Have you traveled along the Mother Road? This iconic route still fascinates visitors from around the world offering many fun things to do on Route 66 in Illinois.
This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.
Living just south of Springfield, I have enjoyed numerous road trips up and down Route 66. The Mother Road starts in Chicago at a sign on East Adams Street, between Wabash and Michigan Avenue, and stretches more than 300 miles to the Missouri border. These are my favorite things to do on Route 66 in Illinois.
Have You Been to Route 66 in Illinois
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Dwight Illinois Route 66 Fun
Two hours north of Springfield, Illinois’ Capital City, the Ambler/Beckler Texaco Gas Station Museum is the most recognizable Route 66 site in town. Built in 1933, the historic gas station is the longest-operating gas station on Route 66. It was in business continuously for over 60 years. The station is named in honor of the longtime manager Basil “Tubby” Ambler, who operated the station from 1938 to 1966. Today the station serves as a visitor’s center for the Village of Dwight.
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More In Dwight
If you love Frank Lloyd Wright designs, stop at the First National Bank of Dwight. Designed by Wright, the bank began as The Frank L. Smith Bank. Still a bank today, if visitors are unintrusive they are welcome. Built in 1905, and opened in 1906, the exterior of the building is composed of Bedford limestone. Inside, enjoy the Wright-designed skylight, fireplace, lighting original blueprints, and correspondence from Frank Lloyd Wright.
Dwight became famous in the mid-1880’s when Dr. Leslie E. Keeley recognized alcoholism as a disease. With funding from Major Curtis J. Judd, John Oughton, a pharmacist, and Dr. Leslie Keeley established the Keeley Institute creating the Keeley Cure, which included exercise and diet along with his secret “gold cure”. Dwight became a Mecca for the wealthy seeking alcohol recovery. At one point there were 28 hotels, two opera houses and seven barber shops open seven days a week.
John Oughton built a 20-room Victorian mansion, and behind the house is a unique windmill with a well that is 840’ deep and an 88-barrel cypress tank at the top of the structure. This windmill can be viewed by the public. Downtown there is also the former train depot that is now a cool history museum. Many of the large buildings built in the Keeley Cure days are still in town.
More Gas Station History in Odell
Just south of Dwight, in Odell, is the Standard Oil Gasoline Station on Historic Route 66. In 1932, Patrick O’Donnell, a contractor, purchased a small 200′ by 60′ parcel of land and built the station using an old 1916 Standard Oil of Ohio design. Inside it is a blast of the past with the old pumps, souvenirs and a vintage motorcycle that has been donated. Besides the cool gas station, next to the station is a 1953 retro camper.
Pontiac Route 66 and More
Along old Route 66 in Pontiac is the Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum. History and memorabilia are housed in the museum complex located in the former fire station and city complex. The huge building has ten museums inside! There is the Livingston County War Museum, Life on the Titanic, a Walldog Mural Exhibit and one that my grandkids loved, Life in the 1940’s Exhibit. Outside of the museum there were several murals, all in all, there are 23 murals in Pontiac.
There is also the Bob Waldmire Experience, which interests me because the Waldmire family owns the Cozy Dog Drive Inn in Springfield. Bob was an artist, and traveled all along Route 66 documenting this unique history through his art.
Downtown Pontiac has museums like the Gilding Museum which shares the history, craft and art of using gold! All things glittered stenciling gold letters, gold leaf items, and more! Car enthusiasts will swoon at the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center. This small museum had great examples of General Motors Pontiac cars. The Pontiac Doll and Toy Museum had about every doll you could ever imagine.
Atlanta, a Route 66 Favorite
With several Route 66 icons, one of the most unique is the American Giants Museum, the only one of its kind, it highlights the Muffler Men history. The term “Muffler Man” name wasn’t coined until the 1990s, but today it is used interchangeably with these giant, hollow fiberglass statues built from approximately 1960-1972. The giant statues were used as advertisements, usually about 20 feet tall, and were produced in Venice, California by International Fiberglass Company.
