12-foot-tall penny stands outside Museum of Route 66 in Lincoln

A 12-foot-tall fiberglass penny was installed last month at the recently opened Museum of Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois. WSLS-TV reported the penny was made by Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studios -- the same place the makes new Muffler Men, many on Route 66. The Lincoln Daily News posted a video of the big … Continue reading 12-foot-tall penny stands outside Museum of Route 66 in Lincoln

Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday joined with other state leaders mark the kickoff of Route 66's centennial and announced $4 million in grants for numerous tourism bureaus to boost that effort. The announcement was made in Granite City with officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Agriculture … Continue reading Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial

Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department

The former mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, has been tapped to lead the tourism department of Lincoln, Illinois. Scott McCoy, also known for his Route 66 Ultimate Guide app and helping with tourism initiatives in Atlanta, Illinois, told WICS-TV he was hired for $45,000 a year as an independent contractor to boost Lincoln's visitor numbers. His … Continue reading Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department

Sixty-year-old Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop in Lincoln moves to new location

The Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop that dated to 1964 and was located on Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, moved to a new location in town but away from the Mother Road. The Mel-O-Cream moved after making its last batch of doughnuts Sunday at 704 Keokuk St. (aka Route 66) to a newer, larger space at 227 … Continue reading Sixty-year-old Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop in Lincoln moves to new location

Several Illinois Route 66 sites get state funds from tourism, transportation programs

Several spots on Route 66 in Illinois were among the 89 that will receive a total of $22.5 million from the state's Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Also, several Route 66 sites also received funds from the state's Transportation Enhancement Program. Here are the Route 66-related tourism recipients and the total grant: $25,187 to … Continue reading Several Illinois Route 66 sites get state funds from tourism, transportation programs

One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66

A bar about six miles north of the nearest alignment of Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, recently landed new owners and was rechristened as The Lodge Off 66. But the tavern contains some historical cachet that likely will make it attractive to Route 66 travelers, not including just its name. The Lodge Off 66 sits … Continue reading One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $4,000 in grants for varying projects

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced it awarded a total of $4,000 in grants to four byway members, including one that has created the Largest Tire on Route 66. It is the second round of grant awards from the byway. According to a news release: Byway Project Funds are to support events, … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $4,000 in grants for varying projects

‘Goth Home’ in Lincoln no longer is on the market

An octagon home in Lincoln, Illinois, that earned internet fame with its nearly all-black interior and exterior no longer is on the market. The Lincoln Courier reported in late December the house at 110 Edgar St. that the property is in the process of being sold to an out-of-town buyer, sight unseen. The prospective buyer … Continue reading ‘Goth Home’ in Lincoln no longer is on the market

World’s Largest Covered Wagon marks its 20th year

The World's Largest Covered Wagon, complete with a figure of Abraham Lincoln riding it while reading a book, in Lincoln, Illinois, recently marked its 20th anniversary. The wagon is one of those attractions that seems older than it is. However, the Lincoln Courier newspaper reports it indeed was created in 2001 by Old Abe enthusiast … Continue reading World’s Largest Covered Wagon marks its 20th year

The Mill Museum in Lincoln to reopen to the public on May 22

In another sign of the return to normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Logan County Tourism Bureau announced this week it would reopen its Mill Museum in Lincoln, Illinois, to the public at 11 a.m. on May 22. A news release from the bureau states the reopening follows more work on the historic structure, which … Continue reading The Mill Museum in Lincoln to reopen to the public on May 22