The First Hundred Miles brand, which readers may recognize from its regular appearance in Shaw Media’s Weekender section, is dedicated to celebrating the businesses, restaurants, museums and roadside attractions that stretch between Chicago and Pontiac along Historic Route 66.

The popular sunflower field is in full bloom at Matthiessen State Park on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. The field is located behind the model airplane field at the river area entrance. The sun flowers are planted every year. Park staff askes visitors to be respectful of the flowers. The park also has planted another sunflower field on the south side of the park off of Route 71. Aerial photos were taken with permission through Matthiessen State Park.