Two American icons intersect in the heart of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area: Abraham Lincoln and America's mother road Route 66. Traversing the state of Illinois from Chicago to St. Louis, Route 66 winds its way through communities where Lincoln worked, gave stump speeches, and lived. From North to South, the communities of Pontiac, Bloomington, Atlanta, Lincoln, Elkhart, and Springfield tell the stories of Lincoln's life and times and historic Route 66.
Besides the sites that are directly on Route 66 noted below, there are excellent half-day side trips not too far off the Mother Road. These include:
Lincoln's New Salem, Petersberg, Illinois
This historic village of cabins lies about 20 miles northwest of Springfield, and is a peek into Lincoln's early life in Illinois.
Alton, Illinois; Rivers & Routes
This historic community along the intersection of the mighty Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers has long been an important location of Illinois early history, as well as the nation. Many historic and natural sites are waiting to be explored.
To learn more about Route 66 in Illinois visit the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website.
Lincoln Sites Along Route 66 in Illinois
Route 66 Sites
Atlanta Visitor Center
114 SW Arch St. Atlanta, IL 61723
Make the Atlanta Visitor Center your first stop into town to find out all the information on local attractions!
Bath & Barber Shop
1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Bloomington-Normal CVB
3201 Cira Dr. #201 Bloomington, Illinois 61704
The Bloomington-Normal area is a vibrant community, home to 167,699 people who exemplify the values of the Midwest and our remarkable quality of life. Our location in the heart of Illinois is at the intersections of 39, 55 and 74 and within two hours of Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Whether you are here for a weekend, attending an event or here on business, we hope you enjoy your visit and return often. We are proud of our Midwestern Hospitality.
Brunswick Billiard Hall
413 E. Washington St. Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
C.M. & S. Smith Store
1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Campaign Poles
417 E. Adams St. Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Citizenry Mourn Lincoln
200-248 N Vermillion Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
Located at Fell Park - 200 Block North Vermillion Street - Across from the former Chicago & Alton Depot
Cook's Hall
124 S. 6th St Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
Corneau and Dillar Drug Store
124 S. 6th St Springfield, Illinois 62701
View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.
County Seat Almost Moved
130 W Washington St, Pontiac, IL 61764 Pontiac, Illinois 61764
South Side of Courthouse Square, near statue of Lincoln. Be sure to pose with Abe, and get your photo taken!