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Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

Pontiac, Illinois

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The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois tells the story of the Mother Road from inception to present day with thousands of artifacts, memorabilia, articles, and more. Stop in to learn about all of the famed stops, places, and people who have been inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.

Highlights include booths from the world’s first Steak and Shake, artist and traveler Bob Waldmire’s VW Van, displays on all the classic must see Route 66 stops (from Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant to Cozy Dog Drive In), vintage gas pumps, maps, and more.

Outside the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum you can continue to explore: on the side of the building is painted the world’s largest Route 66 shield mural and you can also find a vintage Wishing Well Motel sign and Bob Waldmire’s famous Road Yacht (Waldmire is a Route 66 icon who spent years traveling the Mother Road). Pontiac is dubbed “Route 66 Mural City” for a reason, explore the immediately surrounding area and beyond for the Murals on Main Street depicting the history of Pontiac.

In Spring 2026, the parking lot behind the museum will be transformed into Centennial Plaza. The finished plaza will showcase a custom neon sign designed by Springfield’s Ace Sign Company, a mid-century modern awning to protect Waldmire’s bus, and a dedicated drive-up area where visitors can take photos with the shield mural.

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Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764

Hours:

9am-5pm, Daily (Summer Hours); 10am-4pm, Daily (Winter Hours)

Cost:

Free Admission

Phone Number:

(815) 844-4566

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Photos of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

Where can you park to visit the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum?

The parking lot behind the Illinois Route 66 Association building is closed to make way for the new Centennial Plaza. There is a museum complex parking lot across the road and street parking is also available.

Are there other attractions nearby worth combining with the visit?

Pontiac is well-known for its outdoor Murals on Mainstreet murals (there are more than murals throughout the city depicting local history). Be sure to visit the Route 66 Shield mural on the back of the Hall of Fame and Museum. Is is the largest painted Route 66 Shield in the world! Also explore the Centennial Plaza (coming soon), including Bob Waldmire’s “Road Yacht” (a renovated 1966 school bus).

Other nearby museums include:

  • Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
  • Livingston County War Museum
  • Museum of Gilding Arts
Does the museum charge admission?

The museum is free, but donations are accepted.

Is this a popular Route 66 museum?

Yes! This is one of our Route 66 Museums You Can’t Miss!

Where to Stay Near the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby hotels on Illinois Route 66.

Super 8 by Wyndham Dwight

If you’re stretching your Route 66 itinerary and are looking to spend the night between Chicago and Springfield, the Super 8 by Wyndham Dwight is a solid choice. Conveniently located off I-55 and close to Historic Route 66, this newly renovated property and pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi and free breakfast just minutes from this roadside attraction.

Vrooman Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Vrooman Mansion Bed and Breakfast is located off Route 66 in the heart of Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. The Vrooman Mansion is a historical 1869 estate, with seven suites to choose from, all with private baths and access to beautiful common areas like the library, parlor, sitting rooms, and manicured grounds.

Attractions Near the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

Plan Your Illinois Route 66 Road Trip

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Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

  1. Really great museum for anyone wanting to learn more about Route 66 in Illinois. Stop inside to explore all the memorabilia and look for the giant Route 66 mural outside!

    Reply

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