The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is an educational, self-guided journey through all 421 miles of Illinois’ legendary highway. Open 365 days a year inside Gate 2 at the corner of Route 66 & Sangamon Avenue, this immersive walkthrough highlights local businesses across over 90 communities along Route 66 in Illinois, starting at the origin point in Chicago and winding all the way to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois.

Driven by a shared desire to educate youth, bring back the classic American road trip, and promote local Illinois Route 66 communities, this landmark project was led by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in coordination with Visit Springfield, Ace Sign Company, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Enjoy Illinois. Funding was generously provided by two DCEO tourism grants in anticipation of celebrating the nationwide Route 66 Centennial.

Every single element of the Route 66 Experience was imagined, designed, engineered, fabricated, and installed by the Ace Sign Co. Team, including all authentic glass neon crafted in-house at their Springfield manufacturing facility situated just off Route 66.

Whether you’re a lifelong highway enthusiast, a family looking for a fun afternoon, or a traveler cruising through Springfield, this experience brings the golden age of the Mother Road to life every day of the year.

Location: MAP

Gate 2, Illinois State Fairgrounds
(Use MAIN GATE for Entrance)

Hours:

Open 24/7, 365 days a year

Admission:

FREE
(Note: Standard gate entry fees may apply
during the annual Illinois State Fair in August)

Every corner of the exhibit offers interactive history, photo-worthy landmarks, and vibrant nostalgia:

• Legends Neon Sign Park: A dazzling tribute featuring lovingly recreated neon signs from historic businesses along Illinois Route 66, including the A. Lincoln Motel, Coliseum Ballroom, Bel-Air Drive-In, and Chain of Rocks Motel. Even the World’s BIGGEST Neon Cozy Dog!

• Muffler Men Tribute: Stand tall next to giant roadside icons! Features a custom 20-foot metallic Muffler Man holding an illuminated American flag, surrounded by tributes to famous giant statues along the route like the Gemini Giant, and Lauterbach Man.

• Historic Exhibits & Vintage Billboards: Explore repurposed agricultural barns filled with photo histories, vintage Burma-Shave style roadside signs, drive-in theater replicas, and pipe-art vehicles.