Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Home

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

Ariston Cafe Neon Sign Relighting Ceremony 5/4/19

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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

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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

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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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Josiah Keller performs Star Spangled Banner at The Mill on 66 Motorcycle Show 9-17-16

width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:560px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-PG9l9RMvto" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner Signs Route 66 Motorcycle Plate Legislation 8/20/16

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45th Annual National Railsplitting Contest - Lincoln IL

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2014 International Mother Road Festival City Nights Cruise

width="100%" style="width:100%; max-width:420px;" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjC2MkEbA5o" frameborder="0" 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

Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie

Gillespie, IL

This new museum in Gillespie is designed to stimulate appreciation for and knowledge of the role of coal mining in Illinois. The Illinois Coal Museum offers more than a collection of coal mining memorabilia. Visitors can take a walk through the coal mining past but also have a look into the future of the industry.

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Ariston Cafe

Litchfield, IL

Pete Adam started the Ariston Cafe in nearby Carlinville in 1924. When the Mother Road was rerouted in 1929, Pete leased a new building in Litchfield. The Ariston’s great reputation for service, excellent food, and unbelievable desserts led Pete to relocate across the street in 1935 to his own building that still stands today.

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Nana’s Hidden Attic

Litchfield, IL

Nana’s Hidden Attic is located at Exit 60 off Interstate 55, and has over 16 thousand square feet containing over 80 individual booths. The merchandise ranges from antiques to vintage, as well as collectible and specialty merchandise.

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Maldaner's Restaurant & Catering Since 1884

Springfield, IL

Established in 1884, Maldaner's Restaurant and Catering is one of Springfield's finest restaurants. The Oldest Restaurant on Route 66 now offers the experience of literally "Eating on 66", with outside patio seating including at the parklet, where you get to dine on the actual Mother Road pavement in historic downtown Springfield! This is truly a unique 66 experience. If you have visited The Old State Capitol, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House or the State Capitol, you can imagine the wonderful celebrations held at Maldaner's from the turn of the last century to the present day. Maldaner's has been located on Historic Route 66 since the road began!

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Kelly's on 66

Lexington, IL

Kelly's on Route 66 is now open and serving Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads & Desserts! This family-friendly restaurant is located in the historic building that was home to Skelley's Service Station and Toby's Mesa Cafe. Featuring homemade pizza and homemade pies and cakes all made from scratch, as well as the occasional "blue plate special". Wine and beer are also served. Check out all the interesting artifacts that are part of the decor! Open 11am-8pm Tues-Thurs, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat and 11am-6pm Sundays.

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Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices/Official Springfield Visitor Center

Springfield, IL

The city of Springfield has opened a new Visitors Center on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol. Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield. While the upper floors remain closed to tours, visitors can tour an exhibit of the law office on the first floor as well as the U.S. Post Office, located in the building from 1841-1849.

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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!

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 lied upon the horizon. How ironic that a little girl buried on 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 Dorothy. The impact of his books and later a Movie would inspire generations to come.

Upcoming Events

2ND ANNUAL SKY VIEW DRIVE-IN SCAVENGER HUNT

Litchfield Pickers Market

DSI/Levitt Amp Springfield Music Series

GRAND OPENING I Am Rt 66 Exhibit

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

2019 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

6th Annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66!

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

18th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

2ND ANNUAL SKY VIEW DRIVE-IN SCAVENGER HUNT

Litchfield Pickers Market

DSI/Levitt Amp Springfield Music Series

GRAND OPENING I Am Rt 66 Exhibit

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

2019 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

6th Annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66!

