ATLANTA
Atlanta Library & Clock Tower
100 SE Race St.
Built in 1908, this National Register Property is one of Illinois’ few octagonal-shaped public libraries. Its gilded rotunda and interior rooms, filled with solid-oak woodwork, reflect its classic architecture. Local volunteers who comprise the "Keepers of the Clock" take turns on a weekly basis hand-winding the 1909 Seth Thomas clock housed in the library’s clock tower.
Atlanta Museum
112 SW Arch St.
Exhibits focusing on Abraham Lincoln, Rt. 66, and other aspects of Atlanta’s history are featured in the newly renovated home of the Atlanta Museum. The Museum’s Local History Resource Center provides extensive genealogy materials accessible to the public. Housed in a beautifully restored 1867 building, the Atlanta Museum presents both permanent and new, rotating exhibits.
Atlanta’s Bunyon Giant
103 SW Arch St. (Old Rt. 66)
"Say Cheese" in front of this great Rt. 66 photo-op. Originally located in front of Bunyon’s restaurant on Rt. 66 in Cicero, Illinois, the 19 ft. tall Bunyon Giant now welcomes Rt. 66 travelers to Atlanta, Illinois.
J. H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum
301 SW 2nd St.
Illinois’ only fully restored wooden grain elevator listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new outdoor, self-guided interpretive tour allows visitors to experience the Elevator Museum anytime.
Palms Grill Cafe
110 SW Arch St. (Old Rt. 66)
Blue-plate specials, BINGO, and a bus stop – welcome to the Palms Grill Cafe. Lovingly restored to its circa 1935 appearance, the cafe now invites visitors to step back in time and experience the way it used to taste.
Rt. 66 Murals/Outdoor Advertising
Down-town Atlanta, several, large outdoor murals on the sides of Atlanta’s business buildings recreate the look and feel of what Rt. 66 travelers used to see as they motored the Mother Road.
BLOOMINGTON / NORMAL
Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
3201 CIRA Drive, Suite 201
Bloomington, IL 61704
309-665-0033 or 800-433-8226
www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org
Anderson Family Aquatic Center/ Fairview Family Aquatic Center
100 S. Maple St./949 N. Main St.
Normal, IL
The Town of Normal operates two aquatic centers featuring waterslides, zero-depth pools, spray toys, and more. The facilities are open to the public from early June to mid-August.
309-454-9540
www.normal.org
Beer Nuts® Inc.
103 North Robinson St.
Bloomington. The only place in the world where Beer Nuts® are manufactured. Visit them at one of two local Beer Nuts Company Stores.
309-827-8580
www.beernuts.com
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
600 North East St.
Bloomington, IL
The recently renovated center is home to the American Passion Play and hosts many other events throughout the year.
309-434-2787
www.artsblooming.org
Challenger Learning Center
1500 W. Raab Rd.
Normal, IL
Through scheduled team missions, the Challenger Learning Center promotes leadership, communications, problem-solving and critical thinking skills while supporting our country’s goals of improving science, math and technology education.
309-268-8701
www.challengerlearningcenter.com
Children’s Discovery Museum
101 EastBeaufort St.
Normal, IL
Explore, imagine, create and play with three floors of unique, hands-on, larger than life exhibits; experience the thrill of hydropower in the brand new Water Works! exhibit; join in the fun of new exciting educational programs and shop at the Discover More! Store.
309-433-3444
www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net
Constitution Trail
Enjoy walking, hiking, jogging, biking and cross country skiing on this 37 mile multi-use trail throughout Bloomington and Normal.
800-433-8226
www.constitutiontrail.org
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
1000 E. Monroe St.
Bloomington, IL
The estate of Judge David Davis, friend and mentor to Abraham Lincoln, provides a focal point for the social, cultural and political life of the community. Tours are offered for both groups and individuals and arrangements can also be made for a special Tea Ladies program.
309-828-1084
www.daviddavismansion.org
Grady’s Family Fun Center
1501 Morrissey Dr.
Bloomington, IL
Grady’s offers the entire family fun with an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, bumper boats, arcade and kiddie rides.
309-662-3332
www.gradysfunpark.com
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is the state’s first public university and one of the Midwest’s oldest institutions of high education. Major facilities on campus include a center for the Performing Arts, a 360-acre farm, Bone Student Center and Braden Auditorium, a planetarium, Redbird Arena and Handcock Stadium.
