One of my travel passions that have developed over the past years is the Historic Route 66, also known as The Mother Road. One of my biggest travel missions, aside from traveling to all 50 states with my boys, is to drive the entire Route 66.
My vision is that we’re driving our SUV, pulling our little pop-up camper or pull-behind trailer with our bikes attached to the back; stopping randomly along U.S. Route 66 to sightsee and pull the bikes out to ride down certain strips – taking in the scenery and capturing photos of what remains of the historic Route 66.
But until that vision manifests, we have been piecing together The Mother Road, one mile and one trip at a time including parts from Illinois, Missouri, and even clear across to Needles, California.
Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois and ends in Los Angeles. The trip is about 2,400 miles and there are many historical sites with beautiful landscaping along the way.
Cruisin’ With Lincoln Visitor’s Center
Cruisin’ With Lincoln Visitor’s Center, 200 N Main St., Bloomington, IL
This past weekend, however, my youngest son and I were able to drive a portion of the Bloomington-Normal part of U.S. Route 66 and also stop by the Cruisin’ With Lincoln Visitor’s Center on 66. Route 66 in Illinois is approximately 289 miles of the entire 2400 miles of the highway.
“Cruisin’ With Lincoln on 66 is a Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln themed Visitors Center and Gift Shop that celebrates Bloomington-Normal’s rich, historical connection to both Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln through an interpretive exhibit.”
Read more about our visit to the Lamon House (Lincoln’s Law Partner).
My hope was that when we arrived that we would be able to tour the inside of the Visitor’s Center, only it was a Sunday and it was not open. So, please keep this in mind when you are planning your travels.
However, please note that there are some interesting exhibits outside of the Visitor’s Center, along with an audio tour that are well worth checking out, even if it’s cold outside like it was on our visit.
Thankfully, Abe was able to keep warm in his maroon scarf, but was ready to give it up to anyone who needed it way more than him (courtesy of a community project to keep people warm this winter).
Route 66 Parkview Inn (Parkview Food & Pub)
Parkview Food & Pub, 1003 S Morris Ave., Bloomington, IL
The Parkview Inn is a restaurant type establishment with a family atmosphere right across from Miller Park. It has a dining room and patio, and offers a variety of food specials, drink specials, video gaming, and lottery. Meals can be ordered or eaten in.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
As we continued driving through town, we stayed the course of Route 66 and stopped and took a ton of photos. We did not make all 289 miles, so again, we’ll return hopefully once the weather warms and explore more of the route, along with visiting the Visitor’s Center during business hours.
I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to explore a little bit more of Historic Route 66, bringing me closer and closer to my goal.
My suggestions would be to plan to spend a half a day driving the Route and also stop to eat at Parkview Inn. In addition, I would advise starting your journey earlier in the day and during the week, so that you are able to visit the Visitor’s Center.
This post first appeared on 1.28.20.
