The experience will offer
visitors a chance to walk Illinois Route 66 from
Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and learn
about communities and attractions along the
Route in microform. The project is headed by the
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, with the goal of
sparking interest in those who have not yet
experienced everything Illinois Route 66 has to
offer.
“We have begun working on the Route 66
Experience and will have the first phase
completed by the time the Illinois State Fair
begins on August 12,” said Casey Wichmann, Route
66 Scenic Byway Executive Director. “Being able
to provide visitors a central location to
experience what our historic road has to offer
is an amazing opportunity prior to the 100th
anniversary of Route 66.”
[to top of second column]
|
“The Route 66 Experience is going to totally
transform gate 2 on the Illinois State
Fairgrounds and make it a destination for
visitors not only during the fair, but
year-round,” said Illinois State Fair Manager,
Kevin Gordon.
“We are excited to showcase Route 66 history at our 2021 fair and look forward
to the experience growing for years to come.”
The experience will be open year-round and will offer QR codes and story boards
that will detail historical attractions and businesses along the Route.
Communities along Illinois Route 66 have been invited to participate and will do
so by working with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to develop their
perspective area within the experience.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is slated to be completed
prior to the Mother Road’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |