Springfield IL, August 13, 2026 – A 25-foot-tall Cozy Dog, complete with neon mustard and ketchup, has been added to the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the State Fairgrounds.
The larger-than-life installation celebrates one of Springfield’s most recognizable Route 66 traditions and was made possible through the support of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Visit Springfield and the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway led the development of the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the State Fairgrounds. The Experience first opened to the public in July of 2023 and is a permanent, year-round educational exhibit at Gate 2 of the State Fairgrounds.
“The Cozy Dog represents so much of what makes Illinois Route 66 special; family, food, entrepreneurship, roadside Americana and unforgettable stories,” said Casey Claypool, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Executive Director. “Making it 25 feet tall, with neon mustard and ketchup, gives visitors a fun, memorable and photographable way to experience a piece of Illinois’ Route 66 history.”
The Cozy Dog is an important part of Springfield’s Route 66 story. Ed Waldmire Jr. developed the Cozy Dog in the 1940s, and the family introduced the iconic corn-battered hot dog on a stick at the Illinois State Fair in 1946. The family later opened the Cozy Dog Drive In on historic Route 66 in Springfield.
The Waldmire connection to the Mother Road extends beyond the Cozy Dog. Ed’s son, the late Bob Waldmire, became a renowned Route 66 artist, cartographer and historian whose artwork, maps and travels helped preserve and share the story of the Mother Road with generations of travelers.
The Route 66 Experience showcases the people, places, neon and roadside culture found along Illinois’ historic Mother Road, giving visitors a free opportunity to explore Route 66 history in one destination.
The project also highlights the importance of partnerships to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“Projects like this happen because partners share a vision for Route 66 and understand its importance to tourism and economic development,” said Casey. “We are grateful to DCEO, Visit Springfield, the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission, Ace Sign Company and the Department of Agriculture for helping bring this iconic Springfield story to life. Partnerships allow us to create experiences that honor our history while attracting visitors and supporting communities along the Mother Road.”
“The Route 66 centennial is a great opportunity to showcase Illinois to travelers from around the world, and attractions like this Cozy Dog will help tell the story of what makes our stretch of the Mother Road so special,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth across Illinois, bringing visitors to our communities, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities. Through strong partnerships, we are preserving the history and culture of Route 66 while creating memorable experiences that will inspire visitors to explore Illinois.”
In the coming months, additional educational features will be added in front of the Cozy Dog to tell the story of the Waldmire family.
About the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the experience of Historic Route 66 across Illinois. Working in partnership with communities, businesses, museums, tourism organizations, and volunteers, the Byway celebrates the history, culture, and economic impact of the Mother Road while welcoming visitors from around the world.