309-438-2111
www.ilstu.edu
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL
Illinois Wesleyan University is a liberal arts university with enrollment of approximately 2,100 situated on a beautiful 80-acre campus. IWU hosts numerous youth, high school and collegiate sporting events in the multi-purpose Shirk Center, as well as musical and theater performances and art exhibits.
309-556-1000
www.iwu.edu
McLean County Museum of History
200 N. Main St.
Bloomington, IL
From Kickapoo Indians to early European settlers, from the small town where Lincoln practiced law to today’s thriving community, the stories of this uniquely Midwestern community are told at the museum.
309-827-0428
www.mchistory.org
Miller Park Zoo
1020 S. Morris Ave.
Bloomington, IL
The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor exhibits such as the Tropical American Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building,Wallaby WalkAbout, Children’s Zoo and Animals of Asia, as well as educational classes, special events, and group programs.
309-434-2250
www.millerparkzoo.org
Normal Theater
209 West North St.
Normal, IL
Built in 1937, the Normal Theater has been completely restored and now operates as a film center, showing classic, independent and world cinema films on the big screen.
309-454-9722
www.normaltheater.com
Pepsi Ice Center
201 S Roosevelt St.
Bloomington, IL
An indoor public ice skating facility offering skate rental, lessons, a hockey program, and public ice skating sessions.
309-434-2737
www.pepsiicecenter.com
Prairie Aviation Museum
2929 East Empire St.
Bloomington, IL
With a collection of preserved aircraft on display, revolving aviation exhibits and memorabilia and a miniature theater, the museum creates an environment where visitors can learn about the contributions of aviation to our community and nation.
309-663-7632
www.prairieaviationmuseum.org
Upper Limits Rock Gym
1304 W. Washington St.
Bloomington, IL
With over 20,000 square feet, it is one of the largest climbing gyms in North America. Perfect for both the advanced climber or the beginner. Enjoy rock climbing either indoors while climbing one of the 65 feet tall silos or by rappelling 120 feet off the top of a building.
309-829-TALL
U.S. Cellular Coliseum
101 S. Madison St.
Bloomington,IL
The Coliseum hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, ice shows, family shows and much more. It is also home to the Bloomington EDGE football team, Bloomington Blaze hockey team, and Central Illinois Drive basketball team.
309-434-2843
www.uscellularcoliseum.com
The Corn Crib
1000 W. Raab Rd.
Normal, IL
The state-of-the-art, multipurpose Corn Crib is the newest sports facility in Bloomington-Normal and is the homes of the Normal CornBelters baseball team and the Heartland Community College athletic teams. The Corn Crib also hosts movie nights, concerts, fundraisers, and other off-season events.
309-454-2255
www.normalbaseball.com
Rader Family Farms
1238 Ropp Rd.
Normal, IL
This seasonal farm is open from mid-September through October 31st each year. Attractions inside the farm include a café and coffee shop, picnic areas, gift shop, and a variety of produce. Kid-friendly activities include jumping pillow, giant mountain slide, big digger sandbox, farm animals, hayrack rides, and more!
309-275-8765
www.raderfamilyfarms.com
Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm
2676 Ropp Rd.
Normal, IL
Ropp Jersey Cheese produces cheese curbs as well as artisan cheddars, colbys and other cheeses. They invite groups to tour the farm and learn first-hand how fine quality cheeses are made.
309-452-3641
www.roppcheese.com
Eastland Mall
1615 East Empire St.
Bloomington, IL
Eastland Mall is a family friendly indoor mall, anchored by Macy’s, Bergners, Kohls, Sears and JCPenney’s, that is sure to please everyone with a wide variety of stores, in activities, food and entertainment.
309-663.1340
www.ishopeastlandmall.com
The Shoppes at College Hills
North Veterans Parkway
Normal, IL
The Shoppes at College Hills is an open-air lifestyle center anchored by Von Maur, Gordman’s, Hobby Lobby and Target. The exciting blend of retailers and restaurants includes more than 25 specialty stores.
309-862.3761
www.theshoppesatcollegehills.com
McLean County Arts Center
601 North East St.
Bloomington, IL
One of the oldest arts organizations in the Midwest, the McLean County Arts Center is a non-profit community art resource that has been serving Central Illinois for over 130 years. Each year, 12 art exhibitions are held including the Holiday Treasures Exposition and Sale, and the annual Amateur Competition and Exhibition which, for over 70 years, has showcased the best amateur artists Central Illinois has to offer.
