WHERE THE
MOTHER ROAD BEGINS

SINCE
NINETEEN TWENTY SIX

Explore It

One Mile
At A Time

Route 66

Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation's history - and it lives on today in Illinois' Route 66's many roadside attractions, museums, restaurants - and the shining ribbon of blacktop we call The Mother Road.

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Route 66

New Photos From Route 66

National Trust For Historic Preservation Route 66 Tour 7/3-7/5/2018

2018 Red Carpet Corridor

Ryburn Place at Sprague Super Service Grand Opening 8-12-17

2017 Lincoln's Festival on Route 66

2017 Rock 'n Rods on 66 Festival

2017 World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival

2017 Blue Carpet Corridor

2017 Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days

2017 Red Carpet Corridor

Railsplitter Antique Auto Club Car Show Lincoln IL 8-28-16

Berwyn Rt 66 Car Show 8-27-16

Lincoln Home National Park Service 100th Anniversary 8-25-16

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Vietnam Wall Ceremony 8-25-16

McLean IL Walldog Mural Festival 8-20-16

2016 Blue Carpet Corridor

Downtown Bloomington Car Cruise-In 6-5-2016

Logan County Arts Route 66 Exhibit Opening 6-2-16

Bandit Run Pontiac IL 6-1-16

Rialto Square Theatre 90th Anniversary Celebration 5-24-16

3rd Fridays Inaugural Event Lincoln IL 5-20-16

Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days 5-14-16

2016 Red Carpet Corridor

Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center First Anniversary 4-25-16

Dwight IL Route 66 90th Birthday Celebration 4-21-16

Miles of Possibility Edwardsville Route 66 Conference

45th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival 2015

Elkhart Fall Festival 10-10-15

2015 International Mother Road Festival

Illinois State Fair Media Day 8-6-15

Bloomington Car Show 6-6-15

International Mother Road Festival Springfield IL 9/26-9/28/14

Berwyn Route 66 Car Show 9-6-14

Berwyn, IL

17th Annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival

Inaugural 2015 Blue Carpet Corridor 6-13 to 6-14

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Videos From The Road

I AM RT 66 Interview with Jim Livingston. Uncut & Unfettered

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Gemini Giant Lighting Ceremony -The Launching Pad 6/15/19

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Illinois Route 66 Memories Video Compilation

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Sorrento's Pizzeria 50th Anniversary Interview with Tony Curcuru

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Ariston Cafe Neon Sign Relighting Ceremony 5/4/19

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Gemini Giant/Launching Pad Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Abraham Lincoln Letter to Kersey Fell Public Unveiling 2/1/19

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Foggy Frosty Morning Drive - Route 66 Lincoln to Springfield, IL

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2018 Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Basset Waddle

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Eagle Injured in 2017 Successfully Released Back Into Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, IL - 1/20/18

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The Three Alignments

This era encompasses the "Golden Age" of Route 66 where America's car culture took hold. Drive-in theaters, Drive-in restaurants, and motels were born and developed along the Mother Road during this period.

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The concept of the "bypass" was first implemented on Route 66 during this era. Transportation infrastructure is well underway at this point in history as well and traveler expectations have risen, resulting in gas stations, motels, and formalized rest areas.

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The "original" Route 66 alignment in Illinois signifies a turning point in transportation history as the emphasis of long distance travel shifts from a fixed rail system to a traveler driven navigation. Illinois was the first state to boast having Route 66 paved from end to end. It is during this time period that the Mother Road was most often referred to as " The Hard Road."

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Featured Attractions

Cafe Billiards

Lincoln, IL

Cafe Billiards bar & grill features a beautiful outdoor beer garden, live music, DJ's, stand-up comedy, a large pool hall, video gaming and plenty of seating for dining in. Cafe Billiards is perfect for private parties and receptions, birthday parties and social gatherings.

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Pasfield House Inn

Springfield, IL

Designated a Springfield Landmark, the 1896 Georgian-style residence is a remarkably preserved architectural treasure that has a most distinctive antebellum flair, and is within easy walking distance of the State Capitol and downtown Springfield.

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Sangamo Brewing

Chatham, IL

Sangamo Brewing is now open and located in the former Fat Willy's Bar in downtown Chatham. The Brew Pub Bar & Restaurant will feature a selection of craft beers from Sangamo Brewing and other local brewers. The Bar is a living history museum of Breweriana - beer advertisements and collectibles. Sangamo Brewing will focus on historic downstate and central Illinois brewing history. The menu features straight-forward, simple "comfort" food that satisfies those who want to eat. The Beer Garden will offer outside grilling along with a stage for music and viewing sporting events. Beer Garden and special event services will be available.