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

18th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

4/5/19 - 9/8/19

Litchfield

4/14/19 - 10/13/19

Litchfield

5/30/19 - 8/1/19

Springfield

6/29/19

Pontiac

7/19/19 - 7/21/19

Bloomington-Normal

8/8/19 - 8/18/19

Springfield

8/24/19

Berwyn

8/24/19

McLean

9/19/19 - 9/22/19

Dwight

9/27/19 - 9/29/19

Springfield

4/5/19 - 9/8/19

Litchfield

4/14/19 - 10/13/19

Litchfield

5/30/19 - 8/1/19

Springfield

6/29/19

Pontiac

7/19/19 - 7/21/19

Bloomington-Normal

8/8/19 - 8/18/19

Springfield

8/24/19

Berwyn

8/24/19

McLean

9/19/19 - 9/22/19

Dwight

9/27/19 - 9/29/19

Springfield

Following the very successful first Sky View Scavenger Hunt last year, owners Mindy & Nick Pastrovich and Debbie & Mike Pastrovich are back with treasures and discounts for movies that will be hidden throughout the central to southern portions of Route 66. The Sky View Scavenger Hunt involves finding a limited-edition magnet that will be hidden at famous Route 66 locations. Once found, these magnets are to be turned in at the participating business for a special gift and two free tickets to any movie at the Sky View, including the popular Throwback Series of Sunday movies from April through September.

Learn More

The Litchfield Pickers Market will return, for its fifth year, every second Sunday of the month from April to October, with the exact 2019 market dates being: April 14, May 12, June 9, July14, August 11, September 8, and October 13. 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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Springfield was named on 12/18/18 as one of 15 cities to receive a $25,000 grant to put on a summer concert series. The Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation announced Springfield was one of 15 grant recipients. The money will be used in Springfield this summer to stage concerts on downtown’s North Mansion Block, also known as a YWCA block (4th St & Jackson). After a selection process, the bands have been announced.

Learn More

We are excited to welcome a new temporary exhibit to the Pontiac Museum Complex! Opening June 29, "I Am Rt 66" is a project by Jim Livingston and Bob Lile showcasing the people found along Route 66. Participants are asked to answer three questions on a plain white sheet of paper; "I am," "I Regret," and "Before I die" before getting their portrait taken.

A portrait taking session will take place from 1:00-3:00PM the same day

Learn More

The Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 has grown in interest and attendance since the Route 66 theme was added to the festival in 2017. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is expanding its role in the festival this year, announcing a symposium exploring the fascination that Abraham Lincoln had with William Shakespeare’s writings.

Learn More

You get everything you can possibly imagine when you attend the Illinois State Fair in Springfield this August, including top-notch performers at the grandstand shows!

Learn More

The Berwyn Route 66 Car Show is the area's best and biggest car show born from the rich automotive heritage of Berwyn's Historic Route 66. Berwyn's show takes visitors on a stroll through 500+ vintage and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. Highlights include live music, automobile flamethrowing and a cacklefest of dragsters that will thrill spectators! Held annually the last Saturday in August.

Learn More

Something new and exciting this year: Our shirts were designed by an Olympia High School student—Clayton Ford of Atlanta. He won the design contest we coordinated with Olympia art teacher Sandra Pitcher. I’m attaching a mock-up of the design, as well as a selection of photos from last year and our race logo.

Last year we fell just short of our goal of 200 participants (198! So close!), and we’re hoping to surpass that this year. People have told us that they love the opportunity to run or walk on Route 66 and support our efforts to revitalize our small town of McLean.

Learn More

Dwight's premiere annual event is a great time for the whole family. Enjoy pie baking and pie eating contests, hypnosis/magician, Jr. Karaoke contest, Live Country Music, Live Dixieland Band, All Star Jam Band, Hairbanger's Ball, car show, tractor show and hours of fun!

Learn More

Over 1,000 cool cars and 80,000 spectators will roll into the heart of Springfield's historic downtown September 27-29 for a weekend of family fun in the sun and non-stop live music and entertainment! Come celebrate the golden age of Route 66...the cars, the music, the food, the friends - all brought together along Illinois Route 66.

Learn More

Following the very successful first Sky View Scavenger Hunt last year, owners Mindy & Nick Pastrovich and Debbie & Mike Pastrovich are back with treasures and discounts for movies that will be hidden throughout the central to southern portions of Route 66. The Sky View Scavenger Hunt involves finding a limited-edition magnet that will be hidden at famous Route 66 locations. Once found, these magnets are to be turned in at the participating business for a special gift and two free tickets to any movie at the Sky View, including the popular Throwback Series of Sunday movies from April through September.

