The Complete Story
The Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum opened in 2004 in the beautifully restored City Hall and Fire House buildings in downtown Pontiac, Illinois. But the Hall of Fame itself has deeper roots - it was originally established in 1990 at the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean, Illinois. When the Dixie changed ownership in 2003, the museum needed a new, larger home, and Pontiac welcomed it with open arms.
The museum features artifacts, videos, photographs, and stories about the early days of the Mother Road. Visitors can explore exhibits about the people, places, and events that made Route 66 an American icon. The building itself is part of the experience - the restored 1900-era City Hall and Fire House add an authentic historical atmosphere to the collection.
Pontiac has fully embraced its Route 66 heritage. The town is home to one of the most photographed murals on the Mother Road - a massive Route 66 mural at 110 W. Howard St. The nearby Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum adds to the automotive theme, and Pontiac's walkable downtown makes it an ideal stop for Route 66 travelers. The Hall of Fame operates on a donation-only admission basis, making it accessible to all who want to learn about America's most famous highway.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The Hall of Fame was originally established at Dixie Truckers Home in McLean in 1990
→ Moved to Pontiac in 2004 when the Dixie changed ownership
→ Housed in restored 1900 City Hall and Fire House buildings
→ Operates on donation-only admission - no set entry fee
→ Pontiac is home to one of the most photographed Route 66 murals
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: undefined, Pontiac, IL 61764
What's There Now: Operating museum in restored historic buildings. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Donation-based admission.
GPS Coordinates: 40.8810841, -88.6290464
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Livingston County Courthouse
The Second Empire masterpiece where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas both argued cases, designed ...
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
One of the world's greatest collections of Pontiac and Oakland automobile artifacts, created to hono...
Old Log Cabin Inn
A roadhouse that was literally picked up and rotated 180 degrees by horses when Route 66 moved to th...