A Historic Gem Along the Mother Road
Pontiac, Illinois, located about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, is home to one of the most celebrated stops on Route 66 — the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Nestled in the heart of downtown Pontiac, this museum serves as both a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Mother Road and a celebration of the people and places that made it legendary. For anyone traveling the historic highway, a stop at this museum is a journey through time, full of nostalgia, Americana, and community pride.
About the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum
The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 2004 by the Illinois Route 66 Association as a way to preserve and honor the people, businesses, and culture of Illinois’ stretch of Route 66. However, its roots stretch back even earlier. The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame itself began in 1990, inducting people who significantly contributed to the history and preservation of the highway.
Originally, the Hall of Fame exhibits were housed in a museum in McLean, Illinois, but in 2004 the exhibits found a new and permanent home in Pontiac, inside the historic firehouse building at 110 W. Howard Street. The city of Pontiac embraced the project and transformed the building into a vibrant museum, and since then, it has become one of the top Route 66 attractions in Illinois.
The museum is not just about the road—it’s about the stories of the people who lived along it, worked on it, and promoted its spirit.
What You’ll See at the Museum Today
Today, the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is a dynamic, multi-room attraction that offers a wide range of exhibits and experiences for visitors. Here’s what to expect:
Hall of Fame Inductees
The main gallery honors hundreds of individuals and businesses who have contributed to the history of Route 66. Each inductee has a detailed biography, photo, and story about their impact on the highway.
The central section of the museum is the Route 66 Hall of Fame, which honors individuals, families, and businesses that made significant contributions to the highway’s history. Large display boards line the walls with photos and biographies of inductees—everyone from motel owners and gas station attendants to artists and preservationists.
Each story gives visitors a human connection to the road, showcasing the small-town entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who helped keep Route 66 alive through the decades of transformation.
Bob Waldmire Collection
One of the most beloved features of the museum is the dedicated exhibit honoring Bob Waldmire, the famed Route 66 artist, cartographer, and wanderer. This room displays his original artwork, maps, sketchbooks, and personal items that reflect his nomadic lifestyle. Bob’s 1966 orange VW Microbus, which inspired the character Fillmore in Pixar’s Cars, is permanently parked inside, lovingly restored and preserved.
Just outside the museum, visitors will also find Bob’s converted 1972 Chevy school bus—his home on wheels. This customized bus is a visual time capsule of his travels and creative work, filled with handmade fixtures and mementos from his decades on the road.
Vintage Vehicles
The museum showcases a rotating selection of vintage cars and vehicles tied to Route 66 history. From classic road cruisers to quirky travel vans, they offer a glimpse into how Americans once traveled the open road.
Car lovers and nostalgia seekers will enjoy the array of classic cars and trucks on display. These include vintage service vehicles, an old tow truck, and restored cars from the 1940s to the 1970s. Many are decked out with authentic Route 66 signage, decals, and period-accurate equipment.
The museum also features original gas pumps, neon signs, road maps, and license plates from across the eight states Route 66 passed through. These items give visitors a tangible sense of mid-century travel and roadside culture.
Route 66 Memorabilia
Throughout the museum, visitors can browse through an extensive collection of memorabilia including vintage road signs, gas station artifacts, postcards, diner menus, and motel keys. These authentic relics give life to the nostalgic feeling of old-school road trips.
Outdoor Murals and Photo Ops
Don’t miss the large Route 66 mural painted on the back of the museum. Several other murals and artistic displays throughout town celebrate both Route 66 and the city’s history.
Even before stepping inside, visitors are treated to the visual spectacle of Pontiac’s historic murals, several of which decorate the exterior of the museum. The massive Route 66 shield mural on the side of the building is one of the most photographed spots along the Illinois stretch of the highway.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Route 66 shield-painted sidewalk, making the entire downtown area a continuation of the museum experience.
Route 66 Dioramas and Photographic Exhibits
Scattered throughout the museum are miniature dioramas depicting famous scenes and businesses from the route, offering a visual journey through classic diners, motels, and service stations. These are accompanied by historical photographs, some rare and previously unpublished, capturing the early days of Route 66, Dust Bowl migrants, and the golden era of cross-country tourism.
Military and Heritage Displays
In a nod to Pontiac’s broader history, part of the museum includes exhibits dedicated to military memorabilia, especially focusing on local veterans. Additionally, the building houses displays on Pontiac’s historical industries and its connection to the Illinois State Police and prison system.
Souvenir and Gift Area
Before leaving, visitors can explore a well-stocked gift shop, offering Route 66 souvenirs, books, postcards, t-shirts, and items featuring Bob Waldmire’s artwork. Many items are locally made, supporting Illinois artisans and Route 66 preservation efforts.
The Museum Experience
The museum is free to the public (donations welcome) and is staffed by friendly volunteers who are often Route 66 experts themselves. Many are eager to share stories and help guide your visit.
Inside the building, you’ll also find a gift shop with Route 66 memorabilia, books, signs, and collectibles. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a die-hard roadie, there’s something here to take home.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is part of a larger museum complex in Pontiac that includes the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and the Livingston County War Museum—making it a great destination for history buffs.
Its Role in the Route 66 Legacy
Pontiac has become a symbolic “starting point” for many travelers exploring the Illinois leg of Route 66. The museum not only preserves the past but inspires new generations to experience the magic of the open road. It stands as a cultural time capsule and a powerful reminder of how Route 66 shaped American life, commerce, and culture.
The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum has been instrumental in keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive in Illinois. Through its exhibits, outreach, and partnerships with preservation groups, it continues to champion the highway’s unique place in history.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling Route 66, don’t miss Pontiac, Illinois and its unforgettable Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Whether you’re reliving the glory days of the Mother Road or discovering it for the first time, this museum offers an engaging, heartfelt, and memorable experience.
