The Complete Story
Paul Coddington of Lincoln formally opened The Blue Mill at the corner of Washington Street and Stringer Avenue on June 25, 1929. The original construction was Dutch-themed - the exterior painted white with blue trim, featuring a revolving windmill that lit up. The interior was Dutch blue, and waitresses wore white dresses with blue-trimmed aprons. Built as a sandwich stand three years after Route 66 was established, the Blue Mill served grilled sandwiches at all hours of the day and night.
Albert and Blossom Huffman purchased the business in 1945, extending the space with a barroom and dance hall. Schnitzels became their signature meal - a huge, fried, breaded sandwich originally made from veal (later pork) - earning the restaurant its nickname 'Home of the Schnitzel.' Over the years the exterior changed from blue to red and white, but the windmill theme remained.
The Mill closed in 1996 and stood deteriorating for years. In 2006, Route 66 historian Geoff Ladd and Pig Hip owner Ernie Edwards led efforts to save the building. After years of volunteer restoration work, The Mill was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2009 and reopened as The Mill Museum on 66 on April 29, 2017.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Waitresses originally wore Dutch costumes - white dresses with blue-trimmed aprons
→ The restaurant had a revolving windmill on the roof that lit up at night
→ The signature 'Schnitzel' sandwich was so popular it gave the restaurant its nickname
→ Pig Hip owner Ernie Edwards helped lead the restoration effort after the restaurant closed
→ The museum now displays artifacts from three iconic Logan County restaurants: The Mill, The Tropics, and The Pig Hip
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit The Blue Mill / The Mill
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 738 S Washington St, Lincoln, IL 62656
What's There Now: The building reopened on April 29, 2017 as The Mill Museum on 66, operated by the Logan County Tourism Bureau since 2020. The restored museum displays Route 66 memorabilia and exhibits from The Mill, The Tropics, and The Pig Hip restaurants.
GPS Coordinates: 40.1433979, -89.3825206
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:
Werth's Standard Oil
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The Tropics Restaurant and Lounge
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Cottage Style Gas Station
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