VisitBN has received a grant totaling over half a million dollars in preparation for the Route 66 centennial celebration this summer.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave Bloomington-Normal’s tourism organization $513,378 to enhance attractions and visitor experiences in McLean County.
VisitBN cited its regional partners in helping shape a proposal for the award. Those include the Town of Normal, McLean County Museum of History, Friends of the Constitution Trail, City of Chenoa, City of Lexington, Village of Towanda and CORE McLean.
"This grant is a powerful example of what can happen when a community works together toward a shared vision,” said Beth Whisman, the chair of the VisitBN board of directors.
“VisitBN and our partners are committed to making McLean County a premier destination during the Route 66 Centennial, and this investment will allow us to create experiences that benefit residents, local businesses and travelers for years to come."
Core projects the money will be allocated for include the re-activation of Route 66 to build on its existing infrastructure for tourism and historic education, a photo opportunity in Towanda and decoration of a one-mile stretch of the highway in Lexington dubbed “memory lane.”
Other key projects include the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center at the McLean County Museum of History.
“Ten panels in the visitors’ center and gift shop will be updated from static displays to a dynamic design to highlight Lincoln’s career and how it inspired progress through travel, establishing a footprint for Route 66,” VisitBN said in a press release.
“A new digital wayfinding display will replace the original display near the main entrance on Washington Street, allowing for increased visibility and updated, creative content. The newly established sculpture pad will have lighting installed to highlight the area’s ‘giants.’”
Murals will also be designed in the City of Chenoa’s downtown of a pink Cadillac and the McLean Historic Water Tower with a centennial themed mural.
"This Centennial Grant is a game changer for McLean County. With support from DCEO and our community partners, we are elevating Route 66 experiences for locals and travelers alike. The timing could not be better as global attention shifts to Illinois ahead of the 2026 celebration,” said President and CEO of VisitBN, Melissa Chrisman.
Nearly 100 Illinois communities will be hosting centennial themed events throughout the year. VisitBN has said they expect potentially millions of visitors to travel Route 66 this year.
