About Illinois' Heritage Corridor Destinations

Same source as last three posts.

Heritage Corridor Destinations (formerly known as the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau) is dedicated to promoting tourism in LaSalle, Grundy, Will, Putnam, Bureau and Livingston counties.  It works to attract visitors to the region, promote local businesses and organizations, and boost economic development.

The Heritage Corridor markets the region to potential visitors, both domestically and internationally.  

The focus is on overnight and group travel to maximize the economic impact of tourism for communities.  The organization works with municipalities, hotels, restaurants and other entities to highlight the region's unique cultural, historical and natural attractions.

This group was one of the two main ones promoting Scott Slocum's Great American Road Trip on Route 66 from end-to-end, Chicago to Santa Monica.

--RoadTrip

Roadside Attractions on Illinois Route 66's First Hundred Miles

From the February 12, 2022, Northwest (McHenry County, Illinois) Herald "Discover roadside attractions along old Route 66" by Ryan Searl.

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND ROUTE 66 WELCOME CENTER

204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet.

Life-size statues of the Blues Brothers -- "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues -- are photo-ready at the Joliet Historical Museum's interpretive Route 66 Welcome Center kiosk.

While there, you can climb into the white, drop-top convertible in the drive-in display, a photo-worthy exhibit complete with classic carhop and Route 66 signage.

Don't forget to visit the gift shop and load up on a great selection of Route 66 memorabilia.

--RoadDog

Chicago's Pullman Monument-- Part 2

This weekend will be a neighborhood-wide Labor Day celebration.  Visitors can take part in free tours of the visitors center and the historic Hotel Florence.  The Illinois Labor History Society will host walking tours of the neighborhood.

On Monday, the National A. Philip Randolph Pulman Porter Museum will open for its Urban Renaissance event, a commemorationof the Great Migration complete with live music and art space.  

Amtrak will carry historic Pullman palace cars -- the luxurious rail cars Pullman's company produced and sold to railroad companies across the country -- into town for the event; visitors can tour them at the 111th Street/Pullman Metra station.

--RoadPull

Along66, Sept. 2022: Col. Nelson's Flowers, a Neon Sign and Visitors Center

SEPTEMBER 20

Nelson Gardens to be recreated at the Camp Joy cabin in Lebanon, Missouri.

Colonel A.T. Nelson's flower garden will be at Boswell Park.  He operated the Top o' Ozarks Inn and later the Nelson Tavern and Nelson's Dream Village in Lebanon.

SEPTEMBER 22  A new neon sign has been installed at the TeePee Drive-In in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. 

It is a drive-in theater.  The neon sign is 30 feet tall.

SEPTEMBER 29

Ribbon cutting for Albuquerque's Route 66 Visitors Center will be tomorrow.  

It will also have a museum, tap room, New Mexico Music Hall of Fame and events center.

Sounds like a place to visit next time through.

Like I Said, You Can Never Have Too Much Neon.  --RoadDog

Along66, August 2022: Joliet Ups Its Route 66 Effort

AUGUST 4

Joliet clarifies what it will do with the nearly half million dollars it is getting for Route 66.

Joliet, Illinois, says it will beef up its Route 66 attractions for the Mother Road's upcoming centennial in 1926.  The city council loaned $484,500 to the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Center.

Among specifics:

**  A revamped Route 66 Welcome Center

**  New exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum

**  Mural on the Rialto Square Theatre

**  Two new Route 66 sculptures

--RoadDog

Along66, June 2022: Get a Sneak Look at the Red Cedar Inn

JUNE 23

The Route 66 Association of Missouri's 2022 Motor Tour will now include an exclusive tour of the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Missouri.

The former famous restaurant is being convereted into a visitors center, museum and genealogy site.

The tour will be September 23-25 and will run from St. Louis to Lebanon, Missouri.  Cost is $50 for adults.

The Red Cedar Inn was built in 1932 by the Smith Brothers and closed abruptly in 2005.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The city of Pacific purchased it in 2017.  In 2020, the Missouri Association assisted in the restoration of the place's neon sign.

Liz and I had planned to have a bite in the place back when we first "found" Route 66 in 2002, but didn't go to it on a couple occasions, and then it was closed.  I always wanted to go into the building so now's a chance.

--RoadDog

Along66, March 2022: New Grants in Illinois

MARCH 11

Illinois tourism bureau applies for a grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail in Carlinville.

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is southwest Illinois has applied for a grant from the state's Route 66 Grant Program.

Grants applied for:

**  West End Service Station at 620 St. Louis Street in Edwardsville to be turned into an educational museum and Route 66 Visitors Center.

**  Development of the  Mural Trail to create 11 postcard-style matching murals in southwest Illinois:  Virden, Girard, Carlinville, Litchfield, Staunton, Hamel, Edwardsville, Collinsville and Granite City.

**  Carlinville, Macoupin County:  "Cannonball Jail" across from the "Million Dollar Courthouse."   It was constructed after the Civil War with surplus cannonballs placed between the stones to make escape impossible.  Built in 1869.

