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

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

View More Images From Route 66

Videos From The Road

I AM RT 66 Interview with Jim Livingston. Uncut & Unfettered

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Gemini Giant Lighting Ceremony -The Launching Pad 6/15/19

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Illinois Route 66 Memories Video Compilation

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Sorrento's Pizzeria 50th Anniversary Interview with Tony Curcuru

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Ariston Cafe Neon Sign Relighting Ceremony 5/4/19

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Gemini Giant/Launching Pad Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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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

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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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View More Videos From The Road

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

O’Brien Tire & Auto Care

Granite City, IL

There isn’t a road as historic or as memorable in the U.S. as Route 66. From Chicago to California, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of driving it at least part of the way, you know of all the photo-worthy attractions, both historic and quirky. Among them is the famous giant tire standing in front of the oldest auto repair shop on the route.

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Cafe Billiards

Lincoln, IL

Cafe Billiards bar & grill features a beautiful outdoor beer garden, live music, DJ's, stand-up comedy, a large pool hall, video gaming and plenty of seating for dining in. Cafe Billiards is perfect for private parties and receptions, birthday parties and social gatherings.

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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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Old Joliet Prison (Collins Street Prison)

Joliet, IL

The Old Joliet Prison has hosted some of the most infamous criminals around, including Leopold, Loeb, Speck, Gacy and Nelson. They’ve also hosted Joliet “Jake” Blues (The Blues Brothers), Michael Burrows (Prison Break) and John Lyshitski (Let’s Go to Prison). Now, it’s your turn. Take a guided tour of the historic site, which operated from 1858-2002, and get a glimpse of life on the other side.

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Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum

Pontiac, IL

Illinois Route 66 Museum & Hall of Fame Has Reopened! The State of Illinois has entered Phase 4: Revitalization of the COVID-19 plan. That means that the museum has opened their doors to the public, with some modifications and conditions. According to these guidelines, museums may operate public-facing areas of their establishments at no more than 25% of occupancy at any given time. We must all continue to social distance, frequently wash our hands and cover our faces to maintain progress in overcoming COVID-19. We hope you'll cooperate with the safety practices that are in place so that all museum visitors can enjoy a healthy and enjoyable experience. Hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 7 days a week through the end of the year.

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featured stories from the road

Carlinville Plaza Sign Installation 5-1-2020 - Carlinville, IL on Route 66!

On the north end of Carlinville sits a shopping center that was built in 1977; it was the first of its kind in Macoupin County. The Carlinville Plaza is set between historic Route 66 on the west and the Route 66 bike route on the east. South of the plaza is the largest community of Standard Addition Sears Homes, which helped name the world’s first Sears Home Little Free Library. The Little Free Library will feature books about Carlinville and Route 66 and is located next to the Carlinville Plaza Cafe and Coffee Shop.

Two Illinois Route 66 Drive-In Movie Theaters Now Opening!

The Route 66 Drive in Theater in Springfield, and Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield are reopening this first week of May, with both venues showing movies starting Friday May 8th! Purchase Tickets: www.route66-drivein.com & www.litchfieldskyview.com.

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.

Upcoming Events

Old Capitol Farmers Market

Old Joliet Prison Tours

Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reopening with New Exhibit on "Fear and Freedom in America"

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... Lift off! Registration for Futures in History Camp 2.0

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 - Cancelled

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

2020 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

Litchfield Pickers Market - Updated Schedule

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

Old Capitol Farmers Market

Old Joliet Prison Tours

Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reopening with New Exhibit on "Fear and Freedom in America"

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... Lift off! Registration for Futures in History Camp 2.0

