Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum

110 W. Howard St., Pontiac, IL
Phone: 815-844-4566

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The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum opened in 2004 in the restored Pontiac City Hall and Fire House. The museum displays Illinois artifacts from along Route 66 and stories of inductees into the Route 66 Hall of Fame. It is open daily and is located on Howard St. between Main and Mill Streets.

Like countless other travelers on the Mother Road we couldn't resist the chance to get a photo of our car in front of the huge mural on the back wall of the museum. The mural was painted by the Walldogs in 2009 and there is a Walldogs museum in the building as well as a military museum. Plan to spend some time and visit all three museums.

The Wishing Well Motel sign welcomes museum visitors who enter from the parking lot behind the building.

Bob Waldmire converted this old school bus to a sort of motorhome-office-studio. It's on display in the parking lot behind the museum and is open to visitors on occasion, ask the museum staff about access. Next to the bus is a Wayside Exhibit titled "Historic Route 66 Illinois". In this photo you can also see one of the little Art Cars that are displayed around town in the summer season.

There's also an Experience Hub in the parking lot.

Photo(s): 2011, 2012, 2016