Centennial
The Centennial Year
Route 66 Through the Heart of McLean County
Route 66 runs straight through the heart of McLean County, Illinois — and in Bloomington-Normal, the Mother Road tells a story that’s both deeply local and unmistakably American. Established in 1926, Route 66 helped shape our community by connecting farms, families, and hometown businesses to the rest of the country, turning Bloomington-Normal into a welcoming stop for travelers heading west and east.
Here, Route 66 isn’t just something you pass through; it’s something you experience. From historic downtown streets to classic roadside stops, McLean County’s stretch of the Mother Road reflects the everyday life, innovation, and hospitality that defined mid-century travel. Visitors can explore preserved architecture, learn the stories behind longtime businesses, and discover how Route 66 influenced the growth of McLean County as a regional hub. Today, Route 66 in McLean County continues to invite exploration. Local attractions, museums, public art, and dining spots celebrate the nostalgia of road-trip culture while offering modern reasons to linger. Whether you’re visiting a historic site, grabbing a bite at a beloved local restaurant, or strolling through Downtown Bloomington or Uptown Normal, Route 66 connects the past to the present.
2026 marks the Route 66 Centennial, and Bloomington-Normal is ready to celebrate the Mother Road’s legacy in the heart of McLean County. Events, exhibits, and special experiences will honor the Mother Road’s legacy while highlighting the people and places that make McLean County a meaningful stop along the journey. It’s the perfect time to plan a visit, revisit familiar favorites, and discover new stories along our stretch of Route 66.
Explore Our Route 66 Communities
Bloomington
Centered around a historic Downtown filled with longstanding, red-brick buildings, the City of Bloomington boasts a long, proud history with two American icons: Abraham Lincoln and Historic Route 66. In fact, the route Lincoln followed from Springfield to Bloomington during his legal career — originally a trail used by Indigenous peoples — ultimately paved the way for the Mother Road in the 20th century.
Chenoa
Laid out in 1856 by Matthew T. Scott, the City of Chenoa sits at the intersection of Route 66 and US-24, bringing nearly 8,000 vehicles through the community each summer (3,000 on Route 66 and 5,000 on US-24). The city is home to two Route 66 alignments, with the original running on North Morehead Street and a later alignment running on the city’s western edge.
Lexington
Platted in 1836, the city of Lexington proudly boasts a connection to two U.S. presidents — Abraham Lincoln, who visited frequently during his legal career, and Theodore Roosevelt, who gave a speech at the train depot in 1902. Traditionally a farming community, Lexington experienced economic booms from both the railroad and Route 66.
McLean
Home to one of the most famous truck stops along Historic Route 66, the Village of McLean is brimming with stories of the railroad and Route 66 — both of which played vital roles in the village's establishment and growth. Today, this small village relishes its Route 66 history and boasts a welcoming, friendly environment for cross-country travelers.
Normal
Originally named North Bloomington, the Town of Normal earned its name from the community’s institution of higher learning, Illinois State Normal University — established as a teacher-training school referred to as a “normal college” — today known simply as Illinois State University. Today, the town delights travelers with a collection of Route 66 attractions radiating outward from its revitalized Uptown.
Funks Grove/Shirley
Named for two pioneer brothers, Isaac and Absalom Funk, the unincorporated community of Funks Grove was settled along a forested area, from which the family’s famed maple sirup farm would grow into a multi-generational enterprise. Years later, the town of Shirley was established in 1854 along the St. Louis, Chicago, and Alton Railroad. Pick up a bottle of maple-flavored sweetness and marvel in these communities’ vast, natural spaces along the Mother Road.
Towanda
Settled in 1826 and platted in 1854, Towanda differed from Central Illinois communities of its time by being centered around the railroad rather than a central square. After IL-4 was built through the city in the early 1900s, it was incorporated into the original Route 66 alignment in 1926.
June 6-7, 2026
Celebrate With Us
Experience the magic of the Mother Road through one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, themed festivals, and family-friendly corn mazes. From interactive scavenger hunts to historic landmarks, our Route 66 Centennial celebrations invite you to connect with the vibrant history and remarkable people that make McLean County a true bucket-list destination.
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