309-829-0011
www.mcac.org
CHENOA
Chenoa Pharmacy
209 Green Street
This pharmacy has been in operation continuously since it opened in 1889. The original wood floor and many original fixtures add to the ambience and charm of this historic building.
815-845-4211
Selz Royal Blue Shoes Mural
224 Green Street
A beautiful example of outdoor advertising.
CARLOCK
White Oak Vineyards, Inc.
8621 East 2100 North Road
White Oak Vineyards boasts a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings with family and friends as well the host to entertainment, special events and group tours. Come share in their passion for wine and their German heritage at McLean County’s newest and only vineyard.
309-376-3027
www.whiteoakvineyardsinc.com
CLINTON
Abraham Lincoln Van Den Bergen Statue
Located on Mr. Lincoln’s Square, a bronze statue originally dedicated in 1931 to commemorate Lincoln’s “Fool the People” speech.
C.H. Moore Homestead
219 East Woodlawn
in August 1841, C. H. Moore became the first resident lawyer in Clinton, and he became friends with Abraham Lincoln when he was riding the circuit through Dewitt County. When he purchased this Homestead, Moore added the west wing containing a two-story library, mainly because he needed a place to house his vast collection of books and newspapers.
217-935-6066
www.chmoorehomestead.org
Veterans Point Memorial
4734 Weldon Springs Rd.
25 tons of granite memorialize 1300 veterans from at least twenty-seven states with the message, “Freedom is not Free.” Fifty Flags of Freedom fly the following holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Weldon Springs State Park
4734 Weldon Springs Road
A 550-acre park for all seasons. You are invited to fish, boat, picnic, camp, hike, and view wildlife. Or, you might want to pitch horseshoes at the park’s tournament-quality horseshoe pits. When the snow flies, you can not only continue many of the warmer weather pursuits, but add sledding and tobogganing on a one-eighth mile hill, ice fishing and cross-country skiing to your itinerary.
217-935-2644
www.dnr.state.il.us
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
7251 Ranger Road.
Located 3 miles east of Clinton, there are plenty of recreational opportunities available at this 9,300-acre facility. Enjoy picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, water skiing, boating, hunting and more! People from all over the Midwest flock to Clinton Lake to enjoy the great outdoors.
217-935-8722
www.dnr.state.il.us
Clinton Lake Marina
6599 Sailboat Rd.
Offer boat slip and sailboat mooring rentals, gas, concessions, ice, bait, boat rentals and a full service repair shop on site.
217-736-2727
www.clintonlakemarina.com
ELKHART
The quaint Village of Elkhart offers unique businesses and quality services located in restored structures and marketed as “historic downtown Elkhart.” Elkhart is located less than one mile from I-55 and right off old Route 66, providing convenient access as a tourism attraction. Rich in history and natural beauty, Elkhart is famous for its unusual landscape – a tree covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. Settled in 1855, the picturesque early 1900’s style downtown makes Elkhart one of a kind. www.eklhartillinois.us
Birdsong Books and Vintage
111 Governor Oglesby Street
Offers an eclectic mix of goods to browse through in a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere. Birdsong has retained the marble soda fountain counter from Nellie’s Café and the mirrored wall piece behind it that features lighted stained glass windows, as well as two café booths.
Bluestem Bake Shop
109 Governor Oglesby Street
Located in an early 1900s building and proudly shows the original stenciled tin ceilings and wood floors as part of its quaint décor. Providing homemade soups, salads and sandwiches along with a full line of bakery items, cakes, pies and candies all made from scratch, the shop also provides a full catering service with seating for 40 people.
217-947-2222
Cro-hurst Mansion
The original house, dated 1836, was the home of Jessie Dean Gillett, daughter of the famous John Dean Gillett from Elkhart. She remodeled the home to resemble the Greek Revival style, with elaborate grounds and gardens. It is one of the oldest homes in Logan County.
Dragonfly Art Studio
102 Governor Oglesby Street
Artist Renee Sisk will lead your family, group or party guests in a creative and enjoyable experience creating paintings that you didn’t think you’d ever be able to do! Her art studio is on the second floor flat of the refurbished 1889 building and has windows that provide a great view of historic downtown Elkhart.
