WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD BEGINS

Since 1926

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

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

SEARCH OR NAVIGATE ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 HERE

Learn more about the Centennial & the Route 66 Experience

Click the Centennial logo to purchase merchandise available only through the Byway and click the Experience logo to learn more about the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience!

Mel-O-Cream
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Mel-O-Cream Donuts

Springfield, IL

A beloved local donut institution since 1932, Mel-O-Cream is where classic donut lovers go for warm, handmade favorites like glazed rings, old-fashioned cake donuts, creamy long johns, and jam-filled bismarcks. Known for time-tested flavors and hometown charm, Mel-O-Cream is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

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Mel-O-Cream Donuts
217 East Laurel Street
(217) 544-4644

3010 S. 6th St.
(217) 529-7708

525 North Grand Ave E
(217) 528-2303

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Events on Illinois Route 66

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Today

  • Rare Mary Lincoln Dress

    Rare Mary Lincoln Dress on Display at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

    Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum 212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL, United States

    SPRINGFIELD – One of the few surviving dresses worn by Mary Lincoln is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, offering visitors their first chance to see the fragile garment in 15 years. Known as the “strawberry dress” for its decorative pattern of berries and leaves, the dress can be seen in the special…

  • Gillespie 100th Anniversary Route 66

    Gillespie 100th Anniversary Route 66 Chicken & Beer Dance

    Gillespie Civic Center 115 North Macoupin Street, Gillespie, IL, United States

    A milestone in American road history is coming to Gillespie as the town marks Route 66’s 100th anniversary with a Roaring ’20s–themed night of food, music, and dancing. The 100th Anniversary Route 66 Chicken, Beer & Dance, organized by Grow Gillespie, invites residents and highway enthusiasts to gather for an evening that nods to the…

  • Chris Vallillo's Forgottonia

    Chris Vallillo’s Forgottonia at The Eagle Theater in Partnership with The Pontiac Public Library

    Eagle Performing Arts Center 319 N Plum St, Pontiac, IL, United States

    The Pontiac Public Library has received a Creative Projects award from the Illinois Arts Council to bring the new show Forgottonia to the Eagle Center For The Performing Arts in Pontiac, IL on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. “We are thrilled to welcome Chris back to Pontiac for another unforgettable show. Forgottonia is a truly unique…

  • Journey of Mollie's War

    The Journey of Mollie’s War: WACS and World War II

    Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL, United States

    As JAHM celebrates Women's History Month, the museum will host Cyndee Schaffer - Co-Author and Presenter of this extraordinary look into the history of women in the military, based largely in part on her mother's (Mollie) first-hand experience as a WAC (Women’s Army Corp) in WWII, from her time in the Medical Intelligence Division to…

  • New Starting Point for Historic Route 66 at Navy Pier

    Dedication Ceremony for Historic Route 66 New Starting Point at Navy Pier

    Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

    In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. “This move symbolizes how Route 66 continues to evolve while honoring its roots,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From the shores of Lake Michigan to the shores of the Pacific…