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 2 of 12 posts in the series, continuing 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!
The history of Historic Route 66 in the Bloomington area and McLean County is well documented. Obviously, the Mother Road has brought an enormous amount of tourism and economic development to this community.
The spirit of Route 66 means our city is built on a rich history, which is strengthened by the people who care deeply about this community. Route 66 is really the heart of that. It helps us from a tourism standpoint with our arts and entertainment. When you think of restaurants and entertainment venues along the route that have come and gone, these attractions fed into the city. Along with our Looking for Lincoln historic sites, Route 66 serves as a major artery through Bloomington, which is vital to tourism. To this day, when I see people visiting this community, I’ll ask them, “How did you come about to get Bloomington?” It’s because it’s along the Route 66 corridor and the tour that they’re following throughout the country. The common feedback I hear is how it’s such a connection. The roadway itself is obviously a connection to so many things for outdoor lovers and families with trails, parks, and the historic sites along Route 66.
Being part of Route 66’s history is heartwarming because it blends the past, present, and future. It’s really a great honor to work on many related Route 66 projects, especially when it comes to tourism. Having a sign dedicated to Route 66 and so many artifacts in our museum, pulling off the different areas throughout McLean County, and seeing so many memories come alive for so many people is very special. Route 66 was the key component for families — my family in particular. On Sunday afternoons, we’d enjoy Route 66 throughout McLean County and beyond, whether it was for events up the road in Lexington or Chenoa, or for family outings south to Dixie Family Restaurant in McLean. Sometimes we’d have coffee with the Illinois State Troopers who were friends with my dad. The road is a conduit, a connection to so many things that occurred not only in Bloomington, but throughout McLean County and beyond. For Bloomington, the Route 66 Centennial means the connection to a lifeline treasure called Route 66.
Historic Route 66 predates the modern Interstate system, making it one of the first major roads connecting Normal to metropolitan areas like Chicago, St. Louis, and beyond. But Route 66 is more than just a road or stretch of pavement. To me, Route 66 is a symbol of progress, connection, and courage in our community. Normal has a proud legacy of hospitality, led in part by students from Illinois State University who protested lunch counters that wouldn’t serve people of color. During segregation, many places were not welcoming. But a small business called Chat ‘n Chew helped open doors for students and travelers of every background when others would not. Normal fostered a spirit of inclusivity that would continue to grow. This spirit helped shape Normal into what we are today: a welcoming place for everyone who journeys our way.
The legacy of Route 66 lives on in Normal in can’t-miss attractions like Sprague’s Super Service at 305 E. Pine St. This destination is an example of the stations and repair shops that sprang up along Route 66 to serve motorists. Thanks to the hard work of Terri Ryburn, who worked to restore the station, Sprague’s received a National Register designation in 2008 and a local landmark designation in 2011. The Town of Normal purchased the building in 2016, and more recently, has worked with VistBN to restore the landmark to its original footprint. Normal is also proud to be the home of the historic Normal Theater at 209 North St. The theater was built in 1937, around the same time Route 66 was commissioned. The Town purchased and restored the historic theater in the early 1990s. It received a local landmark designation in 1991 and a National Register designation in 1997. Today, it’s a popular attraction along Route 66; the neon marquee is a hallmark of Route 66 culture. Both the sign and the architecture (Art Deco/Moderne) provide a great photo op for those traveling the Mother Road.
Speaking of photo ops, another great stop is Normal’s Route 66 sign. The sign is easily spotted along Pine Street at One Normal Plaza. Surrounded by green landscapes, this location provides travelers with a perfect backdrop for a quick pic.
Route 66 is a connector for both people and our community. I’ve owned and operated Vitesse Cycle Shop on Linden Street in Normal since the early 1990s. Route 66 has become somewhat of a bucket-list adventure for international bicyclists. I appreciate meeting people from around the world who travel through Normal’s part of this historic route. Generations later, Route 66 continues to link Normal to other places here in America and around the world.