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Logan County Tourism Bureau
invites public to celebrate grand relaunch of The Mill Museum on
Route 66 June 20
[June 09, 2026]
LINCOLN, Ill. — The Logan
County Tourism Bureau is inviting residents, Route 66 enthusiasts,
visitors and members of the media to join in celebrating the Grand
Relaunch of The Mill Museum on Route 66 on Saturday, June 20, from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 738 S. Washington St. in Lincoln.
The event will commemorate the restoration and relaunch of the
iconic windmill sails, original lighting and rotation mechanism atop
one of Illinois’ most recognizable roadside landmarks. The
celebration will feature an antique and classic car show, live
music, museum tours and the return of the famous schnitzel that
helped make The Mill a legendary stop along the Mother Road.
Originally opened in 1929 as the Blue Mill, the distinctive Dutch
windmill-shaped restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for
travelers on Route 66. Over the decades, The Mill evolved into a
restaurant, tavern and dance hall, earning statewide recognition as
the “Home of the Schnitzel” under the ownership of the Huffman
family.
After closing in 1996, the building sat vacant and deteriorating for
years before local preservationists, volunteers and community
leaders launched a grassroots effort to save it from possible
demolition. That campaign eventually transformed the structure into
The Mill Museum on Route 66, preserving an important piece of
Lincoln and Illinois history.
“This relaunch is about far more than restoring a building,” said
Logan County Tourism Bureau Vice President Gail Apel-Sasse. “It
represents decades of community commitment, volunteerism and pride.
The Mill is a symbol of what can happen when people come together to
preserve something special for future generations. We invite
everyone who cares about our history, our community and Route 66 to
celebrate this milestone with us.”
The relaunch comes during the Route
66 Centennial year and follows significant investments supported by
the State of Illinois’ Route 66 Tourism Grant Program. Through a
partnership between the Logan County Tourism Bureau and the City of
Lincoln, funding was secured to restore the windmill sails, lighting
and rotation mechanism while also enhancing visitor amenities and
strengthening Lincoln’s position as a premier Route 66 destination.
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“The Mill is one
of the first attractions visitors encounter when they enter
Lincoln from the south, and it tells a story that resonates with
people from around the world,” said Logan County Tourism Bureau
Executive Director Wanda Lee Rohlfs. “We welcome visitors from
across the United States and internationally who are searching
for authentic Route 66 experiences. The relaunch gives us an
opportunity to honor everyone who helped save The Mill while
showcasing all that Logan County has to offer.”
Rohlfs noted that continued community support remains essential
to preserving the site for future generations.
“Every visitor, volunteer, donor and
advocate plays a role in keeping this historic landmark alive,” she
said. “The restoration of the windmill is a visible reminder that
preservation is never finished. We must continue investing in our
history so future generations can experience the stories,
architecture and culture that make Route 66 so special.”
The June 20 celebration is free and open to the public.
For additional information, contact the Logan County Tourism Bureau
at 217-735-1215 or visit destinationlogancountyil.com.
About The Mill Museum on Route 66
The Mill Museum on Route 66 preserves the history of one of
Illinois’ most iconic roadside landmarks. Originally opened in 1929,
The Mill became famous for its distinctive windmill architecture,
Route 66 heritage and legendary schnitzel sandwiches. Today, the
museum showcases artifacts and stories from The Mill, The Tropics,
The Pig Hip and the rich history of Route 66 travel through Logan
County.
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