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Get your kicks on Route 66! As you plan to make your way through at least Springfield’s part of the historic route on this 100th anniversary year, check out all the stories and events we have here, and are constantly adding. Plus, read more about the national landmark highway! Thank you to our sponsors for making this page possible: Wellman’s Lawn Care and Recon Techs!

Balloons Over 66
Local
2 weeks ago
Hot air balloons fill the skies over Lincoln for annual festival

Ballooning in Lincoln has drawn a following for decades.

Amy Beadle, front dressed in a dark color with white trim, takes part in a Central Illinois Customer Service Association "WOW Award" presentation in October, 2025.
Local
2 weeks ago
Beadle to leave ‘Visit Springfield,’ but says there are plenty of things to do in the city in September

September runs the gamut, from the Springfield Mile to the Mother Road Festival.

A ribbon-cutting was held Saturday, August 22, for the new Cozy Dog monument that's part of the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Local
3 weeks ago
It’s a big one! The iconic Springfield Cozy Dog is now a permanent part of the Illinois State Fairgrounds

Visitors to Springfield will be able to see the “big dog” year-round.

Local
3 weeks ago
Japan comes to Springfield this summer

Japanese visit is just one of 10-15 “familiarization tours” a year.

This nearly 25-foot-tall Cozy Dog has been installed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Local
3 weeks ago
The year of the Cozy Dog at the Illinois State Fair

“We are going to try and break the record for the most Cozy Dogs eaten simultaneously,” said Rebecca Clark, State Fair Manager.

Local
4 weeks ago
Classic cars lead off State Fair parade

A Chatham man owns 17 classic cars.

Local
4 weeks ago
The Illinois State Fair is on!

Pritzker administration boasts improved fairgrounds.

Local
4 weeks ago
Even the butter cow has the spirit of 66

The Illinois State Fair is ready to open.

Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, speaks Thursday, August 6, at the Illinois State Fair Press Preview Day.
Local
1 month ago
The Mother Road at this year’s Illinois State Fair

The Illinois State Fair is August 13 through August 23.

The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, IL
Local
1 month ago
American Giants Museum drawing visitors from around the world to Route 66

The collection includes a Muffler Man, a Phillips 66 Cowboy and Bob’s Big Boys, among others.

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