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.

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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New Photos From Route 66
National Trust For Historic Preservation Route 66 Tour 7/3-7/5/2018
National Trust For Historic Preservation Route 66 Tour 7/3-7/5/2018
2018 Red Carpet Corridor
2018 Red Carpet Corridor
Ryburn Place at Sprague Super Service Grand Opening 8-12-17
Ryburn Place at Sprague Super Service Grand Opening 8-12-17
2017 Lincoln's Festival on Route 66
2017 Lincoln's Festival on Route 66
2017 Rock 'n Rods on 66 Festival
2017 Rock 'n Rods on 66 Festival
2017 World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
2017 World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
2017 Blue Carpet Corridor
2017 Blue Carpet Corridor
2017 Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days
2017 Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days
2017 Red Carpet Corridor
2017 Red Carpet Corridor
Railsplitter Antique Auto Club Car Show Lincoln IL 8-28-16
Railsplitter Antique Auto Club Car Show Lincoln IL 8-28-16
Berwyn Rt 66 Car Show 8-27-16
Berwyn Rt 66 Car Show 8-27-16
Lincoln Home National Park Service 100th Anniversary 8-25-16
Lincoln Home National Park Service 100th Anniversary 8-25-16
Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Vietnam Wall Ceremony 8-25-16
Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Vietnam Wall Ceremony 8-25-16
McLean IL Walldog Mural Festival 8-20-16
McLean IL Walldog Mural Festival 8-20-16
2016 Blue Carpet Corridor
2016 Blue Carpet Corridor
Downtown Bloomington Car Cruise-In 6-5-2016
Downtown Bloomington Car Cruise-In 6-5-2016
Logan County Arts Route 66 Exhibit Opening 6-2-16
Logan County Arts Route 66 Exhibit Opening 6-2-16
Bandit Run Pontiac IL 6-1-16
Bandit Run Pontiac IL 6-1-16
Rialto Square Theatre 90th Anniversary Celebration 5-24-16
Rialto Square Theatre 90th Anniversary Celebration 5-24-16
3rd Fridays Inaugural Event Lincoln IL 5-20-16
3rd Fridays Inaugural Event Lincoln IL 5-20-16
Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days 5-14-16
Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days 5-14-16
2016 Red Carpet Corridor
2016 Red Carpet Corridor
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center First Anniversary 4-25-16
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center First Anniversary 4-25-16
Dwight IL Route 66 90th Birthday Celebration 4-21-16
Dwight IL Route 66 90th Birthday Celebration 4-21-16
Miles of Possibility Edwardsville Route 66 Conference
Miles of Possibility Edwardsville Route 66 Conference
45th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival 2015
45th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival 2015
Elkhart Fall Festival 10-10-15
Elkhart Fall Festival 10-10-15
2015 International Mother Road Festival
2015 International Mother Road Festival
Illinois State Fair Media Day 8-6-15
Illinois State Fair Media Day 8-6-15
Bloomington Car Show 6-6-15
Bloomington Car Show 6-6-15
International Mother Road Festival Springfield IL 9/26-9/28/14
International Mother Road Festival Springfield IL 9/26-9/28/14
Berwyn Route 66 Car Show 9-6-14
Berwyn Route 66 Car Show 9-6-14
Berwyn, IL
Berwyn, IL
17th Annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
17th Annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
Inaugural 2015 Blue Carpet Corridor 6-13 to 6-14
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
I AM RT 66 Interview with Jim Livingston. Uncut & Unfettered
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RMpHvNdpglE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Gemini Giant Lighting Ceremony -The Launching Pad 6/15/19
Gemini Giant Lighting Ceremony -The Launching Pad 6/15/19
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FHwHms1jj4o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Illinois Route 66 Memories Video Compilation
Illinois Route 66 Memories Video Compilation
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q2H_fLPyl0E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Sorrento's Pizzeria 50th Anniversary Interview with Tony Curcuru
Sorrento's Pizzeria 50th Anniversary Interview with Tony Curcuru
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H3Me_oLLjd0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Ariston Cafe Neon Sign Relighting Ceremony 5/4/19
Ariston Cafe Neon Sign Relighting Ceremony 5/4/19
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MCXLTef5xUM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Gemini Giant/Launching Pad Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Gemini Giant/Launching Pad Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXU-r5huu1U" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Abraham Lincoln Letter to Kersey Fell Public Unveiling 2/1/19
Abraham Lincoln Letter to Kersey Fell Public Unveiling 2/1/19
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQysdMkb3qw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
Foggy Frosty Morning Drive - Route 66 Lincoln to Springfield, IL
Foggy Frosty Morning Drive - Route 66 Lincoln to Springfield, IL
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4mNXDk8V7DM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen>
2018 Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Basset Waddle
2018 Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Basset Waddle
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/052L1pjPsqk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen>
Eagle Injured in 2017 Successfully Released Back Into Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, IL - 1/20/18
Eagle Injured in 2017 Successfully Released Back Into Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, IL - 1/20/18
width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1M6ofF_HIZ8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen>
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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
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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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.

