The Complete Story
In 2015, the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 themed visitor center opened on the first floor of the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington. This unique attraction celebrates the intersection of two great American icons: Abraham Lincoln and the Mother Road. Route 66 winds through communities where Lincoln worked, gave stump speeches, and lived before becoming president.
The visitor center is housed in the magnificent former c.1903 McLean County Courthouse, a nationally accredited, award-winning museum. The entrance is on Washington Street, on the south side of the building, where visitors can find bicycle racks on the Washington Street plaza behind the famous Lincoln Bench sculpture.
The interpretive exhibit explores Bloomington-Normal's rich historical connection to both Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can obtain maps, ask questions at the staffed counter, and browse a gift shop featuring Route 66 and Lincoln-themed merchandise. The visitors center is always FREE, making it an accessible stop for Route 66 travelers seeking information about McLean County's historic and modern attractions.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The building is a former 1903 courthouse that now contains seven exhibit galleries and over 18,000 historical objects
→ Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Bloomington and gave famous speeches here before his presidency
→ McLean County is the geographic center of Illinois, making it a natural crossroads for Lincoln and Route 66
→ The museum holds over 15,000 rare books on local history and 2,000 feet of historical papers
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: undefined, Bloomington, IL 61701
What's There Now: Active free visitor center in the McLean County Museum of History. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (Tues until 8pm), Sat 9am-5pm. Features Route 66/Lincoln interpretive exhibits, gift shop, and staffed information counter.
GPS Coordinates: 40.4800101, -88.9941478
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
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