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Thrift Avenue's Estate Warehouse

Lexington, IL

Thrift Avenue's Estate Warehouse is open Sunday & Monday from 10am-6pm, and is located only 1/2 mile apart from the Thrift Avenue main location in Lexington. At the new estate warehouse location and the Main Street location, you will find merchandise galore...pick up unique & hilarious gifts, Route 66 souvenirs & apparel, Collectibles, Furniture, Antiques, home décor, handcrafted, rustic, vintage, primitive, architectural salvage, Dixie Belle Paint retailer, jewelry, Black Crow Candle Co, Route 66 bottled soda (7 flavors), preowned, new, refinished, and more. New inventory is consistently being added. Broad price range to include any budget. Some merchandise is consigned. Welcoming, bright, clean, and friendly.

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2020 Event Cancelled - Red Carpet Corridor Festival

Joliet to Towanda, IL

EVENT CANCELLED. With Joliet, Elwood an Dwight cancelling due to the Coronavirus issue, and other communities on the Red Carpet considering the same, this year's Red Carpet Corridor event has been cancelled for safety concerns. From Debyjo Ericksen- IL Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Chair: "Coordinating with 13 community calendars to reschedule is not as easy as one would think. We will be back next year bigger and better than ever. Thank you for your understanding in making this difficult decision."

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featured stories from the road

U-Haul on Route 66

U-Haul has been around for a very long time and crosses path with Route 66 many times. Brian a 19 year veteran of U-Haul and an enthusiastic historian himself , shared a very simple business model handed down from their CEO: "Find out what people need / like and do more of it." That statement sure belongs to The Miles of Possibilities on Route 66 philosophy. That coupled with their mission to buy older buildings ( Many with beloved history in the community) and re-purpose them as U-Haul facilities makes them very special. They have two in Bloomington and both are on Route 66. One was Tom’s Parkway Foods another was Eiseners. Both buildings have tributes to each of these businesses with in the community. Brian shared their truck logos which speak of travels to different destinations and a chance for customers to have their picture on one of their trucks.

A Dedicated Mail Man

93 years ago on November 3,1926, just days before the start of The Mother Road,and 500 ft South of the marker pictured above, a mailman crashed his plane and well, the rest is History ........ A Mailman who took his oath Seriously... "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" OR PLANE CRASH ?? 93 years ago November 3, 1926 a few months before the construction of Route 66 just outside Covell, Illinois.

Steak N Shake # 2 - Keller’s Iron Skillet in Bloomington

Imagine you are riding in your Hot Rod with your lover by your side, the smell of octane fills the air, the music - “ I get around “ by The Beach Boys - is playing and you’re cruising behind a bunch of your friends in similar classic cars and hot rods. You just left “Steak N Shake” #1 in Normal on Route 66 only to go down the Road to another “Steak N Shake” # 2 in Bloomington, then to a “Dog N Suds” next to this other “Steak N Shake” # 2 in Bloomington, only to loop back to the “Steak N Shake” on Route 66 in Normal and this looping continues continuously through out the evening. This was known in the late 60’s and 70’s as "Tooling the Gag."

The Champagne British Car Show

The Champagne British Car Show at The David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Illinois. Incredible Machines from Across the Pond at an Awesome Historic Place where Lincoln himself has stayed. Music, food - Just a Great Time!

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Honors Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourne

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery continues to honor those that are buried in their Cemetery on Route 66. A recent carving by Top Notch Carvings has completed their most recent Tribute to Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourne.

Legacy Candy Company Started in Bloomington, Illinois

Beich Original factory in the town of Bloomington, Illinois burned down 2005. It was bought by Nestle in 2008 and now resides in Nestle Factory on Route 66 in Bloomington, Illinois. The road that Nestle is on is Beich Road as tribute to the makers of the Candy !

Parkview Inn Reopens on Route 66

Meet Rick McCormick (owner and operator) of The Parkview Inn on Route 66 in Bloomington, Illinois. He and his family have owned the restaurant for 23 years. Rick also owns Redbird Catering and has a list of the total of 9 owners of the Parkview Inn since 1928.

