Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance

The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, saw a 50 percent increase in attendance from April 2016 to April 2017. The visitors center, on the ground floor of the McLean County Museum of History, recorded 27,173 visits in the past year, compared to just over 18,000 the year before. From the … Continue reading Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance

City may buy Sprague Super Service station

The city of Normal, Illinois, will vote Monday on whether to buy and keep up Terri Ryburn's historic Sprague Super Service station on old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reported: The council will consider a $458,000 investment, including $229,000 to buy the property, $200,000 to improve the building and $172,000 to buy and renovate an … Continue reading City may buy Sprague Super Service station

Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business

Springfield, Missouri, is experiencing a boom in hotel business so far in 2016, and it appears one big reason for it is Route 66. According to the KY3 station in town: The Convention and Visitors bureau says the number of visitors so far...and the number of hotel rooms occupied, has surpassed last year. Tracy Kimberlin … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business

Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year

The Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, is rapidly approaching the first anniversary of its opening and reports more than 16,000 visitors since that time. The Bloomington-Normal region decided to build the Route 66-themed part of McLean County Museum of History because Route 66 tourists were bypassing the Twin Cities. More Route … Continue reading Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year

Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, this week received $250,000 donation spread over five years for a capital campaign for the museum, which includes a new and prominent Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66 visitors center, reported WJBC radio. “It’ll go to some very significant upgrades using digital technology, as well … Continue reading Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

New Bloomington center already makes big impact

The new Route 66 Visitors Center in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, has been open less than two weeks, but the local convention and visitors bureau says it's already made a big effect on the local economy. According to a report by WJBC radio, the center has drawn 885 visitors in 12 days and has generated $150,000 … Continue reading New Bloomington center already makes big impact

Route 66 — a jobs creator

During a formal introduction Wednesday of the logo for the new Route 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois -- which we already reported months ago -- local officials revealed some eyebrow-raising statistics about the economic value of the Mother Road. Bloomington, which long seemed indifferent to Route 66 for years, suddenly has embraced it. And … Continue reading Route 66 — a jobs creator

Bloomington lands a grant for new visitors center

As expected, the Illinois Office of Tourism officially pledged Wednesday to give Bloomington a $249,000 grant to help build a new visitors center downtown, according to WJBC radio. The museum will prominently feature Route 66 in its exhibits. Illinois Tourism director Jen Hoelzel said the grant coincides with the office's effort to bring more international tourists to Illinois. Hoelzel said … Continue reading Bloomington lands a grant for new visitors center