Illinois Scenic Byway unveils revamped website, mobile app, membership program

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on Tuesday -- the 94th anniversary of Route 66 -- announcing several changes it hopes will benefit travelers and boost provide tourism and economic development benefits to attractions and communities along Illinois' portion of Route 66. The new look of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website The byway's … Continue reading Illinois Scenic Byway unveils revamped website, mobile app, membership program

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway picks new director

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway chose Casey Wichmann, a veteran of marketing and nonprofit organizations, as the group's new executive director. The byway's board of directors made the decision to tap Wichmann for the post. According to a news release from the byway: Wichmann brings to the byway a wealth of knowledge and an … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway picks new director

Route 66 display added to State of Illinois’ Stratton Office Building in Springfield

Officials on Tuesday unveiled a new Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway display during a ceremony at the State of Illinois' Stratton Office Building in Springfield. The display is just outside of the offices of state Reps. Tim Butler and Mike Murphy at the Wm. G. Stratton Building at 401 S. Spring St. in Springfield (map … Continue reading Route 66 display added to State of Illinois’ Stratton Office Building in Springfield

Route 66 Experience Hub unveiled in downtown Bloomington

Local officials on Monday unveiled a 9-foot-tall Route 66 Experience Hub at Main and Jefferson streets in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, in an effort to boost tourism there. The interactive kiosk is designed to help point out to visitors Route 66 attractions in the city and region, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph: The hub — the 14th experience … Continue reading Route 66 Experience Hub unveiled in downtown Bloomington

Illinois launches Route 66 motorcycle plate program

Illinois motorcycle owners now can join car owners in the Land of Lincoln by registering for an Route 66 license plate. According to a news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway: Bill Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, observed that "Illinois residents that ride will now be able to … Continue reading Illinois launches Route 66 motorcycle plate program

Lexington hosting tour of three businesses Saturday

The city of Lexington, Illinois, is hosting a tour and specials Saturday for three new businesses in town along its Route 66 corridor. The town is known for its Memory Lane of original Route 66 and its neon arrow directing travelers on newer Route 66 into its downtown. According to a news release from the … Continue reading Lexington hosting tour of three businesses Saturday

Tips for Route 66 tourism success

The Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat published a comprehensive report about two experts giving a presentation in Gillespie, Illinois, about how to parlay Route 66 into tourism dollars. The experts were Bill Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, and Bill Thomas, economic development director for Logan County, tourism booster for Atlanta, Illinois, and chairman … Continue reading Tips for Route 66 tourism success

Illinois Route 66 motorcycle license plate goes on sale

The state of Illinois now is selling a Route 66 license plate made specially for motorcycles. Revenues from the new plate go to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways fund, which helps preserve and promote the old road in the Land of Lincoln. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation for the plate during an August ceremony … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 motorcycle license plate goes on sale

“Route 66 in Illinois”

The "Route 66 in Illinois" presentation by Joe Sonderman and Cheryl Eichar Jett -- who co-wrote a book by the same name -- during the Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a few tidbits of information even veteran roadies might not have known, such as: An explosion in 1942 at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant … Continue reading “Route 66 in Illinois”

Selfies on 66 campaign offers prizes

.@ILRoute66 wants your Route 66 selfies. Post shots to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram w/ #MyIL66 https://t.co/UgbYxDl4kK pic.twitter.com/cuFsKKI1LZ— The Daily Journal (@TDJnews) May 6, 2015 The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is encouraging travelers to post self-portrait photos with Route 66 landmarks with the possibility for prizes. The Selfieson66.com site provides the instructions: Take a "selfie" at … Continue reading Selfies on 66 campaign offers prizes