World Circus Day Marked by Multiple Celebrations in Bloomington-Normal

On Saturday, April 20, 2019, a full day of activities celebrated the circus and its legacy in McLean County. Festivities began with the re-dedication and blessing of the Ward Family plot at Park Hill Cemetery. The Ward Family of flyers, began with the brother-sister duo, Eddie Ward Sr. and Jennie Ward Todd. They were known for thrilling feats and they trained a great number of flyers during their lifetimes. The ceremony included an introduction of Ward Family members in attendance by Robert E. Handley, local photographer and past performer with Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A service was led by Donna (Ward) Skura, Pam Ward, and other Ward Family descendants. Fr. David Halt, Rector at Bloomington’s St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, also officiated the ceremony.

The Land of OZ on Route 66

Travelers on Route 66 remind me of that timeless story of Dorothy and Toto as they set out on their adventures to see what lay ahead upon the horizon. How ironic that a little girl buried in a Route 66 cemetery would inspire such a story. Dorothy Louise Gage, the niece of L. Frank Baum, who wrote the book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" passed away before she was 6 months old. Her death would inspire him to name his main character, in a book he was writing, as Dorothy. The impact of his books and later a movie would inspire generations to come.

A New Hope on Route 66

Each year the Empire strikes against the Rebellion at the Annual Star Wars Day In Joliet, Illinois on Route 66. Thanks to the Public Library and the 501 First Legion organization, this annual celebration rivals a large movie set. The parade is large and professional and the costumes are outstanding. Each year this venue gets larger and the photo opportunities are high quality.

Upcoming Events

McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”

Cancelled- 14th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

Litchfield Pickers Market

Niehaus Cycle Sales 34th Annual Customer Appreciation Days

2nd Annual Route 66 Weekend in Lincoln Illinois

50th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival

McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”

Cancelled- 14th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

Litchfield Pickers Market

Niehaus Cycle Sales 34th Annual Customer Appreciation Days

2nd Annual Route 66 Weekend in Lincoln Illinois

50th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival

1/28/20 - 4/28/20

Bloomington-Normal

5/2/20

Joliet

5/10/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

5/15/20 - 5/17/20

Litchfield

6/12/20 - 6/14/20

Lincoln

9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Lincoln

1/28/20 - 4/28/20

Bloomington-Normal

5/2/20

Joliet

5/10/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

5/15/20 - 5/17/20

Litchfield

6/12/20 - 6/14/20

Lincoln

9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Lincoln

Inspired by the Museum’s newest exhibit, Challenges, Choices, and Change: A Community in Conflict, the Museum in partnership with Not In Our Town (NIOT), Heartland Community College, the YWCA of McLean County, and other local organizations will present a dialogue-based program series, A Community in Conflict Conversation from January to April 2020. These monthly opportunities for community conversation will highlight the historic and modern significance of four questions featured in the exhibit—asking always, who has the power?

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The Litchfield Pickers Market will return, for its sixth year, every second Sunday of the month from May to October, with the exact 2020 market dates being: May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11. Mark your calendar NOW and plan to visit downtown Litchfield, Illinois between 9 AM to 3 PM. This year is going to be a great one!

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Every year on the weekend after Mother's Day is the large Appreciation Days event, attended by as many as 5000 people from as far away as Canada, and it features the "Show of Lights Ride" through downtown Litchfield. The Celebration lasts until someone wins a New Gold Wing, F6B, Valkyrie, or Pioneer 1000-5D on Sunday.

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The 2nd Annual Route 66 Weekend in Lincoln Illinois is June 13-15 this year, and incorporates a number of existing events into a special weekend for all. The Route 66 Garage Sales will be taking place all weekend, including at the VFW headquarters across from Postville Courthouse on Old 66. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival, with a special exhibit at The Mill Museum on 66. The Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour will be coming to town Saturday, with their hall of Fame Banquet Saturday night at the American Legion in Lincoln (a ticketed event), and an extended passport stop Sunday morning at The Mill.

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The 50th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival will be held Saturday/Sunday September 19 & 20 at locations in Lincoln, Illinois, all of which are located on Historic Route 66 – Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, Postville Park, VFW and The Mill Museum. The event is a celebration of the pioneer days that influenced Abraham Lincoln’s early life, including his time as a lawyer on the 8th Judicial Circuit.