Doggone Cannonballs.  --RoadEscape

Things to Do in Illinois' Starved Rock Region-- Part 2: LaSalle County Historical Society, Starved Rock Lodge, Buffalo Rock State Park and Illinois Waterways Visitors Center

**   The LaSalle County Historical Society Museum which has five facilities:  the Canal Warehouse, the One-Room Schoolhouse, the Heritage Center, the Blacksmith Shop and the 1875 Barn.

**  The Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center which has n original 1930s CCC-built lodge overlooking the Illinois River,  It has 69 comfortable rooms and 21 cabins in the woods: a mammoth, two-sided fireplace in the Great Hall; an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

**  Buffalo Rock State Park.  This was originally an island in the Illinois River, but now a part of the shore and has a magnificent sweeping view of the area.

**  Illinois Waterways Visitors Center.  There is a group of bald eagles roosting near it (winter).  This is a family-friendly and informational center.

--RoadDog

Along 66, May 2021: Red Cedar Inn to Reopen As a Visitors Center

MAY 25

Pacific, Missouri, signed a $2,2 million contract to turn the old Red Cedar Inn into a visitors center.  

The city purchased the place in 2017 for $290,000 and had hoped to reopen it this year, but the virus and other issues delayed it.

The restaurant was built by the Smith brothers on Route 66 in 1932.  Then a tavern was added to it a few years later.  Over the years quite a few notables visited it including baseball legends Dizzy Dean and Ted Williams.

It closed abruptly in 2005 and is on the NRHP.

We had planned to go to it after we "discovered" it in 2002, but it closed before we had the chance to go.  

--RoadDog

Along 66, November 2020: Red Cedar Inn's Neon Sign and Death of Barb Adkins

NOVEMBER 9

Restoration has been completed on the Red Cedar Inn's neon sign near Pacific, Missouri.  This is a project to the Route 66 Association of Missouri.

They had a ceremonial relighting on November 8.

The restaurant opened in 1932 in that neat rustic log cabin building and closed abruptly.  We had planned on eating there, but drove past it in 2002 and 2003.  By the time we got around to it, they were closed.

The city of Pacific is going to reopen it as a visitors center.  Looking forward to visiting the place.

NOVEMBER 11

Barb Adkins, manager of the Route 66 Cruising With Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, died at age 66.  She had previously worked many years for the city.

Sorry to hear that.  But we are so happy Bloomington-Normal has FINALLY become aware of their Route 66 heritage and she was a large part of that awakening.

Better Late Than Never.  --RoadDog

Along 66, September 2020: Midpoint Struggling and a New Visitors Center in Albuquerque

SEPTEMBER 24

Fine art photographer lends hand to struggling Midpoint Cafe in Vega, Texas.  Jim Livingston is the artist helping.  

The Midpoint Cafe, so-called because it supposedly is half way between both termini of Route 66, Chicago and Santa Monica, has had revenue impacted by you-know-what.

Liz and I have stopped in there several times.

SEPTEMBER 25

The West Central Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is to break ground in December.  

This is a $12 million project.  Judging by artist panels, this is going to be a neat-looking building.

As  I've said before, you can never have too many museums, neon signs or visitors centers.

--RoadDog

Along 66, May 2020: That Ski Lodge in Daggett. The Virus and the Road

MAY 26--  Ski Lodge Roof House in Daggett, California, will be converted back into a visitors center.  It is in a really neat-looking old building and was one of the state's earliest welcome centers at one time  that did not have an inspection or registration.  There were others.

It is also known as the Ski Slope Lodge or Russian House.  It was built in 1926 and was originally used as a land office to sell lots in town.

Daggett is just about a ghost town these days with a population around 200.

And, who knows, perhaps it will lead to a renaissance for the town.

MAY 28--  Route 66 Road Ahead is conducting a survey on the negative input of COVID-19.  No doubt.  It has kept us of the road since it struck.  My farthest trip from home has been 23 miles.

We could go to Route places, but it just wouldn't be as much fun with all the restrictions and possibility of getting, especially since we're both 68 with underlying health issues.

--RoadHome

Along 66, May 2020:Tulsa, Kingman and International Tourists

Not that I am running a bit behind on this, but, I am way behind.

These are from the Route 66 News site which has all the stuff you could ever want to know about our favorite old road.  The site also has items every day and pictures and video.  I just pick out the entries of most interest to me.

MAY 21--  Tulsa, Oklahoma, wants its own Route 66 asset survey of anything that was there during the heyday of Route 66.  I think that is a great idea and would like to see more owns doing this.

I would also like to see a list of places or sites that used to be in Negro Travelers Green Book.  Their experiences on Route 66 (and all over America at the time) was quite different from the white experience.

MAY 22--  The Kingman, Arizona, Visitor Center now has a retro-looking neon sign.  Always love retro. Always love neon.

