The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience is an educational exhibit open 365 days a year inside Gate 2 on the corner of Route 66 & Sangamon Avenue. The Experience, a self-guided tour, highlights businesses in 92 communities along Route 66 in Illinois beginning in Chicago and ending at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, Illinois. Vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theatre, Legends Neon Sign Park and tribute to muffler men along Illinois Route 66 make up a large part of the Experience. The desire to educate youth, bring back the road trip, and promote Illinois Route 66 communities was the driving force behind this project. The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience was led by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in coordination with Visit Springfield, Ace Sign Company, Illinois Department of Agriculture and Enjoy Illinois. Funding was provided by two DCEO tourism grants. The Route 66 Centennial will be celebrated nationwide in 2026.
Be sure to make your way over to Main Street and SLIDE DOWN 66! Soar down the 40’ high, iconic Giant Slide on the historic IL State Fairgrounds.
Open May 6 – August 5 on Saturdays only & August 10-20 during regular Illinois State Fair hours (operation of the slide is weather permitting).
This partner is part of our Explorer Passport as a Living Legend & Landmark of Route 66. Click HERE to start exploring and find out where to get your free passport to 25 sites, attractions, museums and culinary adventures!
Getting to the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds
Option 1: Main Gate Entrance (Sangamon Ave. & 11th Street)
1.Enter through the Main Gate Drive-In Entrance at Sangamon Avenue and 11th Street.
2.After entering, turn right onto Brian Raney Avenue.
3.Continue straight ahead until you see the Route 66 Experience.
4.Drive around to the east side of the exhibit, where the experience naturally begins.
Option 2: Gate 3 Entrance (Peoria Road)
1.Enter through Gate 3 off Peoria Road.
2.Turn left after entering.
3.Continue toward the Route 66 Experience.
4.Just follow the neon signs... you can't miss it!