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 Route 66’s many roadside attractions, museums, and restaurants – it's the shining ribbon of blacktop we call 'The Mother Road'.

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

Featured Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Member

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery

Bloomington, IL

Founded in the early 1820s, this historic cemetery is nestled in the heart of Bloomington. The 87-acre cemetery begins with a simple entrance, winding avenues, towering trees, and an elaborate mausoleum. The cemetery is a wonderful example of preservation, culture, and tradition in Central Illinois. It is the resting place of famous figures and ordinary people. People like former Vice President Adlai Stevenson, Revolutionary War soldier David Haggard and niece of L. Frank Baum, Dorothy Louise Gage, basis for the character Dorothy from his book The Wizard of Oz. There are two sections dedicated to children, three areas dedicated to veterans. Today, Evergreen Memorial Cemetery captures the imagination of the visitor and may be swept away by the quality which one might call the essential spirit of the place.

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Events & Festivals on Illinois Route 66

Breaking Bread in McLean County

McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin' with Lincoln 66 Visitors Center 200 N. Main Street, Bloomington

Beginning February 9, 2021, the McLean County Museum of History, in partnership with BN Welcoming (a coalition of the Immigration Project, Not In Our Town/Not In Our Schools, and West…

Collinsville Restaurant Week

Collinsville 125 S. Center Street, Collinsville

Dine with Great Rivers & Routes during the Collinsville Restaurant Week. Starting Friday, Feb. 26 many of the locally-owned restaurants will come together to offer diners a taste of some…

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois STEEL Seminar 2021

Northfield Inn, Springfield 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield

ABATE STEEL, the annual winter gathering for ABATE members announced their schedule and Banquet Speaker this week: Friday February 26th - Registration from 4:30-6:30pm & FEDPAC Fundraiser / Gathering in…

The Litchfield Pickers Market Returns in 2021

Downtown Litchfield 400 North State Street, Litchfield

The Litchfield Tourism Office and Prairie Pickers are excited to announce the return of the Litchfield Pickers Market in 2021. The 2021 Litchfield Pickers Market will be held from 9…

Recently Updated
This page is dedicated to Coronavirus Resources for Illinois and Illinois Route 66 for the travelers and the communities.

Due to COVID-19, this contest has currently been halted.  Once travel resumes, we will relaunch the monthly contest.  Watch our social media pages for launch announcements!

Will you be out exploring the Mother Road this year?  Take a selfie or a group photo!  Take a photo at any Illinois Route 66 landmark and post it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #MyIL66 or submit via email to casey@illinoisroute66.org and be sure to put #MyIL66 in the subject line.

Each month, we will select three photos to be highlighted on our social media outlets, and the photo with the most likes, comments or shares will win an Illinois Route 66 commemorative license plate and an Illinois Route 66 baseball hat!

But it gets even better!  Once per year, we will let voters choose a grand prize winner from the 12 monthly winners.  The photo with the most likes, comments, or shares will win our grand prize: A basket full of Illinois Route 66 memorabilia, gift certificates, and more!