Besides giants at the museum, there are a few others in town like the Bunyon Giant. He is holding a giant hotdog and has been part of the Atlanta scene for a couple of decades now. It was this original statue that started the American Giants Museum rolling when Joel Baker, the leading authority on the giants, stopped in town. Joel founded the American Giant LLC, and, working with Bill Thomas, was instrumental in organizing the museum. The American Giants Museum is built to resemble a Texaco Station because of the giant, the Texaco Big Friend. Their Texaco Big Friend is one of six remaining from the Texaco ad campaign.
At the museum you can also see a giant “The Professional” which was designed as a businessman, doctor, scientist or other professional. There is a Mortimer Snerd giant head inside. Based on Edgar Bergen’s ventriloquist dummy, the Snerd also looks like Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine fame. In front of the Country Aire Restaurant is the brand-new Lumi the Pie Lady Giant based on Lumi who makes pies at the cool diner.
Related Article: Can’t-Miss Sights Along Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Other Atlanta Reasons To Stop
Atlanta also offers the J.W. Hawe’s Grain Elevator Museum, which has been restored and includes a scale house, engine shed, and working floor. The Atlanta Public Library and Museum is the only 8-sided library building in Illinois, and they also have a Clocktower with a 1909 Seth Thomas clock that was once part of the Atlanta High School Building. There are the new J.P. Hieronymus Carriage House and Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historical Mine museums as well. The coal museum even offers a look into a lighted mine shaft!
Springfield’s Route 66 Stops
While Springfield is primarily known for our 16th President Abraham Lincoln, Springfield has several new Route 66 murals like the one behind Lons Tire and Auto clinic, and on the side of the children’s museum, Kidzeum.
Fun for all ages can be had at Springfield’s Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Best of all, it doesn’t require a reservation, it is free and open every day of the year. Early evening is the best time to enjoy the colorful neon signs. The Experience highlights businesses in the 92 communities along the Illinois Route that begins in Chicago and ends at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison.
To see vintage signs, travel to the Ace Sign Co. Museum. This is a walk back in time for travelers and locals alike. During the tour, visitors learn stories of the iconic signs on display.
The Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop provides a virtual reality experience. The museum highlights the Black experiences on Route 66 during the Civil Rights, and Jim Crow eras.
Dining along Route 66, and at Route 66 themed restaurants add to the fun. Charlie Parkers, a Route 66 themed restaurant is named after the famous musician, a Grammy Award winning jazz saxophonist. Located in a WWII Quonset hut, they offer breakfast horseshoes, which is part of Springfield’s horseshoe trail! Try a horseshoe while in town, a horseshoe is a heart blocking meal of meat, cheese sauce and fries on bread!
Maldners, the oldest restaurant in Springfield, is along Illinois Route 66, and offers a romantic and sophisticated dining place with great food and service. Chef Michael Wiggins uses seasonal local and regional ingredients, and his menu is influenced by Mediterranean cuisine. Next door is the more casual La Piazza, which offers authentic Italian cuisine. During warm months The Railyard on South 6th street consists of an outside dining area and the inside Railyard Café. The artwork and container cafes make for a fun summer stop. Route 66 stops are not complete without a visit to The Cozy Dog Drive where the Cozy Dog was created by Ed Waldmire, and Bob Waldmire art is on site.
Heading South of Springfield
There are lots more stops as you head south. Make sure to stop at the Battle of Virden coal mine memorial in Virden, and dine at Doc’s, a route 66 diner and pharmaceutical museum in Girard. Then check out the Mother Jones story (connected to the Battle of Virden) in Gillispie. New murals light the way south.
Make Plans to Celebrate Route 66’s Centennial
Now is the perfect time to plan a visit to Route 66 stops in Illinois as planners add additional murals and wayside exhibits along the historic road. Be part of the celebration, join in the adventures along the Route turning 100 in 2026. Record your stories, and share them on your social media channels. Take pictures along what way, and be part of the story for future generations that discover the Mother road!
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
