Route 66 Association of Illinois

06/23/2026

Please note!

You won't be able to visit the Illinois side of the Chain of Rocks bridge until this construction on the Canal Bridge is done. See the screenshot. You can cross the river on the modern I-270 bridge, to the new entrance park...on the Missouri side. Afterwards, cross back via 270 to Illinois to continue to follow the EZ 66 Guide directions.

06/23/2026

Summertime = car shows!

06/22/2026

Preserving the past!

The historic Joliet building where Dairy Queen began in 1940 is being transformed into a Route 66 selfie stop, complete with restoration plans and support from the company’s CEO

06/22/2026

Here’s a new twist to celebrating the 100th birthday of Rt 66. The Atlanta Public Museum in Atlanta, IL held a gingerbread structure contest. Look at the winner! An outstanding representation of the Dixie Truck Stop in McLean, IL in its earlier days! Such detail! Stop in if you have the chance. Great job!

For those who have been waiting, we have a Winner in our Route 66 100th Anniversary Gingerbread Contest.

** Susan Rogers with My Heart's in Dixie on Rt. 66 **

Susan, a former Waynesville native, who now calls O'Fallon, IL home WOWWED the judges with her gingerbread structure representing the Original Dixie Truckers Stop in McLean.

The intricate detail - there are treads on the tires! - was absolutely mindboggling!

The picture below just doesn't do it justice - you have to see it to believe it.

As for the other winners - - we can't decide, so we are leaving it up to the public to declare a winner.

Every person who comes to the Museum will receive a ticket to place in the bucket next to the gingerbread structure you think is the best. At the end of the display period (July 31), the bucket with the most tickets will be our 2nd place winner and our 3rd place winner.

So, help us out! Select the winners!!

And for those asking why so few entries -- we'll talk about that soon..... there was a very good reason for it, and you won't be surprised when you hear it.

Videos coming soon - as soon as I can figure out how to get them from my phone to the laptop.... any techie help would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

06/17/2026

Illinois weather for today has been talked about for several days, but wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the threat of serious weather today. Please be safe!

🚨 WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE

Today, central Illinois and parts of Indiana are in the highest tornado risk area in America.

The Storm Prediction Center continues a Level 4 of 5 Moderate Risk, a category that is only issued a handful of times each year.

Both the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center are warning that several intense tornadoes, destructive winds over 80 mph, and very large hail are possible.

My current projected timing:

⏰ Round 1: 9 AM to 1 PM
Mainly north and central Illinois with heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado threat.

⏰ Round 2: 4 PM to 8 PM
This is the period of greatest concern.

The atmosphere should recover behind the morning storms, allowing discrete supercells to develop capable of strong tornadoes, very large hail, and widespread damaging winds.

➡️ After 8 PM the threat gradually shifts east of I-55 toward eastern Illinois and Indiana.

If you live anywhere in central Illinois, today is not the day to rely on outdoor sirens. Make sure your phone alerts are enabled and you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

📍 Tell me where you’ll be today. I’ll be monitoring conditions throughout the day. Share this information with the people you care about.

06/09/2026

Interesting history about a gas station in Towanda.

06/06/2026

Fourth of July in Broadwell. 🎆

4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES IN BROADWELL

06/03/2026

Party with McLean County this weekend!

The wait is over...Cruisin’ Through the Century takes over Route 66 in McLean County this weekend!

Check out the full weekend schedule below and start planning your adventure. We’ll see you on the Mother Road!

📍Saturday, June 6
Chenoa – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lexington – 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Towanda – 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bloomington – 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

📍Sunday, June 7
Normal – 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Funks Grove – 3:00-5:00 p.m.
McLean – 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.