 trucker. Log Book: 150 miles motored on old 66.
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