One of the entrance gates of the Illinois State Fair will be the site of the first phase of the Illinois Route 66 Experience when the fair begins on Aug. 12.
The attraction will be at Gate 2, which is at the corner of Sangamon Avenue and Ninth Street in Springfield. According to a news release from the state government:
The experience will offer visitors a chance to walk Illinois Route 66 from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and learn about communities and attractions along the Route in microform. The project is headed by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, with the goal of sparking interest in those who have not yet experienced everything Illinois Route 66 has to offer.
“We have begun working on the Route 66 Experience and will have the first phase completed by the time the Illinois State Fair begins on August 12,” said Casey Wichmann, Route 66 Scenic Byway executive director. “Being able to provide visitors a central location to experience what our historic road has to offer is an amazing opportunity prior to the 100th anniversary of Route 66.”
“The Route 66 Experience is going to totally transform gate 2 on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and make it a destination for visitors not only during the fair, but year-round,” said Illinois State Fair Manager, Kevin Gordon. “We are excited to showcase Route 66 history at our 2021 fair and look forward to the experience growing for years to come.”
The experience will be open year-round and will offer QR codes and storyboards that will detail historical attractions and businesses along the Route. Communities along Illinois Route 66 have been invited to participate and will do so by working with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to develop their perspective area within the experience.
Wichmann provided a mockup of the first phase of the Illinois Route 66 Experience. Fans of the Mother Road undoubtedly will recognize a few of the miniaturized re-creations of Route 66 landmarks:
The Illinois Route 66 Experience is scheduled to be completed by 2026, which is the highway’s centennial.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds has its own sizable link to Route 66. Peoria Road (aka Route 66) ran by the east edge of the complex. For many years, traffic on the highway leading to Springfield would swell with exhibitors and attendees going to the fair.
(Image of Route 66 directional sign in Illinois by Mike Linksvayer via Flickr)
I think that’s an excellent idea! I hope I can make it home to see that during the fair this summer.