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

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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!

Mill St Tap
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Mill St. Tap

Pontiac, IL

Cold drinks, good music, and that classic small-town bar vibe. Right in the heart of downtown Pontiac, Mill Street Tap is the spot to kick back, meet locals, and keep the night going—especially after exploring Route 66. No frills, just a solid pour and a good time. Located on Mill Street next to the Route 66 Museum, with the legendary Route 66 mural right in our backyard.

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316 North Mill Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
(309) 224-2029

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Events on Illinois Route 66

Events

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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…

  • Bike Vessel

    “Bike Vessel” Movie Screens at the Normal Theater in support of the Town of Normal’s Bicycle Friendly Community Initiative

    Normal Theater 209 W North St, Normal, IL, United States

    The Town of Normal is very excited to be showing Bike Vessel as our 2026 “winter bike movie” on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Normal Theater. (We’ve hosted an annual bike movie for many years – always a great time!) As you will read in the attached press release, this movie has…

  • Route 66's History & Future - Scott McCoy

    Elkhart Historical Society – Route 66’s History & Future – Scott McCoy

    Horsefeathers/Wild Hare Cafe 104 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart, IL, United States

    The 2026 calendar will give many an opportunity to “Get their Kicks on Route 66”, as part of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary. To help begin the celebration, the Elkhart Historical Society’s first dinner lecture of the year, will be held on Friday, March 20th, at Horsefeather’s Wild Hare Café – doors open at 5 p.m.,…

  • 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…