Learn More

The Litchfield Pickers Market will return, for its fifth year, every second Sunday of the month from April to October, with the exact 2019 market dates being: April 14, May 12, June 9, July14, August 11, September 8, and October 13. 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

Springfield was named on 12/18/18 as one of 15 cities to receive a $25,000 grant to put on a summer concert series. The Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation announced Springfield was one of 15 grant recipients. The money will be used in Springfield this summer to stage concerts on downtown’s North Mansion Block, also known as a YWCA block (4th St & Jackson). After a selection process, the bands have been announced.

Learn More

We are excited to welcome a new temporary exhibit to the Pontiac Museum Complex! Opening June 29, "I Am Rt 66" is a project by Jim Livingston and Bob Lile showcasing the people found along Route 66. Participants are asked to answer three questions on a plain white sheet of paper; "I am," "I Regret," and "Before I die" before getting their portrait taken.

A portrait taking session will take place from 1:00-3:00PM the same day

Learn More

The Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 has grown in interest and attendance since the Route 66 theme was added to the festival in 2017. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is expanding its role in the festival this year, announcing a symposium exploring the fascination that Abraham Lincoln had with William Shakespeare’s writings.

Learn More

You get everything you can possibly imagine when you attend the Illinois State Fair in Springfield this August, including top-notch performers at the grandstand shows!

Learn More

The Berwyn Route 66 Car Show is the area's best and biggest car show born from the rich automotive heritage of Berwyn's Historic Route 66. Berwyn's show takes visitors on a stroll through 500+ vintage and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. Highlights include live music, automobile flamethrowing and a cacklefest of dragsters that will thrill spectators! Held annually the last Saturday in August.

Learn More

Something new and exciting this year: Our shirts were designed by an Olympia High School student—Clayton Ford of Atlanta. He won the design contest we coordinated with Olympia art teacher Sandra Pitcher. I’m attaching a mock-up of the design, as well as a selection of photos from last year and our race logo.

Last year we fell just short of our goal of 200 participants (198! So close!), and we’re hoping to surpass that this year. People have told us that they love the opportunity to run or walk on Route 66 and support our efforts to revitalize our small town of McLean.

Learn More

Dwight's premiere annual event is a great time for the whole family. Enjoy pie baking and pie eating contests, hypnosis/magician, Jr. Karaoke contest, Live Country Music, Live Dixieland Band, All Star Jam Band, Hairbanger's Ball, car show, tractor show and hours of fun!

Learn More

Over 1,000 cool cars and 80,000 spectators will roll into the heart of Springfield's historic downtown September 27-29 for a weekend of family fun in the sun and non-stop live music and entertainment! Come celebrate the golden age of Route 66...the cars, the music, the food, the friends - all brought together along Illinois Route 66.

Learn More

2ND ANNUAL SKY VIEW DRIVE-IN SCAVENGER HUNT

4/5/19 - 9/8/19

Litchfield

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market

4/14/19 - 10/13/19

Litchfield

Learn More

DSI/Levitt Amp Springfield Music Series

5/30/19 - 8/1/19

Springfield

Learn More

GRAND OPENING I Am Rt 66 Exhibit

6/29/19

Pontiac

Learn More

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66

7/19/19 - 7/21/19

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

8/8/19 - 8/18/19

Springfield

Learn More

2019 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

8/24/19

Berwyn

Learn More

6th Annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66!

8/24/19

McLean

Learn More

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

9/19/19 - 9/22/19

Dwight

Learn More

18th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

9/27/19 - 9/29/19

Springfield

Learn More

2ND ANNUAL SKY VIEW DRIVE-IN SCAVENGER HUNT

4/5/19 - 9/8/19

Litchfield

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market

4/14/19 - 10/13/19

Litchfield

Learn More

DSI/Levitt Amp Springfield Music Series

5/30/19 - 8/1/19

Springfield

Learn More

GRAND OPENING I Am Rt 66 Exhibit

6/29/19

Pontiac

Learn More

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66

7/19/19 - 7/21/19

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

8/8/19 - 8/18/19

Springfield

Learn More

2019 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

8/24/19

Berwyn

Learn More

6th Annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66!

8/24/19

McLean

Learn More

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

9/19/19 - 9/22/19

Dwight

Learn More

18th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

9/27/19 - 9/29/19

Springfield

Learn More

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

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