As we celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, we’re highlighting the places and people that make McLean County an essential stop along America’s Mother Road. Throughout the year, this 12-part blog series will spotlight iconic Route 66 locations and feature conversations with the mayors of our Route 66 communities, each sharing their own stories, history, and vision for the future. This installment marks 1 of 12 posts in the series, starting a journey that honors our past while inviting visitors to experience what makes our stretch of Route 66 unforgettable. Buckle up – there’s a lot of road left to explore!
If you’re exploring Historic Route 66 in Bloomington-Normal, there’s one stop that has been fueling road trips for nearly a century. Located along the original Route 66 alignment, Parkview Inn is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Bloomington and a must-visit for travelers seeking classic comfort food, small-town hospitality, and authentic Mother Road nostalgia. This story, originally featured in our 2026 Visitor Guide, celebrates a Route 66 legend that continues to welcome locals and visitors alike with stick-to-your-ribs favorites and a whole lot of history. Pull up a chair, because some of the best Route 66 stories are told over a home-cooked meal.
For nearly as long as Route 66 has existed, a Bloomington institution has provided a much needed spot to stop and grab a bite before heading back out on the Main Street of America. Located along the original 1930-1940 alignment of Route 66, Parkview Inn — the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Bloomington — has served tasty, stick-to-your ribs meals to cross-country travelers for almost 100 years. And just like many other establishments along the Mother Road, this classic diner has become a legend in its own right.
“We’ve had some people come by specifically because we’re located on Historic Route 66,” said Rick McCormick, owner of Parkview Inn. “It’s great to have visitors from outside Bloomington-Normal stop in and see us. Being one of the oldest restaurants in the area, it helps add to the nostalgia and history as well.”
Operating since 1928, Parkview Inn has served countless motorists passing through town on their Route 66 road trip, offering a welcoming, cozy spot to sit, relax, and savor a home-cooked meal. A curated menu of comfort foods alongside nearly a century’s worth of Route 66 nostalgia makes Parkview Inn a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
“Our chili has been voted first place in The Pantagraph Readers’ Choice Awards for the past couple of years. Our pork tenderloin sandwich is a big hit, and customers rave about our broasted chicken, which is available for dinner Monday through Saturday,” McCormick said. “And no trip is complete without sampling our dessert case, where we feature a variety of rotating desserts like homemade pies. We also prepare homemade pies during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.”