The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway a few days ago announced the finalists for its 2026 Centennial Awards.
The awards recognize milestones, preservation achievements, marketing efforts, hospitality and experiences that have helped define Illinois Route 66 since the byway was established in 2005. They coincide with the Mother Road’s centennial year.
“We wanted these awards to reflect the incredible diversity of Illinois Route 66 and the people who have dedicated themselves to keeping the road alive,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“For more than two decades, our members have preserved historic places, created new attractions, welcomed visitors and shared the stories of the Mother Road. The centennial is the perfect opportunity to recognize their contributions.”
The 12 award categories celebrate historic landmarks to neon signs to iconic food, family attractions to tourism marketing and the communities working to revitalize their stretches of the road.
All finalists are members of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The awards will be presented at a members-only Gala at Ace Sign Company Museum in Springfield on Nov. 10, followed by a full-day conference and Celebration and fundraiser on Nov. 11 at Motorheads in Springfield, which is open to the public and features the music act STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas.
The Preservation Powerhouse Award: Recognizing a member who has gone above and beyond to restore, maintain or protect a historic Route 66 landmark.
- Sprague’s Super Service
- Old Joliet Prison/Joliet Historical Museum
- West End Service Station/Great Rivers & Routes
- Cannonball Jail/Macoupin County Historical Society
The Sign of the Times Award: Celebrating the neon, murals and vintage-inspired signage that give Illinois Route 66 its unmistakable visual character.
- Motorheads 66 Shield & Big Ron
- It’s Electric Neon Sign Park
- Pontiac Murals Tour
- Great Rivers & Routes Postcard Murals
The Centennial Storyteller Award: Recognizing a business or community that has created an impactful exhibit, tour or educational experience that brings the history and cultural significance of Route 66 to life.
- The American Giants Museum
- Litchfield Museum
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
- Edwardsville Children’s Museum – Route 66 Roadway
The “Guardian of the Route” Award: Recognizing a community that has breathed new life into its section of Illinois Route 66 through revitalization, new attractions and a commitment to the future of the Mother Road.
- Pontiac
- Granite City
- Staunton
- Litchfield
The “Next Generation Navigator” Award: Celebrating destinations and attractions that capture the imagination of travelers of all ages and introduce a new generation to the Mother Road.
- Pink Elephant Antique Mall
- SkyView Drive-In Movie Theatre
- Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal
- Edwardsville Children’s Museum – Route 66 Roadway
The Mother Road Maverick Award: Recognizing creative and effective Route 66 marketing efforts that bring new attention and visitors to Illinois’ historic highway.
- Visit BN
- Great Rivers & Routes
- Visit Springfield
- Visit Pontiac
The Rising Icon Award: Celebrating new attractions, museums and landmarks that are helping shape the future of Illinois Route 66 as the Centennial approaches.
- Route 66 Motorheads & Alive on 66!
- American Giants Museum
- It’s Electric Neon Sign Park
- Gemini Giant’s new location & The Landing Pad
The Main Dish Award: Honoring the restaurants and food destinations that have become essential stops for Route 66 travelers.
- The Cozy Dog Drive-In
- The Ariston Cafe
- Old Route 66 Family Restaurant
- Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant
The Sweetest Miles Award: Recognizing the businesses serving the pies, ice cream, donuts, malts and other sweet treats that make a Route 66 road trip even more memorable.
- Carl’s Ice Cream
- Whirl-A-Whip
- Route 66 Creamery
- Mr. Twist Ice Cream – Granite City
The “Ultimate Mother Road” Icon Award: Celebrating an iconic Illinois Route 66 landmark or experience that has become an essential stop for travelers from around the world.
- Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Pontiac murals
- Illinois Route 66 Experience
- Million Dollar Courthouse
The Heritage “Service with a Smile” Award: Honoring historic filling stations that have been preserved, restored or remain operational as welcoming destinations for Route 66 travelers.
- Shea’s Gas Station/Mahan’s Filling Station
- O’Brien Tire & Auto
- West End Service Station
- Soulsby’s Service Station
The “Mother Road Treasures” Award: Celebrating the retailers that offer travelers more than shopping—a chance to discover the material history, character and quirky treasures of Route 66.
- Pink Elephant Antique Mall – Livingston
- Mother Road Antique Mall – Carlinville
- Historic Route 66 Flea Market – Granite City
“Route 66 has always been about the journey, but the journey only exists because of the people who keep showing up for the road,” Claypool said.
“These finalists represent the passion, creativity and commitment that have made Illinois Route 66 a world-class destination. We are thrilled to celebrate them as we look toward the centennial.”
For more information about the byway and its centennial celebrations, go to IllinoisRoute66Centennial.org.