217-732-7771
Elkhart Cemetery
Located on the hill and surrounded by woods, the cemetery dates back as far as 1860. Veterans of wars since the Mexican War and the Indian Wars are buried in the cemetery. Famous Elkhart figures John D. Gillett (1819-1899), farmer and cattle breeder; Captain A. H. Bogardus (1834-1913), sharp shooter champion, inventor of the Bogardus Trap, and famous as a partner with the Cody-Salisbury Wild West show and Annie Oakley; and Governor Richard J. Oglesby (1824-1899), Governor of Illinois and intimate personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, are buried in the Elkhart cemetery.
Elkhart Grove Forest Preserve
This 136-acers of woods was created to protect the unique ecosystem of Elkhart Hill. Studies by the University of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Conservation have identified the hill as an important stop for migratory birds and the forest as a special example of prairie woodland flora and fauna. Walking trails through this beautiful old growth timber, surrounding fields and wetland areas are accessed by specially arranged day passes.
Horsefeathers Antiques and Gift Shop
104 Governor Oglesby Street
Located in the original 1892 bank building in Elkhart, this eclectic gift shop still has the original restored grand marble floor, foyer and vaults. Your shopping headquarters for wedding gifts, gift and welcome baskets, cards, and jewelry – the shop carries a mix of antique, contemporary, local and unusual items that guarantee a one-of-a-kind shopping opportunity.
217-947-2100
www.wildharecafe-elk-il.com
John P. Gillett Memorial Bridge
Built in 1915, is considered an Illinois Landmark. The arched bridge is one of only two privately owned bridges in the state of Illinois. Originally a wooden bridge built in 1899, it was part of the Oglesby estate. The funeral processional for Governor Oglesby, which included Lincoln’s son Robert, walked across the original bridge. The bridge was replaced in 1915 with the current concrete, closed-spandrel arch bridge.
Lincoln Heritage Signs
“Heritage Corner”, downtown Elkhart
Informational signs about Elkhart, one story depicts the history of Lincoln and the Kentucky House while the other depicts the connection between Lincoln, John Dean Gillett and Elkhart.
St. John the Baptist Chapel
Elkhart Cemetery
Lemira Gillett built this Episcopalian Chapel in 1890 for $10,000 in memory of her husband John Dean Gillett. It is the only privately owned and operated church in Illinois. Constructed by the Culver Stone and Marble Company of Springfield, it is one of the few remaining Culver buildings in the area. Designed in Gothic Revival style with thick walls of Grafton Limestone, it houses one of the oldest working pipe organs in the state (built by Hook and Hasting Company out of Boston). Beautiful Tiffany style stained-glass windows grace the interior of this historic chapel.
The Brick House (on the Old Gillett Farm)
For many years in the late 1800’s the town of Elkhart was one of the largest shipping points on the C&A (Chicago & Alton) Railroad, due to the large stock raising farms of John Dean Gillett. Beautiful gardens are flanked on one side by the southern view of Elkhart Hill and the natural, wooded preserve to the north. Historic preservation and environmental protection continue to be part of the Gillett legacy.
www.oldgillettfarm.org
The Wild Hare Café
104 Governor Oglesby Street
Located within Horsefeathers antiques and gift shop, the café offers delicious dishes prepared from scratch on the premises – always using the best of ingredients and organically grown produce whenever possible. Eat in the restored small or large vault of the 1892 bank building!
217-947-2100
www.wildharecafe-elk-il.com
ELLSWORTH
Twin Groves Wind Farm
13682 North 2900 East Road
The Twin Groves Wind Farm offers 396 MW of affordable, pollution-free wind energy, enough to meet the annual energy needs of about 118,00 households. Groups of ten or more can learn more about the facility with a guided tour that begins at the Twin Groves Lookout Visitor Area.
308-724-8278
www.edpr.com
GRIDLEY
Telephone Museum of Gridley
318 North Center St.
The Telephone Museum contains an amazing display of memorabilia that reflects the evolution of communication services in rural Illinois. This collection includes working models of many of the nation’s early phones, a fully-functioning "hands on" switchboard, and a rich array of artifacts that will appeal to tourists of all ages.
