Route 66

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.

Projects include a 1950s-themed picnic at One Normal Plaza on June 7, a commemorative logo and a mural at Sprague's Super Service.

With over $500,000 in new grant money, VisitBN will use the funds to continue projects, renovations and updates to McLean County's Route 66 landmarks.

“The investigation into the death of an innocent person is not complete or credible unless we reach out and gather every single resource to understand what happened and understand the truth,” Sen. Dick Durbin said during a stop in Bloomington.

Leaders gathered Tuesday in Downtown Bloomington to announce a yearlong celebration for the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Organizers expect an influx of tourism tied to the celebration of the famed American highway.

Last May, the grassroots advocacy group commissioned an artist to paint 15 circus-themed murals connecting the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History. The member organization will do the same thing this summer to celebrate the centennial of Route 66.