Route 66 adding attractions in Springfield

Posted on December 22, 2023
You can get your kicks – if not a tank of gas – coming soon to one of Springfield’s Route 66 attractions. (Photo Courtesy of Rhys Martin via National Park Service)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 coming in 2026, preparations are building. Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau director Scott Dahl has an update on a couple of Springfield attractions.

The recently installed Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, open year-round, has a new addition: a replica of the neon sign which stood outside the old A. Lincoln Motel next to the Cozy Dog Drive-In on South Sixth Street.

“It’s 100 percent scale, so you can go out and see it in its brilliance,” said Dahl. “There are five neon signs at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, but the A. Lincoln sign caught the eye of the Illinois Office of Tourism, and that’s the reason why it’s going to be (depicted) on the Rose Bowl parade float.”

Ace Sign Co, recreated its original work from long ago.

Also, the old Shea’s gas station on Peoria Road has fallen into disrepair since owner Bill Shea passed away a decade ago. Now, with the help of some state money, the outside is being fixed up for visitors to view, with a grand opening planned in the spring.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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