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 - Cancelled

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

2020 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

Litchfield Pickers Market - Updated Schedule

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

5/16/20 - 10/31/20

Springfield

6/1/20 - 10/31/20

Joliet

7/1/20 - 12/30/20

Springfield

7/6/20 - 8/7/20

Bloomington-Normal

7/9/20 - 7/12/20

Joliet

7/18/20 - 7/19/20

Bloomington-Normal

8/13/20 - 8/23/20

Springfield

8/22/20

Berwyn

9/13/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

Dwight

5/16/20 - 10/31/20

Springfield

6/1/20 - 10/31/20

Joliet

7/1/20 - 12/30/20

Springfield

7/6/20 - 8/7/20

Bloomington-Normal

7/9/20 - 7/12/20

Joliet

7/18/20 - 7/19/20

Bloomington-Normal

8/13/20 - 8/23/20

Springfield

8/22/20

Berwyn

9/13/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

Dwight

The 21st summer season of the Old Capitol Farmers Market starts Saturday, May 16 and takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm through October 31, 2020. Farmers Markets are considered an Essential Service during COVID-19.

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Beginning June 1st, tours will take place seven days a week! Visitors will be allowed inside the limestone walls to explore the Old Joliet Prison's 16-acre grounds, and while tours will be limited to outdoor areas only to comply with the Governor's Restore Illinois plan, there will be plenty to see including 24 new Interpretive Signs with historical prison photos!

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After a series of changes to protect visitor health, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is finalizing plans to reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 1. Visitors will find the facility has been meticulously cleaned and disinfected, and protective barriers have been installed in key places to ensure guest and employee safety. Museum-goers will be also be encouraged to stay one “Lincoln” apart – 6 feet, 4 inches, the equivalent of President Lincoln’s height.

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There is no time like the present to learn from the past and start shaping our future. From law to archaeology, architecture, museum studies, and environmental science, there is a future for everyone at Futures in History Camp 2.0!

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EVENT CANCELLED. The world's greatest drag racers light up The World's Premier Drag Racing Facility. See stars like John Force, Jack Beckman, Brittany Force and Steve Torrence take to the track! Please not this is the revised date for this event for 2020!

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(Bloomington-Normal) In the interest of the safety of our community, volunteers, partners, and organizers, in light of the continued COVID-19 situation regionally and nationally, it is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors for Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 (LF66) announce the cancellation of the July 18, 2020 annual festival.

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EVENT CANCELLED - The 2020 Illinois State Fair has been cancelled. The 2021 Illinois State fair is scheduled for August 12-22, 2021. 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!

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EVENT CANCELLED. The 2020 Berwyn Car Show has been cancelled. Check back for 2021 - we hope it will return to the fourth Saturday in August. 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! Be sure to visit Svengoolie from 2-4pm!

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The City of Litchfield and the Litchfield Tourism Office is postponing the grand opening of the Litchfield Pickers Market until September 13, 2020. Per the advice of the Federal Government to extend the social distancing guidelines, vendor and public safety is the number one priority at these events. We appreciate the support our patrons have given us throughout the years and we look forward to bringing you an epic market on September 13. Stay well. Keep calm and pick on!

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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!

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Old Capitol Farmers Market

5/16/20 - 10/31/20

Springfield

Learn More

Old Joliet Prison Tours

6/1/20 - 10/31/20

Joliet

Learn More

Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reopening with New Exhibit on "Fear and Freedom in America"

7/1/20 - 12/30/20

Springfield

Learn More

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... Lift off! Registration for Futures in History Camp 2.0

7/6/20 - 8/7/20

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

7/9/20 - 7/12/20

Joliet

Learn More

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 - Cancelled

7/18/20 - 7/19/20

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

8/13/20 - 8/23/20

Springfield

Learn More

2020 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

8/22/20

Berwyn

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market - Updated Schedule

9/13/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

Learn More

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

Dwight

Learn More

Old Capitol Farmers Market

5/16/20 - 10/31/20

Springfield

Learn More

Old Joliet Prison Tours

6/1/20 - 10/31/20

Joliet

Learn More

Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reopening with New Exhibit on "Fear and Freedom in America"

7/1/20 - 12/30/20

Springfield

Learn More

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... Lift off! Registration for Futures in History Camp 2.0

