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06/23/2026

While the rest of the internet is busy discovering American traditions, we'd like to nominate hot dogs at a baseball game. 🌭🌭

Experience summer the way with a Normal CornBelters game!

06/19/2026

Long before roadside attractions and GPS, Sprague's Super Service welcomed travelers with gas, repairs, a meal, and a place to rest. Today, this beautifully restored landmark continues to tell the story of the Mother Road and the people who shaped it.

Explore the latest installment in our Route 66 Centennial blog series on our website now.

06/18/2026

Tailgate N' Tallboys is back with another fantastic country music lineup, and Bloomington-Normal is excited to welcome festivalgoers for the weekend! While you're here, you just might discover something that gives you a reason to come back. See you out there!

Heading into town this weekend for Tailgate N’ Tallboys? Make the most of your time in Bloomington! Check out these local spots with plenty of places to eat, drink, shop & explore! 🍔🍺🛍️

06/17/2026

Music, movies, and outdoor adventures are all on the calendar in the Bloomington-Normal area this weekend. From country music at Tailgate N' Tallboys Bloomington Illinois to Baby Animal Days at Rader Family Farms, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Take a look at the calendar and find what sounds like your kind of weekend.

06/16/2026

Did you know our community was a small part of a much bigger story last week? Guinness World Record hopeful Joe Barr rolled through Bloomington-Normal during his attempt to cycle the entire length of Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago. After turning 66 last year, Barr set out to complete the iconic Mother Road before his 67th birthday. Congratulations to Joe for completing his journey of both a personal milestone and a historic athletic challenge!

📸 BarrUltra

06/12/2026

ICYMI: Route 66 lit up the McLean County Museum of History during Cruisin' Through the Century weekend on June 6.

What began as an idea more than a year ago became a meaningful and memorable celebration of the Mother Road, brought to life through a collaboration with Creative Technologies at Illinois State University and Markey's.

Relive the experience below.

As part of the Route 66 Centennial celebration, the historic McLean...

06/11/2026

The Summer Games kick off tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. with the opening ceremony at ISU's Hancock Stadium. What a privilege it is to host these athletes and their families in our community!

Summer Games is packed with action from start 🔥 to finish 🏅 bringing athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and fans together for competition, celebration, and community all weekend long. With so much happening across Bloomington‑Normal, check out all the ways you can get involved.

Learn more: bit.ly/3PNATDJ

06/10/2026

One of the most special things about Route 66 is how it connects communities, and that spirit of connection was on full display throughout Cruisin' Through the Century weekend.

Over the past year, our Route 66 Centennial committee, community partners, municipalities, and volunteers shared the commitment of honoring the Mother Road and creating meaningful, memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. The result was a weekend that celebrated not only 100 years of Route 66, but also the people and places that continue to keep its legacy alive.

Thank you to our partners for your collaboration, creativity, and dedication. It was an honor to work alongside organizations that care so deeply about preserving and sharing this iconic piece of American history.

City of Bloomington, Illinois, City of Chenoa, City of Lexington, IL, Creative Technologies at Illinois State University, Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center, Enjoy Illinois, Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, McLean County Museum of History, Town of Normal, McLean,IL, Towanda,IL Route 66 Linear Parkway, White Oak Brewing

Together, we're ensuring that the story of Route 66 continues to inspire future generations.

06/09/2026

This morning, the Hot Rod Power Tour 2026 will visit our community as they travel Route 66 from Joliet and over to Rantoul. Thousands of hot rods and muscle cars will cruise through, stopping at some of our Route 66 landmarks along the way. They’re a friendly, enthusiastic bunch, so come out and say hello!

06/08/2026

What a weekend! We've now cruised through the century together, stopping in Chenoa, Lexington, Towanda, Bloomington, Funks Grove, and McLean for celebrations that captured the spirit of the Mother Road. Each community honored 100 years of Route 66 in a meaningful, memorable way, bringing people together to celebrate a piece of history that continues to connect generations.

Events like these don't happen without months of dedication, creativity, and collaboration. This week, we'll be sharing our gratitude for the many partners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make Cruisin' Through the Century possible.

Route 66 travelers often say it's the people who make the journey so special, and that was certainly true this weekend. We're looking forward to seeing all of you again throughout the year as we continue honoring the legacy of Route 66.