Heritage Corridor Destinations and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway celebrated Route 66 communities along The First Hundred Miles of the Mother Road with new Route 66 centennial road signs and flags. The signs were distributed ahead of National Scenic Byway Day on Sept. 22. The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway created the centennial signs … Continue reading Route 66 centennial road signs and flags distributed to 18 communities in northern Illinois
Tag: Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to host inaugural Mother Road Conference on 100th anniversary of highway
On Nov. 11, exactly 100 years after the commissioning of Route 66, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway will host its inaugural Mother Road Conference at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield. The conference will bring together Route 66 business owners, tourism professionals, preservationists, enthusiasts, elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the highway’s centennial … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to host inaugural Mother Road Conference on 100th anniversary of highway
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches inaugural awards
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is launching the inaugural Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Awards, celebrating the businesses, attractions, communities and individuals who contribute to the continued vitality and legacy of Route 66 in Illinois. With Route 66 celebrating its 100th anniversary, the new awards provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches inaugural awards
25-foot neon corndog erected at Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairgrounds
A 25-foot-long neon corndog -- condiments included -- was erected Monday at the Route 66 Experience park near the southeast entrance of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The big corndog serves as a salute to the landmark Cozy Dog Drive-In restaurant along Route 66 in Springfield. More from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway: … Continue reading 25-foot neon corndog erected at Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairgrounds
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway invites families to experience the Mother Road in a fun and interactive way with the launch of its new "Color Your Way Down Route 66" activity book. Developed by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in partnership with Ace Sign Company and illustrated by Macie Wright, a Millikin University student and graduate … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book
Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas to headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Route 66 Motorheads
Legendary rock band Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas will go knee deep in the hoopla and headline the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Nov. 11 at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois. As part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Route 66 Centennial Celebration, the day will culminate in an evening concert inside the Motordome, bringing arena-level rock to the heart … Continue reading Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas to headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Route 66 Motorheads
Route 66 Motorheads to host Centennial Cultural Program honoring journey of ultramarathoner
As part of celebrating Route 66's centennial, Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois, will host a centennial cultural gathering on June 6 centered around the journey of endurance runner Tomasz Sobania. The day begins with the independently organized Route 66 Centennial 5K Footrace at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and continues at Motorheads with an invitation-only … Continue reading Route 66 Motorheads to host Centennial Cultural Program honoring journey of ultramarathoner
Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard put up for sale; restaurant will remain open in the interim
The owners of Doc's Just Off 66 restaurant in downtown Girard, Illinois, announced the restaurant is being put on the market. Co-owner Casey Claypool, who is also the executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, stated in a Facebook post that it was a "difficult" decision to put the restaurant for sale. We … Continue reading Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard put up for sale; restaurant will remain open in the interim
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway minting a 13-coin set commemorating Route 66’s centennial
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway recently announced the creation of a special, limited-edition, 13-coin collector set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. This set will highlight the most cherished and iconic stops along the Illinois portion of the Mother Road. The commemorative set will feature 12 coins, each showcasing a popular attraction or … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway minting a 13-coin set commemorating Route 66’s centennial
Meramec Caverns barns among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Meramec Caverns barns, a few of which still stand along Route 66, were included on Landmarks Illinois' annual list of its Most Endangered Historic Places. This is what the nonprofit organization said about Meramec Caverns barns: Meramec Caverns is a cave network and tourist attraction located on Route 66 near Stanton, Missouri. In 1933, amateur … Continue reading Meramec Caverns barns among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois