Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur

Wilmington, Illinois

IllinoisRoadside Attraction

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Taking a trip along Route 66 or exploring Illinois? Be sure to visit the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois, a nod to the past along the historic route.

In 1963, a Sinclair service station opened in Wilmington, featuring the company’s signature green fiberglass brontosaurus (now classified as an Apatosaurus). This recognizable statue was a common sight for travelers until the station eventually closed, and the dinosaur was removed.

In 2001, the property’s new owner, Gary Geiss, made it his mission to restore the dinosaur’s presence. He acquired an 80-pound Sinclair fiberglass dinosaur from a former gas station in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and had it installed on the roof of BTI Tire & Alignment.

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Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur

4 based on 1 reviews

Address:

BTI Tire & Alignment, 200 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL 60481

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois

Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur?

The Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur is a bright green fiberglass dinosaur statue mounted on the roof of BTI Tires & Alignment in Wilmington, Illinois. It’s a nod to the location’s former life as a Sinclair Oil station.

Where is this roadside attraction located?

You’ll find the dinosaur on the roof of BTI Tires & Alignment at 200 E. Baltimore Street in Wilmington, Illinois.

Keep in mind that this roadside attraction is located on top of a working business. Be mindful of customers and those at work.

Where to Stay Near the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur

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

Cindy Lyn Motel

If you’re driving Route 66 in Illinois you’ll probably be spending your first (or last) night in Chicago. But if you’re looking for something outside of the city and a little closer to the Gemini Giant, Cindy Lyn Motel is a solid choice. The Cindy Lyn Motel opened on Route 66 in 1960 and has been known as the “last motel before the city” for more than 50 years.

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.

Congress Plaza Hotel

Located near the start of Route 66, the Congress Plaza Hotel has been in operation since 1893 and is a welcoming stay for the beginning of your journey on the Mother Road.

Palmer House Hilton

Located just steps from Route 66, Palmer House Hilton is a luxurious historic hotel with all the modern conveniences you could desire alongside award-winning services. Palmer House was built in 1925 and was the city’s first hotel with elevators, electric light bulbs, and telephones in the guest rooms. The French neo-classical influences of the design give this landmark its distinctive charm.

Enhance your visit to Chicago with a tour! Whether you love history, architecture, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near the Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur on Route 66

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

4 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Rooftop Sinclair Dinosaur in Wilmington, Illinois

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