The Complete Story
The Tropics Restaurant was founded in 1950 by Vince Schwenoha, a World War II veteran inspired by the lush tropical atmosphere of Hawaii where he had served. He brought that island spirit to central Illinois through bamboo decor, exotic touches, and what would become one of Route 66's most iconic neon signs - featuring a glowing palm tree.
The restaurant was strategically located at the junction of US 66 with IL-10 & IL-121, known as 'Four Corners' - at the end of an especially treacherous stretch of Route 66 called 'Killer Curve.' In 1951, Lewis 'Lew' Johnson and Beverly 'Bev' Worth joined the staff. Their working relationship blossomed into romance, they married in 1955, and began leasing and managing the restaurant that same year. The Johnsons eventually purchased The Tropics in 1982 and ran it as a true family business until 1997.
The famous neon palm tree sign was first lit in 1956 and shone for nearly 50 years. The restaurant closed in December 2004 and was demolished for a McDonald's in April 2014. The sign was saved, restored, and re-lit on June 24, 2018, becoming another unforgettable stop along Illinois Route 66.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Owner Vince Schwenoha served in Hawaii during WWII and brought tiki culture to the Illinois cornfields
→ Located at the end of a dangerous stretch of Route 66 called 'Killer Curve'
→ Staff members Lew Johnson and Bev Worth met at the restaurant, married, and eventually bought the business
→ The iconic neon palm tree sign shone from 1956 to 2004 - nearly 50 years
→ The restaurant was demolished for a McDonald's, but the restored sign was re-lit in 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit The Tropics Restaurant and Lounge
⚠ Historic Site
Address: 1109 Hickox Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656
What's There Now: The restaurant was demolished in April 2014 and replaced by a McDonald's. The restored Tropics neon sign was raised on June 24, 2018 near the original location. Tropics memorabilia is displayed at The Mill Museum in Lincoln.
GPS Coordinates: 40.1590142, -89.3873258
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Werth's Standard Oil
The station that boasted having 'the most modern pumps in Illinois' - displaying prices in dollars A...
The Blue Mill / The Mill
A Dutch-themed roadside sandwich stand that became the 'Home of the Schnitzel' - now a Route 66 muse...
Cottage Style Gas Station
A rare surviving example of the 'cottage style' gas station design meant to blend into residential n...