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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 !

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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.

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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.

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Upcoming Events
McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”
F1rst Fr1day: Tour de Chocolat
ABATE of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show
Bloomington Public Library Knit In
Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism
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”
F1rst Fr1day: Tour de Chocolat
ABATE of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show
Bloomington Public Library Knit In
Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism
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
2/7/20
Bloomington-Normal
2/9/20
Springfield
2/10/20
Bloomington-Normal
3/16/20 - 3/18/20
Chicago
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
2/7/20
Bloomington-Normal
2/9/20
Springfield
2/10/20
Bloomington-Normal
3/16/20 - 3/18/20
Chicago
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 Museum is pleased to once again participate in this annual Downtown Bloomington tradition by offering locally made chocolates generously provided by our community partner, RGW Candy Company, who has been making chocolate along Route 66 since 1948. And after you have sampled their wonderful treats, you can purchase some in our Visitors Center to take home with you too!
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The annual A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show returns to the Orr Building at the IL State Fairgrounds this February 9th. The public is invited. Highlights include the judged Bike Show (1st & 2nd Place trophies and People's Choice Award). Also, door prizes all day, prize drawings, vendors and food available.

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The next Knit In will be Saturday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Bloomington Public Library. Registration is free, but required. To register for the event, please contact Candace Summers, Director of Education at 309-827-0428 or via email at education@mchistory.org.
Learn More
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism is the state’s premiere industry event. Professionals from across Illinois and around the country come together to network and learn from travel and tourism’s best and brightest.
Learn More

The 14th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival traverses 13 Communities from Joliet to Towanda along a 90-mile stretch of Old Route 66 that collectively celebrates the Mother Road. Each town puts together its own events for that Saturday, making for a great shopping and sight-seeing experience. Gather the family and take a trip down memory lane. Towns include Joliet, Elwood, Wilmington, Braidwood, Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight, Odell, Pontiac, Chenoa, Lexington and Towanda.

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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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More
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?
Learn More
The Museum is pleased to once again participate in this annual Downtown Bloomington tradition by offering locally made chocolates generously provided by our community partner, RGW Candy Company, who has been making chocolate along Route 66 since 1948. And after you have sampled their wonderful treats, you can purchase some in our Visitors Center to take home with you too!
Learn More

The annual A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show returns to the Orr Building at the IL State Fairgrounds this February 9th. The public is invited. Highlights include the judged Bike Show (1st & 2nd Place trophies and People's Choice Award). Also, door prizes all day, prize drawings, vendors and food available.

Learn More
The next Knit In will be Saturday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Bloomington Public Library. Registration is free, but required. To register for the event, please contact Candace Summers, Director of Education at 309-827-0428 or via email at education@mchistory.org.
Learn More
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism is the state’s premiere industry event. Professionals from across Illinois and around the country come together to network and learn from travel and tourism’s best and brightest.
Learn More

The 14th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival traverses 13 Communities from Joliet to Towanda along a 90-mile stretch of Old Route 66 that collectively celebrates the Mother Road. Each town puts together its own events for that Saturday, making for a great shopping and sight-seeing experience. Gather the family and take a trip down memory lane. Towns include Joliet, Elwood, Wilmington, Braidwood, Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight, Odell, Pontiac, Chenoa, Lexington and Towanda.

Learn More

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!

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More
McLean County Museum of History collaboration presents “A Community in Conversation”
1/28/20 - 4/28/20
Bloomington-Normal
Learn More
F1rst Fr1day: Tour de Chocolat
2/7/20
Bloomington-Normal
Learn More
ABATE of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show
2/9/20
Springfield
Learn More
Bloomington Public Library Knit In
2/10/20
Bloomington-Normal
Learn More
Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism
3/16/20 - 3/18/20
Chicago
Learn More
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
F1rst Fr1day: Tour de Chocolat
2/7/20
Bloomington-Normal
Learn More
ABATE of Illinois Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show
2/9/20
Springfield
Learn More
Bloomington Public Library Knit In
2/10/20
Bloomington-Normal
Learn More
Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism
3/16/20 - 3/18/20
Chicago
Learn More
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
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LATEST NEWS FROM ROUTE 66
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Program is seeking to fill the following full-time position: Executive Director
Nov 04, 2019
Byway Description
The Route 66 Byway Program is a small, 501c(3) not for profit corporation with 2 full time employees and 2-4 contractual employees as necessary for particular tasks as determined by the Executive Director.  The annual income is primarily derived from state and federal government sources and is currently $320,000 per year. The mission of the organization is to preserve, protect and promote Route 66 and its various resources within the federally designated Route 66 Corridor in Illinois.

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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. 

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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