7/6/20 - 8/7/20

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

7/9/20 - 7/12/20

Joliet

Learn More

Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 - Cancelled

7/18/20 - 7/19/20

Bloomington-Normal

Learn More

Illinois State Fair in Springfield

8/13/20 - 8/23/20

Springfield

Learn More

2020 Berwyn Route 66 Car Show

8/22/20

Berwyn

Learn More

Litchfield Pickers Market - Updated Schedule

9/13/20 - 10/11/20

Litchfield

Learn More

Dwight Harvest Days & Annual Basset Waddle

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

Dwight

Learn More

LATEST NEWS FROM ROUTE 66

Mother Road Festival Cancelled for 2020

Jun 26, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and within the guidelines of the Restore Illinois’ Phased Reopening Plan, the Board of Directors for Illinois Route 66 Events, Inc. has announced that the 2020 International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, scheduled for September 25-27, will be cancelled for this year.

Illinois to Reopen Museums, Indoor & Outdoor Activities on Friday June 26

Jun 25, 2020

On Friday, June 26th, many more tourism-related businesses will be allowed to re-open as they follow Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines (please refer to https://dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/restore-illinois-phase-4/ for the official information).

Homestead Tourist Information Center is back in operation

Jun 16, 2020

One of the State of Illinois Tourist Information Centers (TIC) has now been reopened to the traveling public. These information centers are located on major interstates throughout the state. The first to reopen is Homestead Tourist Information Center located at I-55 Northbound at Hamel, IL. We hope to have more news soon on the other TIC re-openings in Illinois.

Stay 2 Get 1 Leisure Travel Incentive

Jun 10, 2020

Stay 2 nights get 1 night free, leisure travel incentive program developed to attract visitors in an effort to rebuild hospitality and tourism industry in Springfield. The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with select Springfield Hotel & Lodging Association members have come together to offer travelers an incentive to make Springfield their destination of choice this summer for leisure road trips. Knowing the significance and critical role tourism plays in our community, and the customer sentiment to travel by car, stay close to home, and travel to areas that are not densely populated, this incentive is to feature our community as the perfect place for summer travel.

Litchfield Getaway Package

May 28, 2020

Treat yourself! We know that you are antsy to get out of your house, explore, relax, and have some fun. Therefore, the Litchfield Tourism Office put together a safe Litchfield Getaway Package for you. This package is complete with HOTEL DISCOUNTS and OTHER PROMOTIONS! Now you can take a vacation, have some fun, and stay safe! Have a great time when you visit Litchfield, Illinois. Details of the promotion can be found below or at this website: https://visitlitchfield.com/litchfield-getaway-package/

Illinois to Reopen Restaurants, Bars, Retail & Outdoor Activities on Friday May 29th

May 26, 2020

On Friday, May 29th, many tourism-related businesses will be allowed to re-open as they follow Illinois Phase 3 Guidelines (please refer to https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/RestoreILP3.aspx for the official information).

McLean County Museum of History Wins 2020 AASLH Award of Excellence

May 18, 2020

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) announced that the McLean County Museum of History is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for the Extending Excellence Campaign. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 75th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

Coronavirus Resources

Apr 17, 2020

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

McLean County Museum of History Expands Outreach while Shelter in Place Continues

Mar 27, 2020

As the spread of COVID-19 became a reality, following the recommendations of health officials the Museum responded by closing our doors to the public the week of March 14. Since then the staff has been meeting regularly, using the Zoom App, and only essential staff have been working in short shifts on site to ensure facilities are sound and the archives and collections remain safe. The staff continues to communicate with members and community partners concerning event and programming rescheduling and cancellations.

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Announces New Executive Director

Mar 11, 2020

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Wichmann as the organization’s Executive Director. Wichmann brings to the Byway a wealth of knowledge and an extensive background in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She brings more than a decade of non-profit experience to the organization including work with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield and most recently, the state-wide Illinois Association of Park Districts. An experienced Director of Marketing and Development, Wichmann also brings years of experience in event planning, financial and human resource management, fundraising, grant writing and strategic planning to the Byway. Wichmann is a 1998 graduate of Western Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

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