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Logan County Tourism Bureau
secures $465,695 Route 66 Tourism Grant to boost tourism in Logan
County
[February 11, 2026]
LINCOLN, IL — The Logan County
Tourism Bureau is proud to announce that it has been awarded a
$465,695 Route 66 Tourism Grant from the State of Illinois to
spearhead major tourism development projects throughout Logan
County. This funding will support new attractions, vibrant public
art, improved navigation for Route 66 travelers, and essential
restoration of historic sites—strengthening the county’s position as
a key tourism destination ahead of the 2026 Route 66 Centennial.
“This funding represents a transformational moment for Logan County
tourism,” said Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Executive Director of the Logan
County Tourism Bureau. “It allows us to bring visionary attractions
to life, restore beloved landmarks, and ensure our communities are
ready to welcome travelers from across the country and around the
world.”
“We are excited about what the Route 66 grant is going to help us
accomplish here in Lincoln,” said Mayor Tracy Welch. “Not only will
it be used in the development of our new Museum of Route 66, which
will be our primary attraction and hub, but it allows us to create
several new attractions around town, like a giant penny sculpture
and two new Route 66 murals. And all of this at no cost to
taxpayers.”
The grant will fund the following key initiatives:
Museum of Route 66 – Lincoln,
Illinois
A signature component of Logan County’s tourism development, the new
Museum of Route 66 is currently under construction at 508 Broadway
Street (Route 66) with an anticipated opening in early Spring 2026.
The museum will offer a fully immersive, next-generation visitor
experience unlike any other on the Route 66 corridor. Highlights
include:
● A storytelling journey from Pontiac’s Trail to modern EV travel
● The only Route-66-themed model railroad created by noted Illinois
Route 66 historian John Ruh
● A 4D road-trip theater experience
● Projection mapping, VR, and interactive exhibits
● A strong neon and lighting theme aligning with Lincoln’s community
lighting plan
With a focus on creating meaningful one-on-one interactions with
travelers, the museum aims to increase visitor stays, support local
businesses, and anchor downtown Lincoln as a must-experience Route
66 destination.
Giant Lincoln/Route 66 Penny Sculpture
A new 12-foot-tall fiberglass “Lincoln penny” roadside
attraction—featuring a stamped Route 66 shield and the year
2026—will be installed outside the Museum of Route 66. This unique,
one-of-a-kind photo opportunity will celebrate Abraham Lincoln,
Route 66, and the Route 66 Centennial, helping draw travelers to the
museum, downtown businesses, and area attractions.
Watermelon Benches
Two new Watermelon Benches will be added along Lincoln’s Route 66
corridor, celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 1853 christening of the town
with the juice of a watermelon. These colorful, creative benches
offer memorable photo stops and reinforce Lincoln’s unique historic
identity.
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New Route 66
Murals
Mural #1 – 1211 5th Street (Historic Route 66 Alignment)
A 15’ x 15’ mural featuring an offset aluminum Route 66 shield
and “Lincoln, Illinois” ribbon, illuminated for day-and-night
visibility. Positioned on a corner of the original alignment, it
helps travelers navigate the route while offering prime photo
opportunities.
Mural #2 – 511 Broadway Street
Located directly across from the new Museum of Route 66 and
visible for blocks along the roadway, this mural features
vintage lettering, a Route 66 shield, and an old-style pointing
hand directing visitors to the museum. It reinforces the
museum’s prominence and enhances visitor flow.
Route 66 Navigation Signage
To eliminate confusion among travelers, the bureau will replace
outdated or damaged signs and install new, high-quality
navigation signage along the original Route 66 alignment. Clear
signage remains one of the most consistent requests from Route
66 visitors.
The Mill Restoration
The Mill Museum, a historic 1929 Route 66 landmark and the new
headquarters of the Logan County Tourism Bureau, will undergo
essential restoration to prepare for the Centennial.
Enhancements include:
● Restoring the windmill sails, original 1929 lighting, and
rotation mechanism
Adding insulation to the second floor
● Installing three commercial-grade picnic tables in the
pavilion
● Adding two outdoor benches
As the first attraction on Route 66 when entering Lincoln from
the south, The Mill plays a key role in orienting visitors to
Logan County’s destinations.
Elkhart Route 66 Sign
A new welcome sign will greet travelers entering Logan County from
the south, featuring the Route 66 shield and key facts about the
village of Elkhart. This enhancement strengthens identity and
visibility for one of Logan County’s most charming communities.
The Route 66 Tourism Grant program was established by the State of
Illinois to support communities in preparing for the 2026 Route 66
Centennial, with a focus on projects that enhance tourism, preserve
heritage, and improve economic vitality along the legendary roadway.
All communities in Logan County located along Route 66 were eligible
to partner with the Bureau to fund initiatives within their
community, and the Bureau reached out to each of these communities
to ensure they were aware of and could participate in this
opportunity.
“These projects will have a lasting impact,” said Molly Pickering,
Board President for the Bureau. “They celebrate our history, elevate
our attractions, and ensure Logan County is ready for an
extraordinary decade of tourism growth.”
For more information about Logan County Tourism or these upcoming
projects, visit the
website or
contact Executive Director Wanda
Lee Rohlfs,
217-735-1218.
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