MAY 24--  There may be more U.S. travelers on Route 66 this year, especially with international visitors so far down this year.  Whenever Liz and I are on the road, we run into large numbers of foreign folks.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2020: Keeping That Coronavirus Memorabilia and An Old Sign in New Mexico

These are taken from the Route 66 News site.

APRIL 14--  The Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is urging people to keep their coronavirus memorabilia.

I have seen that many museums are asking for these items and people to write about what happened to them.  After all, this is huge history we're in the midst of right now, not to mention the civil unrest.

APRIL 18--  The sign of the Mountain Lodge Motel east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be taken down and placed in storage.  Fire destroyed the motel in 2014.

It is hoped the restored sign will be placed at the Route 66 Visitors Center on Nine Mile Hill west of Albuquerque.

--RoadDog

Along 66, February 2020: Bob Waldmire and Harley and Annabelle Russell

From Route 66 News.

FEBRUARY 25--  A new art space at the Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, will feature art by the late, noted Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire.

We had the fortune to meet him on several occasions and each was an adventure.  He was a character and a true hippy if there ever was one.  The people who did the movie "Cars" and based Fillmore the VW bus knew what they were doing.

And, Bob had that incredibly loaded VW bus that was so crammed full of stuff that he drove from place to place.

FEBRUARY 28--  How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame which has a new class every two years.  They operate the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Oklahoma.

Unfortunately, we've never had the pleasure of visiting them, but I have sure heard a lot about them.

Some Real Characters of the Mother Road.  --RoadDog

Uniquely Springfield-- Part 2: Some More on the Well-Hidden Cozy Dog

I had read about the Cozy Dog before our first trip on Route 66 in March 2002 and it was high on my list of places to go.  However, once we got into Springfield, we couldn't find it.  I knew we were in the area, but just couldn't seem to see it.

So... we stopped at a Burger King and ordered some pop and asked nonchalantly where this place called Cozy Dog was.  Have you ever been in a hardware store and looked all over for an item and finally, in desperation, stopped a clerk to inquire.  And, of course, you KNOW where that item is going to be.

Well, it happened here.  Dumb ol' Me:   "By the way, where is this Cozy Dog place I've heard about."  Employee,  "Right behind you, sir."

Turned around, and there it was.

Same thing happened to me that trip when I was at the I-270 rest stop/visitors center by the Mississippi River and asked where the Chain of Rocks Bridge was. Kind of hard to miss a bridge, especially one that size.  But, I CAN do that with ease.  What Bridge?

Embarrassed, But At Least We Got Our Cozy Dogs.  --RoadWhere?

Uniquely Springfield (Illinois)-- Part 1: Cozy Dog Drive-In

From the 2017-2018 Springfield,Illinois Visitors Guide.  Listing some unique eats in Illinois' capital city.

COZY DOG DRIVE-IN

An icon in Springfield is the Cozy Dog Drive-in, home of the original batter-covered hot dog on a stick.  This landmark is located on historic Route 66 and features a great collection of Route 66 memorabilia.

Although corn dogs (and don't even think of ordering a corn dog at the place) are popular at state fairs around the country, you'd have to go here for the original.  And, it isn't one that has been fried up and sitting around for hours.  It is made after you order it.  So nice and fresh and hot.

2935 S. Sixth Street

Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood--  RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2020: It's About Bob, Harley & Annabelle

FEBRUARY 25--   A new art space at the Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, features art by the late Route 66  artist Bob Waldmire.

Sure glad we were able to meet him on several occasions.  A unique fella and true hippie is there ever was one. 

FEBRUARY 28--  How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame.  This event is held every two years.  These two are from the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick.

Sadly, this is one place along the route we have never visited, but sure hope to the next time we're through the town

They are in the spirit of Bob Waldmire.

Real Characters of the Mother Road.  --RoadBobHarleyAnnabelle

Along 66, July 2019: Afton Station Sold, Death of a 66er

These are taken from the Route 66 News site which has a whole lot more stories as well as information.  I just take the ones of most interest to me.

JULY 2--  The new owner of Afton Station in Afton, Oklahoma, wants ideas for a Route 66 business to be located there.

Louis Cox bought it for $72,000 at auction on Saturday.

Here's hoping that the city will back him as they can really use the help.  Sure miss the former owner, Laurel Kane, who was always so friendly and nice

JULY 3--  Martha Jackson was a key figure in getting Litchfield, Illinois, its Route 66 Museum and visitors center, has died at age 87.

I didn't know her, but anyone who loves the road as much as I do is alright with me.

Thank You Laurel and Martha, For All You Have Done for the Mother Road.  --RoadDog

Along 66, June 2019: A Neon Sign and A Visitors Center

These are taken from the Route 66 News blog.  That blog has many more posts and goes into much longer detail.  I just pick the ones of most interest to me.

JUNE 1--   The restored Fender's River Road Resort sign is to be relighted June 8 in Needles, California.

JUNE 7--  New Mexico has awarded $2 million for a Route 66 visitors center in Albuquerque.

You Can Never have Too Many Visitors Centers, Museums or Neon Signs In My Book.  --RoadDog