Kankakee South KOA Holiday Blog
Your home base for exploring Chicago and Route 66. Now booking for 2026!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Plan ahead to avoid major headaches later. GPS is great, but often sends drivers on routes not equipped for tow vehicles. To avoid gravel roads and rural areas not suited for trailers, see below.
From Champaign, Chicago, and Illinois points North or South:
- Stay on I-57 until Exit 308.
- Turn South onto US 45/52.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From Michigan, Elkhart, and points Northeast:
- Stay on I-80 until Exit 12.
- Take the exit onto I-65 South.
- Stay on I-65 until Exit 230.
- Turn West onto IN-10. This will become IL-114 then merge with IL-17. Stay on IL-17 to I-57.
- Take I-57 South until Exit 308.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From I-55, West I-80 and Iowa points West:
- Stay on I-80 until Exit 112.
- Turn South onto IL-47.
- From IL-47, turn East onto IL-113.
- Take I-57 South until Exit 308.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From the Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and points Southeast:
- Stay on I-65 North until Exit 201 (NOT EXIT 220). (Depending on where you are coming from, you may be approaching from US-41. If so, skip to the next step.)
- Turn West onto US-24. This will merge with US-45/52. Stay on US-45/52.
- Turn Right onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile. You will see our large entrance sign on the Left.
Mark your calendars, tune up your classic cars, and prepare your cameras: 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of America's Mother Road, Route 66!
This centennial celebration will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, drawing road-trippers, historians, and enthusiasts from around the globe. And the best place to launch your journey into history? Kankakee South KOA Holiday, right at the beginning of it all!
Route 66 was established in 1926, and its 100th birthday is inspiring events, restorations, and celebrations across all eight states. This isn't just another road trip; it's a monumental cultural event.
Epic Caravans: Look out for classic car caravans traveling the full length of the route, like the "Main Street of America" Centennial Caravan. Starting in California and ending in Illinois, or the Great Race beginning in Illinois—you could see, or even join, a piece of automotive history right on your first day!
Major Statewide Celebrations: Illinois is hosting multiple grand events, including the Centennial National Kick-Off in locations like Joliet, and a major Statewide Conference and Celebration in Springfield. By starting here, you're perfectly positioned to hit these initial, celebratory hotspots.
Revitalized Attractions: Leading up to 2026, communities across the route are restoring classic motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions, meaning you'll see the Mother Road in its absolute prime.
Because 2026 will be the busiest year ever on Route 66, advanced planning is critical. Here’s how you can make sure your centennial adventure goes smoothly:
As the Mother Road celebrates its 100th year, be among the first to roll out onto the historic asphalt.
Book your stay at Kankakee South KOA Holiday today—we look forward to being your restful, nostalgic basecamp at the ultimate starting line for the Route 66 Centennial!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
