Welcome to Towanda, Illinois
Set against the backdrop of rural McLean County, Towanda, Illinois is a small village with big historical charm. Situated just off the legendary U.S. Route 66, Towanda offers travelers a serene and reflective stop on their cross-country journey. Here, the old Mother Road still winds through the landscape, inviting visitors to explore a beautifully preserved piece of American history. Whether you’re driving the route or seeking a peaceful side-trip from Bloomington-Normal, Towanda is a must-see for history lovers and road trip enthusiasts alike.
History of Towanda
Towanda was officially platted in 1854 and quickly became an essential hub along the Chicago & Alton Railroad, which brought with it commerce and settlers. Named after Towanda, Pennsylvania, the village served primarily as an agricultural community, shipping corn and grain and supporting local farms. Though small in population, Towanda played a big role in the local economy through the 19th and 20th centuries and adapted as national travel and transportation evolved—particularly with the arrival of Route 66.
Weather in Towanda
Towanda experiences a humid continental climate, typical of central Illinois. Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild with blooming wildflowers. Temps range 50°F to 70°F.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and humid. Average highs hover around 85°F.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Crisp air and colorful foliage. Highs in the 60s°F.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold with occasional snow. Average lows in the 20s°F.
Late spring to early fall is ideal for visiting the outdoor attractions of Towanda, especially the Route 66 Parkway Trail.
A Detailed History of Route 66 in Towanda
Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, and its original alignment ran directly through Towanda, placing the village squarely on America’s most famous highway. Over the years, Route 66 was rerouted and modernized, but Towanda retained a remarkable section of original roadbed. The village eventually converted this decommissioned section into the Towanda Route 66 Parkway, a walking and biking trail designed to preserve the historic legacy of the Mother Road.
During the height of Route 66’s use in the mid-20th century, Towanda welcomed travelers with gas stations, diners, and lodging—much of which has since disappeared. However, the town’s enduring connection to the road is memorialized with interpretive signs, maps, and murals that educate and inspire visitors.
The Arrival of Route 66: Putting Towanda on the Map
When Route 66 was first commissioned in 1926, its path followed existing local roads as it cut a diagonal swath across Illinois on its way from Chicago to Santa Monica. Towanda found itself along the original alignment of the road, benefiting from the flow of travelers, truckers, and adventurers making their way across the country.
This earliest version of Route 66 through Towanda used what is now Towanda Avenue, following a straight alignment north-south through the heart of the village. It brought cars and buses right past local homes, businesses, and filling stations, offering the community both economic opportunity and a direct line to a broader national identity.
Realignments and the Changing Face of Travel
As automobile traffic increased and road engineering improved, Route 66 underwent a series of upgrades and realignments in the Towanda area. By the mid-1940s, a major change was made: the highway was straightened and widened into a four-lane divided highway, just east of the original route. This new alignment would eventually be known as U.S. 66 Bypass and later as I-55.
This realignment had both positive and negative consequences. While it helped modernize travel and reduce traffic congestion through the village itself, it also shifted much of the passing tourist trade away from Towanda’s small downtown, leading to the gradual decline of mom-and-pop establishments that had once thrived along the route.
Yet Towanda refused to let its piece of history disappear. As the original alignments fell out of use, the town took active steps to preserve and honor them—creating one of the most engaging Route 66 educational walks in Illinois.
Towanda’s Historic Route 66 Parkway: Walking Through History
Today, visitors to Towanda can walk or bike the beautifully maintained Historic Route 66 Parkway, a 2.5-mile trail that runs alongside the abandoned lanes of old Route 66. This trail is part of the original 1926–1945 alignment and offers a vivid window into the past.
What makes Towanda’s segment stand out is the educational Route 66 Trail, a grassroots community project led by local teacher and historian Dixie Tripp. Along this stretch, you’ll find a series of painted maps and interpretive signs embedded in the pavement, each highlighting the states that Route 66 traversed from Illinois to California. Each state is outlined in vibrant colors with facts and trivia about that segment of the route.
The trail’s dual purpose—fitness path and outdoor museum—makes it one of the most engaging places to experience the legacy of Route 66 in an interactive way.
The Dead Man’s Curve: A Caution from the Past
Towanda also played host to one of Route 66’s infamous danger zones—Dead Man’s Curve. Located just north of the village, this sharp curve on the original alignment was the site of numerous accidents due to poor visibility and excessive speeds. When the road was re-engineered in the 1940s, this curve was bypassed for safety reasons, but its legend still lingers as a reminder of how much highway safety—and design—has evolved.
Quick Facts About Route 66 in Towanda, IL:
- Original Alignment (1926–1945): Passed directly through Towanda on Towanda Avenue
- Bypass Alignment (1945–1977): Four-lane divided highway east of the original path, now part of I-55
- Historic Trail: 2.5-mile walking/biking trail along original Route 66 roadbed
- Notable Feature: Painted “Route 66 States Map” with educational signs along the trail
- Famous Curve: “Dead Man’s Curve” north of Towanda on the old alignment
Route 66 Attractions in Towanda
Towanda Route 66 Parkway Trail
This 1.6-mile paved trail follows a preserved stretch of Route 66 and includes eight painted U.S. maps, one for each state the highway crossed. Each map is accompanied by educational signage detailing the history, significance, and culture of that portion of the road.
Route 66 Interpretive Signs
Placed along the Parkway, these signs share stories about road realignments, 20th-century highway culture, and Towanda’s unique place on the route.
Photo Ops & Mural Displays
Capture your road trip memories with a stop at vintage-style Route 66 signs and murals, ideal for travelers who want to snap that classic roadside selfie.
Lodging on Route 66 in Towanda
Towanda does not currently have lodging options within the village itself. Fortunately, just 5–10 minutes away in Bloomington-Normal, visitors will find plenty of accommodations with easy access to Route 66. Recommended nearby lodgings include:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bloomington-Normal
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
These provide comfortable stays while allowing travelers to base themselves near the historic attractions of Towanda.
Places to Eat on Route 66 in Towanda
Towanda is a residential village and does not have restaurants in operation at present. However, nearby Normal and Bloomington offer an excellent variety of dining options:
- Gene’s Dairy Delight – A classic drive-in ice cream stand near Route 66 in Bloomington.
- Medici in Normal – A trendy eatery with brick-oven pizzas and a cozy atmosphere.
- The Original Pancake House – A Route 66 favorite for hearty breakfasts and Americana charm.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’ll find it minutes away.
Tips for Visiting Towanda
- Start early: Mornings are perfect for walking the Parkway Trail before the heat sets in.
- Bring your camera: The murals and maps are great for photos and social media sharing.
- Stay hydrated: Especially during summer visits when temps can rise quickly.
- Pair your visit with a stop in Bloomington-Normal: Great for shopping, food, and additional Route 66 stops.
- Be respectful: While visiting, remember that Towanda is a quiet residential community.
Final Thoughts on Towanda, Illinois
Towanda may be small, but its legacy looms large along Route 66. With its educational Parkway Trail, well-maintained signage, and peaceful Midwest setting, it’s a perfect stop for history buffs and road-trippers alike. Towanda offers more than just nostalgia—it provides a chance to walk Route 66, connect with the past, and savor the open road’s enduring charm. Make sure it’s on your list as you travel the “Main Street of America” through Illinois.
