Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: Wheels of Fortune on 66

Atlanta, 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 “Wheels of Fortune on 66” Wayside Exhibit in Atlanta, Illinois describes how “Business followed the Highway.”

When Route 66 was built in the 1920s, Atlanta, Illinois thrived, but the boom was short-lived. In 1947, the road was rerouted to bypass the town, causing many local businesses to falter. New establishments along the bypass had their moment of success until I-55 replaced Route 66 in 1977, leading to more closures. Recently, renewed interest in historic Route 66 has revitalized Atlanta. The Palms Grill, which opened in 1934, became a popular spot for travelers and locals alike, while gas stations and cafes in downtown Atlanta served as community hubs. Businesses like the Deep Rock Station on Arch Street once bustled with customers until the Route 66 bypass left them abandoned. The Palms Grill also served as a Greyhound Bus Line stop, where passengers signaled the driver with a neon sign light.

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Wheels of Fortune on 66 in Atlanta Route 66 Park in Atlanta, Illinois - Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibit

Route 66 Wayside Exhibit: Wheels of Fortune on 66

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Address:

105 S E Race St, Atlanta, IL 61723

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Wheels of Fortune on 66 Wayside Exhibit in Atlanta, Illinois

Wheels of Fortune on 66 in Atlanta Route 66 Park in Atlanta, Illinois - Illinois Route 66 Wayside Exhibit

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the ​​Wheels of Fortune on 66 Wayside Exhibit in Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

This Wayside Exhibit is located in Atlanta, Illinois, inside Atlanta Route 66 Park.

Where to Stay Near the ​​Wheels of Fortune on 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.

Travelodge by Wyndham Route 66 Atlanta

The Travelodge by Wyndham Route 66 Atlanta (formerly The Trail Inn) is the most convenient motel to downtown Atlanta. The location allows you to stay a while in town to take in all the best attractions in the area. Plus, with a gas station right across the street, it’s easy to fuel up your car or stock up on snacks.

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 Wheels of Fortune on 66 Wayside Exhibit

Plan Your Illinois Route 66 Road Trip

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

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
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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