Route 66

The Logan County town is home to the American Giants Museum, touted as the country's largest collection of restored larger-than-life fiberglass statues. Next month, Atlanta adds a UFO-shaped Futuro House to its roadside attractions.

Tourism in Illinois has a $88 billion impact on the state's economy. Not only does it generate money, but it also provides tax relief, jobs and municipal revenue. VisitBN has now secured nearly $500K through three State of Illinois grant programs for fiscal year 2027 to invest in McLean County's tourism industry.

Mayor Chris Koos honored Terri Ryburn as the Town of Normal's Citizen of the Year at a reception on Tuesday. Ryburn is retiring in December as caretaker of the historic Sprague's Super Service on Pine Street.

Pontiac's Diaz Sign Art created a custom mural for Sprague's Super Service commemorating significant landmarks in the Town of Normal: the Normal Theater and Steak and Shake. It will be officially unveiled Friday, ahead of a 1950s-themed celebration as part of the Cruisin' through the Century Route 66 Centennial.

The 100th birthday of Route 66 is not lost on businesses and attractions who depend on it. In Lexington, Towanda, Atlanta and Normal, proprietors acknowledge the importance of the nostalgia-driven love for the Mother Road is not just a moment in its history, but a movement they are a part of.

In a one-time show on June 6, the McLean County Museum of History will serve as the backdrop of a special projection show. Visit BN coordinated the project for ISU fine arts faculty to illustrate and animate images for the show.

After 20 years of trying, the Route 66 Bike/Pedestrian Path will cross the railroad tracks at Chenoa. The Illinois Commerce Commission signed off on the plan on May 7. Trail advocates hope the work can finish by fall.

As Route 66 turns 100, a new book is expanding the story of the Mother Road by focusing on people often left out of its history. The author will visit Bloomington-Normal on May 2.

The orchestra's dual presence in Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, plus the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road in 2026, present a perfect opportunity to debut Michelle Isaac's 'Reverie on the Mother Road.'

The museum, which attracts Route 66 travelers to the world's largest collection of fiberglass giants, is scheduled to open May 1. It has agreed to make 24 changes to the facility to improve accessibility.