Pontiac Region
Route 66 Attractions in the Pontiac Region
1. The Log Cabin Inn - Grab a bite to eat while learning how this 1926 restaurant turned to face a changing Route 66.
2. A Bridge to the Past - See original 1926 bridge abutments on this restored Route 4 and Route 66 concrete bridge.
3. Patrolling "Bloody 66" - Hear stories about accidents and tragedies that occurred on "Bloody 66" at the old State Patrol Headquarters Building (1935-1942).
4. Protecting Travelers - Visit a gun shaped building that served as the District 6 State Police Headquarters from 1941 to 2003. It provided easy access for patrolling the "Hard Road."
5. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum - Explore thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66 in this historic firehouse. Take a picture with the largest Route 66 shield mural.
6. An Underground Crossing - Discover the site of a "subway" tunnel built under Route 66 so Ladd School students could safely cross.
7. Historic Chenoa - Visit Historic Chenoa founded in 1856 by Matthew T. Scott, an agriculturalist and real estate developer. You can tour the family's historic home by appointment. The Chenoa Pharmacy, formerly Schuirman's Drug Store, was founded in 1889.
8. Memory Lane - Take a one mile stroll on this original 1926 stretch of Route 66. Enjoy classic billboards, Burma shave signs, and an original tool wagon used during the construction of Illinois Route 6, which became Route 66.
9. Lexington Neon Sign and Filling Station Restaurant - Lexington's restored neon sign pointed the way to downtown since the 1940s. Stop in for a bite at the Filling Station Cafe, which has served Route 66 travelers since the 1940s.
10. A Geographical Journey Parkway - Discover the legacy of Route 66 on this 1.6 mile stretch of abandoned 1954 pavement in Towanda. View Burma Shave signs, learn about every state along the Mother Road, and experience local features such as Dead Man's Curve.
1. The Log Cabin Inn - Grab a bite to eat while learning how this 1926 restaurant turned to face a changing Route 66.
2. A Bridge to the Past - See original 1926 bridge abutments on this restored Route 4 and Route 66 concrete bridge.
3. Patrolling "Bloody 66" - Hear stories about accidents and tragedies that occurred on "Bloody 66" at the old State Patrol Headquarters Building (1935-1942).
4. Protecting Travelers - Visit a gun shaped building that served as the District 6 State Police Headquarters from 1941 to 2003. It provided easy access for patrolling the "Hard Road."
5. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum - Explore thousands of artifacts and memorabilia related to Route 66 in this historic firehouse. Take a picture with the largest Route 66 shield mural.
6. An Underground Crossing - Discover the site of a "subway" tunnel built under Route 66 so Ladd School students could safely cross.
7. Historic Chenoa - Visit Historic Chenoa founded in 1856 by Matthew T. Scott, an agriculturalist and real estate developer. You can tour the family's historic home by appointment. The Chenoa Pharmacy, formerly Schuirman's Drug Store, was founded in 1889.
8. Memory Lane - Take a one mile stroll on this original 1926 stretch of Route 66. Enjoy classic billboards, Burma shave signs, and an original tool wagon used during the construction of Illinois Route 6, which became Route 66.
9. Lexington Neon Sign and Filling Station Restaurant - Lexington's restored neon sign pointed the way to downtown since the 1940s. Stop in for a bite at the Filling Station Cafe, which has served Route 66 travelers since the 1940s.
10. A Geographical Journey Parkway - Discover the legacy of Route 66 on this 1.6 mile stretch of abandoned 1954 pavement in Towanda. View Burma Shave signs, learn about every state along the Mother Road, and experience local features such as Dead Man's Curve.
Route 66 in Pontiac
A Lingering Love Affair
Pontiac enjoys a long love affair with Route 66, but it's been an edgy relationship. Four times the road alignment shifted away from the heart of the city as roadside businesses clogged highway flow. Each time the town grew out to embrace it again. Although I-55 ultimately replaced Route 66, Pontiac continues to celebrate the spirit of the Mother Road.
The "Walldogs," a group of sign and mural artists, came to Pontiac in 2009 and painted 18 murals in four days. Be sure to visit the World's Largest Route 66 Shield Mural.
Thirteen "Route 66 Art Cars" were painted by local artists for the 2010 Downtown Art Project. These kid-sized, fiberglass cars were placed around the downtown area.
Pontiac is a popular stop for car and motorcycle clubs touring Route 66, like the Pontiac Solstice Club who visited in 2011. (See Panel)
Mayor Bob Russell poses with his "official Route 66 vehicle." (See panel)
A Lingering Love Affair
Pontiac enjoys a long love affair with Route 66, but it's been an edgy relationship. Four times the road alignment shifted away from the heart of the city as roadside businesses clogged highway flow. Each time the town grew out to embrace it again. Although I-55 ultimately replaced Route 66, Pontiac continues to celebrate the spirit of the Mother Road.
The "Walldogs," a group of sign and mural artists, came to Pontiac in 2009 and painted 18 murals in four days. Be sure to visit the World's Largest Route 66 Shield Mural.
Thirteen "Route 66 Art Cars" were painted by local artists for the 2010 Downtown Art Project. These kid-sized, fiberglass cars were placed around the downtown area.
Pontiac is a popular stop for car and motorcycle clubs touring Route 66, like the Pontiac Solstice Club who visited in 2011. (See Panel)
Mayor Bob Russell poses with his "official Route 66 vehicle." (See panel)
