The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau recently announced a yearlong celebration of the centennial of Historic Route 66 in McLean County, Illinois.
From Chenoa to McLean, special events along the Mother Road — including a two-day party weekend in June — will commemorate each community’s connection to the most famous highway in America, hosted by the bureau, community leaders and business partners.
Throughout the year, McLean County communities will host special events to honor the legacy of Route 66 and its influence on American culture. Special events and offerings planned through the fall include:
- Route 66 Night hosted by the Bloomington Bison on Jan. 24
- Red Carpet Corridor Weekend on May 2-3
- Cruisin’ Through the Century party weekend on June 6-7
- Route 66 Centennial-themed activities at Rader Family Farms
- A special screening of the documentary, “The Main Street of America,” at The Normal Theater
- A Hops on 66 beer brewed by White Oak Brewery
- A centennial-themed performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra
- A countywide scavenger hunt to win special prizes
- Centennial Streets designations in each Route 66 community
- A grand marshal contest
The Cruisin’ Through the Century party weekend will feature themed celebrations in the communities lining the McLean County stretch of Route 66 on June 6-7, 2026. Scheduled themed events include:
- Chenoa — A 1920s-themed party on the downtown square, featuring a “flapper” dance contest with regional dance groups. (June 6)
- Lexington — A 1930s-themed party at The Castle with big band music and lawn games. (June 6)
- Towanda — A 1940s-themed party. (June 6)
- Normal — A 1950s-themed party with a roadside picnic. (June 7)
- Bloomington — The signature event is a 1960s party on the square with live music and a BIG surprise. (June 6)
- Shirley/Funks Grove — A 1970s tie-dye party on the Funks Grove property. (June 7)
- McLean — A retro 1980s party on the village square with live music, food and a classic car parade. (June 7)
Since the Mother Road’s commissioning in 1926, McLean County has boasted a connection to the highway that has had an impact on the communities through which it passes.
Spawning iconic stops during its heyday that still stand, including Parkview Inn, Dixie Truckers Home and Family Restaurant and Sprague’s Super Service,
“Historic Route 66 is more than just a stretch of pavement. It’s a symbol of progress, connection, and courage, both in the Town of Normal and across the country,” Normal Mayor Chris Koos said. “Route 66 is a connector — for people and for our community. Celebrating the centennial of the Mother Road means meeting people from all over. The Cruisin’ Through the Century event will commemorate our community’s generations-old link to other places here in America and around the world.”
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