Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
Recreational Facilities & Services - Springfield, Illinois, United States
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Employees
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Details
The United States Department of Transportation has designated certain US roads as National Scenic Byways because of their special significance to the American people. Route 66 first came into being in 1926 as part of the new numbered highway system and Chicago was where the Mother Road begins. It is our contention that it is the most famous road in the world. In 2005, our organization became the nonprofit behind the nationally designated Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and it is our mission to…"enhance and promote economic opportunities for each Illinois Route 66 community by preserving Illinois Route 66 Heritage and by sustaining and increasing heritage and cultural tourism…" We serve 90 communities in Illinois; from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge near Madison, IL. Most have a population of only 2,500 or less. To this point we have been able to take federal and state grant monies and turn them into community assets; helping to create destinations along The Mother Road. We help attractions and small businesses draw additional traffic by helping them to develop their identity within a cohesive Route 66 product, providing grants, and aid communities and small businesses in applying for grants. Whether it is helping a "mom & pop" restaurant get new tuck pointing for their restaurant, aiding a small business with one employee in setting up free Google Services, or helping a traveler on Route 66 to find the best milkshake in Illinois, we are there to find a solution.