309-747-3177
www.telephonemuseumofgridley.org
HEYWORTH
Simpkins Military History Museum
605 East Cole St.
Heyworth. Permanent displays showcase artifacts from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Desert Storm, and a 34 star American flag which is the oldest flag on display in McLean County. The museum is handicap accessible and group tours are available by appointment.
309-473-3989
www.simpkinsmuseum.com
LEXINGTON
Lexington Neon Arrow Sign
Originally erected in the late 1940’s pointing the way east to downtown Lexington.
Route 66 Park
A small wayside park that provide information about historic Lexington and serves as the trailhead for the bike trail.
Route 66 Memory Lane
A one-mile stretch of original Route 66 that was dedicated in 1926. It features vintage billboard and Burma Shave signs. It can be walked year-round and open to traffic during special events.
309-365-8105
www.lexingtonillinois.org
LEROY
Grand Village of Kickapoo Park
750 North 3100 East Road
Established in 1998 to honor the Kickapoo Tribe that inhabited the land from the mid-1700’s until their extensive removal in 1832, the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park is restoring native crops, plants and grasses. Each summer the Village hosts an Intertribal Pow Wow at the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park to honor the traditions of the native American people. The park’s Veteran’s Monument and Informational Center is open year-round.
309-287-0044
www.grandvillage.org
Moraine View State Park
27374 Moraine View Park Rd.
With fully developed facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding and hunting, the 1,687-acre Moraine View State Recreation Area, with its 158-acre lake, is a beautiful, convenient and accessible locale for relaxation and recreation.
309-724-8032
www.dnr.illinois.gov
LINCOLN
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County
1555 Fifth Street
217-732-8687
www.abe66.com
The Christening Scene
Broadway and Chicago Street Area
On August 27, 1853, the first lots were sold in the new town of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln took a watermelon, broke it open and with its juice christened the new community.
Lincoln Heritage Museum at Lincoln College
300 Keokuk Street
This Museum contains a remarkable collection of Lincoln related artifacts and documents including gifts of the Beckwith family. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last living descendant of Lincoln donated a number of articles belonging to Mary Lincoln – china, books and mourning clothing. Hundreds of documents relating to Lincoln can also be found at the museum including the original Lincoln town charter drawn up by him, a legal document signed with an “x” by his father and an invitation to the 1865 inaugural ball. In addition, there is correspondence from Lincoln, nearly every member of his cabinet and military leaders during the Civil War.
217/732-3155, Ext. 295
Logan County Courthouse
Erected in 1905, the courthouse is located on the square, which is a historic district. It houses county offices and records, a statue of Lincoln, murals, plus historical display cases.
217/732-8687
The Mill on 66
738 S Washington
This Route 66 icon is on the road to recovery!Come check out the unique structure of the Dutch themed building. Great photo opportunity.
217/732-8687
www.savethemill.com
Postville Courthouse State Historic Site
914 Fifth Stree
A reproduction of the first Logan County Courthouse in use from 1840 to 1847. Abraham Lincoln served here as a lawyer on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
217/732-8930
MCLEAN
Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 North 725 East Road
Sugar Grove Nature Center is located in beautiful, historic Funks Grove among over 1,000 acres of forest and prairie. Funks Grove is the largest remaining intact prairie grove in the state of Illinois and is a designated National Natural Landmark. Visitors will enjoy interpretive exhibits, live animals and a wildlife viewing room as well as access to 5 miles of hiking trails.
309-874-2174
www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org
MOUNT PULASKI
Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site
City Square
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it served as the county courthouse from 1847 to 1853. One of two remaining courthouses on the Eighth Judicial Circuit traveled by Abraham Lincoln.
217/732-8930
SHIRLEY
Funk Prairie Home and Gem and Mineral Museum
10875 Prairie Home Lane
The restored 1864 residence includes historic memorabilia and antiques of the Funk Family. The Gem & Mineral Museum features the Hall of Gems & Minerals with its dazzling display of many rare and beautiful stones, and the Indian artifact room with early examples of Native American culture. Reservations required.
309-827-6792
www.funksgrove.org
Funk’s Grove Pure Maple Sirup
5257 Old Route 66
Guided tours of the grounds are offered during the sirup-making season that showcase the Funk family process. Funk’s Pure Maple Sirup can be purchased at the store, along with Route 66 memorabilia and other Funk’s products.
309-874-3360
www.funksmaplesirup.com