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McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”

1/28/20 - 4/28/20

Bloomington-Normal

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Cancelled- 14th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

5/2/20

Joliet

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market

5/10/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

Learn More

Niehaus Cycle Sales 34th Annual Customer Appreciation Days

5/15/20 - 5/17/20

Litchfield

Learn More

2nd Annual Route 66 Weekend in Lincoln Illinois

6/12/20 - 6/14/20

Lincoln

Learn More

50th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival

9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Lincoln

Learn More

McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”

1/28/20 - 4/28/20

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

Cancelled- 14th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

5/2/20

Joliet

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market

5/10/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

Learn More

Niehaus Cycle Sales 34th Annual Customer Appreciation Days

5/15/20 - 5/17/20

Litchfield

Learn More

2nd Annual Route 66 Weekend in Lincoln Illinois

6/12/20 - 6/14/20

Lincoln

Learn More

50th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival

9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Lincoln

Learn More

LATEST NEWS FROM ROUTE 66

McLean County Museum of History Expands Outreach while Shelter in Place Continues

Mar 27, 2020

As the spread of COVID-19 became a reality, following the recommendations of health officials the Museum responded by closing our doors to the public the week of March 14. Since then the staff has been meeting regularly, using the Zoom App, and only essential staff have been working in short shifts on site to ensure facilities are sound and the archives and collections remain safe. The staff continues to communicate with members and community partners concerning event and programming rescheduling and cancellations.

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Announces New Executive Director

Mar 11, 2020

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Wichmann as the organization’s Executive Director. Wichmann brings to the Byway a wealth of knowledge and an extensive background in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She brings more than a decade of non-profit experience to the organization including work with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield and most recently, the state-wide Illinois Association of Park Districts. An experienced Director of Marketing and Development, Wichmann also brings years of experience in event planning, financial and human resource management, fundraising, grant writing and strategic planning to the Byway. Wichmann is a 1998 graduate of Western Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Unveils New Route 66 Display at State of Illinois Stratton Office Building in Springfield

Feb 21, 2020

On February 18, 2020, a new Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway display was unveiled at a ceremony at the State of Illinois Stratton Office Building in Springfield, Illinois. The display features thematic sections of the current Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway visitor guide. Over 125 attractions, businesses and tourism partners are represented in the display. Highlights include museums, iconic restaurants, giant statues, breweries, neon signs and downtown districts along Illinois Route 66. Prominently featured is a copy of “The Green Book”, which was an essential guide for African American safe travel during the Jim Crow era. Also included is an example of the Illinois Route 66 specialty license plate, which is available for cars, light trucks and motorcycles in the state.

Gemini Giant Lighting Ceremony a Glowing Success!

Jun 17, 2019

Holly Higgins Barker and Tully Tornado Garrett have done it again! After a phenomenal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that recently marked the re-opening of The Launching Pad, the duo has set their sites on restoring The Gemini Giant to its glory and beyond.

Ambler Becker Texaco Gas Station Sets Attendance Record at Red Carpet Corridor

May 06, 2019

A record 892 people signed the guest book at the Texaco Welcome Center this past weekend at the 13th annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival. Visitors signed in from Chicago and its suburbs to the Quad Cities, from Peoria to Park Ridge, from Wisconsin, Indiana, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Poland, Argentina, France and Spain, just to name a few.

2019 Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership Annual Board Meeting

Mar 11, 2019

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership held its third Annual Board of Directors Meeting February 22-23, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Highlights of the meeting included an update on efforts to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail, the 2019 budget, a new partnership policy, reports from working groups and task forces, and the election of the 2019 Board Officers.

Iconic Sonrise Doughnut Sign Acquired by Springfield's Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dec 14, 2018

The City of Springfield’s Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today (12/14/18) the city is the new owner of the iconic Route 66 Sonrise Doughnut sign. In partnership with Ace Sign Company who assisted the city in navigating the bidding process, the Convention & Visitors Bureau purchased the complete sign to retain its historic value for $22,000.

36 on 66 – Abe’s Carmelcorn Shoppe Begins a Year of Celebration

Oct 09, 2018

In early 2018, during the winter months, Abe’s Carmelcorn Shoppe, located at 117 N. Kickapoo Street in Historic Downtown Lincoln, Illinois, underwent a major renovation to the interior of the building. The result was stunning – new flooring and lighting accented by classic wood fixtures. In addition, the floor space was increased by 500 square feet to accommodate the unique shopping experience that features a cutting-edge selection of merchandise designed to make memories of a lifetime.

Explore It

One Mile At A Time

Route 66

Explore It

One Mile At A Time

Route 66

One Mile
At A Time

One Mile
At A Time