Discover the Spirit of America's Highway at the Route 66 Association of Illinois
Explore the rich history of Route 66 at the Route 66 Association of Illinois, a vibrant museum showcasing America's famous highway's culture and heritage.
The Route 66 Association of Illinois is a must-visit museum for any traveler eager to delve into the history and culture of the iconic Route 66. Located in Pontiac, Illinois, this vibrant museum showcases a wealth of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays that celebrate the rich heritage of America's most famous highway. From vintage cars to roadside attractions, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories and experiences that have shaped Route 66 over the decades. It's a perfect stop for history buffs and road trip enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Route 66 Association of Illinois
- 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, Illinois, 61764, US
- +1815-844-4566
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with the staff.
- Don't miss the gift shop for unique Route 66 memorabilia to take home.
- Check the museum's schedule for special events or exhibits that might be happening during your visit.
- Plan to spend at least an hour to fully enjoy the exhibits and learn about the history of Route 66.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from the Chicago area, take I-55 South. Continue on I-55 for about 70 miles. Take exit 197 for IL-116 toward Pontiac. Merge onto IL-116 E and continue for about 10 miles. Turn right onto W Howard St, and you'll find the Route 66 Association of Illinois at 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764.
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Car
From Rockford, take US-20 E toward the I-90 interchange. Merge onto I-90 S, then take I-39 S to I-55 S. Follow I-55 S for about 45 miles. Take exit 197 for IL-116 toward Pontiac and merge onto IL-116 E. Turn right onto W Howard St to reach your destination.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Route 66 Association of Illinois by public transit, take an Amtrak train to the Pontiac station. Amtrak runs services from major cities like Chicago. Once you arrive at the Pontiac station, it's a short 1-mile walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can use a rideshare service or taxi from the station if preferred.
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Bus
You can take a Greyhound bus to the Pontiac bus station if you are coming from larger cities like Chicago or Peoria. Once you arrive at the bus station, the Route 66 Association of Illinois is about a half-mile walk away. Head southeast on E Washington St toward N Mill St, turn right onto N Mill St, then turn left onto W Howard St to reach your destination.
Discover more about Route 66 Association of Illinois
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Strevell House
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Historic Route 66 Old Bridge
8.4 km
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The Castle
30.0 km
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Cardiff Town State Historic Site
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Wabash Depot
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Duncan Manor
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Benjaminville Historic Site
47.4 km
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Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
49.8 km
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Alfred Phillips House
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Cedar Crest Addition Historic District
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Moraine View State Recreation Area
53.2 km
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Franklin Square
53.4 km
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White Building (Bloomington, Illinois)
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Steel And Bedrock House
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Vrooman Mansion
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Unmissable attractions to see
Pontiac Museum Complex
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Museum Of The Gilding Arts
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Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum
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Catherine Yost House Museum
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Humiston Woods Nature Preserve
9.2 km
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Matthew T. Scott House
16.6 km
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Telephone Museum of Gridley
26.2 km
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Oughton Estate Windmill
28.6 km
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Crazy Presidential Elephant
30.0 km
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Weber House & Garden
33.1 km
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Historic Route 66
41.7 km
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World’s Largest Square Knot
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Zip Chicago
48.8 km
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Illini State Park
49.2 km
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The Corn Crib
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Essential places to dine
Red Dog Grill
52.8 km
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Casa-Mia Lounge & Restaurant
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Bears Den
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Hank's Farm Restaurant
55.5 km
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Captain's Cove Bar & Grill At Starved Rock Marina
55.6 km
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HiWay Restaurant Inc
55.8 km
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Año Del Gallo
57.4 km
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The Back Door Lounge
57.5 km
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Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
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Main Dining Room at Starved Rock Lodge
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Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar
58.0 km
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Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill
58.0 km
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Mr. Salsa's, Inc.
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Claudette's
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Brennan's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
More of Me
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Spaces
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Iconic Boutique
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A Mess Of Things.
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Jeremiah Joe Coffee - Downtown Ottawa
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Jack's Camp Store
55.9 km
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Walmart Supercenter
58.1 km
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Green Thumb Industries
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Starved Rock River and Trail Supply
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Jamie's OutPost
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Bakery & Cafe Nonies
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The Rock and Soul
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August Hill Winery Tasting Room
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The Bickerman Building
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Bruce & Ollie's Ice Cream, Specialty Coffee & Deli
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kasap's Tavern
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Laura's East End Tap
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Bulldogs Bar
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Mercer's Rooftop
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Lizzie's Lounge
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Archway Tap
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Red's City Limits/ Clarks Run Campground
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Greg’s Dew Drop Inn LLC
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Doc's Pub
63.1 km
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Speakeasy on 1st
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Morts
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The Camden Bar and Lounge
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Sanctuary LaSalle
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Borderline Bar & Grill
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