A smaller version of the famous Spindle sculpture that once stood in a shopping center in Berwyn, Illinois, recently was unveiled along that city's alignment of Route 66. Artist Pete Gamen created a 23-foot-tall version of the sculpture and uses fiberglass go-karts instead of cars, according to WBBM. It stands in Paisan’s Pizzeria and Bar … Continue reading A miniaturized version of The Spindle sculpture returns to Berwyn along Route 66
Category: Attractions
Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago announced it is replacing about a dozen "Roadside Attraction" signs erected by Hampton Inn at Route 66 sites across the state nearly 20 years ago. The association stated in a news release it was identifying the location, the sign's status and whether descriptive text needs to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
J.D. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta remains an attraction 40 years after it closed
If you've never received a tour inside the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, a recent article by an area newspaper will give you the next best thing. The Bloomington Pantagraph posted a bunch of photographs and a video of the historic landmark just off Route 66 as part of its "Off Limits" … Continue reading J.D. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta remains an attraction 40 years after it closed
Kevin Harvick’s racecar will sport Mobil 1 / Route 66 paint job during race on Saturday
NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick's No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang racecar will feature a Mobil 1 / Route 66 paint job during the Cup Series finale at Daytona International Speedway. According to Heavy.com, the car "will feature the rock formations that sit along the iconic highway, as well as a blue skyline. The purpose of … Continue reading Kevin Harvick’s racecar will sport Mobil 1 / Route 66 paint job during race on Saturday
Ace Sign Co. gives a preview of A. Lincoln Motel sign replica coming to state fairgrounds
The Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, provided a sneak peek a few days ago of a facsimile of the A. Lincoln Motel neon sign that stood along Route 66 in the city. The sign eventually will be incorporated with the Legends Neon Park as part of the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State … Continue reading Ace Sign Co. gives a preview of A. Lincoln Motel sign replica coming to state fairgrounds
Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
The landmark Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois -- famous for its Gemini Giant fiberglass statue that stands next to Route 66 -- has closed, and its future appears to be uncertain. Several reports of the restaurant's closing have surfaced on various Route 66 social media groups in recent days, including unconfirmed rumors the … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning an expansion project that will add to its size by 60% within the next few years. According to a new release: Executive Director Lina Holmes hopes to complete this 7,400-square-foot addition in time for the historic highway’s 2026 centennial. “That is our goal,” said … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
A 40-foot neon sign was installed a few days ago at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The sign is near the fairgrounds' Gate 2, which is at the corner of Peoria Road (aka Route 66) and Sangamon Avenue. It's the first of five signs at the gate. The Route 66 Experience also is located … Continue reading Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
Joliet clarifies what it will do with nearly a half-million dollars for Route 66
A report in an area newspaper recently clarified how Joliet, Illinois, will use nearly $500,000 to beef up its Route 66 attractions for the highway's centennial in 2026. According to the Herald-News (paywall), the city council loaned $484,500 to the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau so it could get started quickly on Route 66 … Continue reading Joliet clarifies what it will do with nearly a half-million dollars for Route 66
Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000
The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield will receive a $500,000 grant to help add to the exhibit, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Old Joliet Prison in Joliet also will receive $250,000 from the same program for exterior illumination of the … Continue reading Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000