Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: A Station and a Home

Normal, Illinois

IllinoisRoadside Attraction

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The Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibits are found in many communities along the Mother Road. Each kiosk is placed at a site with historical significance and tells the story of the site’s relationship with Route 66 through text, illustrations, photos, and audio. The “A Station and a Home” Wayside Exhibit in Normal, Illinois describes Sprague’s Super Service.

Sprague’s Super Service, opened in 1930 by William Sprague, is the only two-story Tudor Revival service station on Route 66. Built during the Great Depression, Sprague knew travelers still needed food, gas, and repairs, so he designed the station to blend with the neighborhood, making it look more like a house than a business. The first floor housed a gas station, restaurant, and repair garage, while the owners, attendants, and their families lived upstairs. Over time, the building served various purposes, from a welding shop to a bridal store, but it was restored to its 1930 appearance by Dr. Terri Ryburn and her husband Bill in 2006. It’s now on the National Register of Historic Places and inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame. A charming local love story adds to its history: in 1940, Walter Bittner, smitten with Irene, a bank elevator operator, finally got her to agree to a lunch date at the Triangle Café (Sprague’s restaurant) after nine attempts. They married in 1941.

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A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayfair Exhibit at Sprague's Super Service Station in Normal, Illinois

Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: A Station and a Home

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Address:

305 Pine St, Normal, IL 61761

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayside Exhibit in Normal, Illinois

A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayfair Exhibit at Sprague's Super Service Station in Normal, Illinois

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayside Exhibit in Normal, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

What are the Route 66 Wayside Exhibits?

The Route 66 Wayside Exhibits are a series of interpretive roadside displays located at historic sites and significant community stops along Illinois’ Route 66 Scenic Byway. Installed in towns and cities along the route, they are part of the state’s effort to share the Mother Road’s history through outdoor panels, signs, photos, and sometimes audio features that explain why each specific location matters to Route 66 travelers. You can find more Route 66 Wayside Exhibits in Illinois.

What can visitors learn at a Route 66 Wayside Exhibit?

At a Route 66 Wayside Exhibit, visitors can learn local history and stories tied to the Mother Road, such as the importance of nearby businesses or landmarks, historic events and cultural context, and how the highway shaped the community. Many exhibits include narrative text, historical photos, and even audio segments with voices from Route 66 figures, giving travelers a deeper look into the heritage and significance of each spot along the byway.

Where can you find this Route 66 Wayside Exhibit in Normal?

This Wayside Exhibit is located in Normal, Illinois, is located at Sprague’s Super Service. Also look for the Route 66 Experience Hub to learn more about Normal-Bloomington and find more local attractions.

Where to Stay Near the A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayside Exhibit

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

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.

State House Inn

State House Inn, a landmark hotel in Springfield, Illinois, features a business center, gym, ironing service, and complimentary breakfast with a convenient location directly across the street from the Illinois State Capitol. Book a stay in one of the two themed Presidential Suites: the Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.

Attractions Near the A Station and a Home Route 66 Wayside Exhibit

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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!

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