McLean in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

A Home on the Road

Dixie Truck Stop

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

1. A Home on the Road Marker

Inscription. Illinois' oldest truck stop, the Dixie Trucker's Home offered Southern hospitality for weary Route 66 travelers. J.P. Walters and his son-in-law John Geske opened the Dixie in 1928 in the corner of a mechanic's garage. Route 66's first truckers found rest and refreshment at a lunch counter lined with six stools. Generations of the family operated the Dixie for 75 years, and the Dixie still serves trucks bound for destinations throughout America.

Outdoor Entertainment

In the 1930s, and '40s, the Dixie offered free weekly shows featuring musical acts or outdoor movies. At intermission, attendees rushed into the truck stop for pie and coffee.

McLean Depot

Halfway between St. Louis and Chicago, McLean was on a bustling railroad route. McLean Depot, built in 1853, is the oldest building in town and a rare wooden depot.

Lincoln Funeral Train

McLean Depot is one of only two stations still standing in Illinois that witnessed the 1865 funeral train carrying President Lincoln's coffin to Springfield.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce

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• Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 40° 18.703′ N, 89° 10.156′ W. Marker is in McLean, Illinois, in McLean County. Marker is at the intersection of Dixie Road (U.S. 136) and South East Street, on the right when traveling west on Dixie Road. Marker is located in front of McLean Depot Train Shop, and across from Dixie Travel Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 Dixie Rd, Mc Lean IL 61754, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 2.2 miles away); Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, Funks Grove, Illinois (approx. 4.1 miles away); Bloomington-Normal, Illinois (approx. 4½ miles away); Having a Picnic / A Transportation Corridor (approx. 4½ miles away); Isaac Funk (approx. 4.6 miles away); "Reisch Beer" Mural (approx. 4.8 miles away); "Wisteria Café" Mural (approx. 4.8 miles away); "Wide Awakes" March in Atlanta (approx. 4.8 miles away).

More about this marker. This is one of nine Wayside Exhibits erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways that has an interpretive statue next to it.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

2. A Home on the Road Marker

Marker next to its supplemental interpretive statue, depicting a man pumping gas during the 1930s & 40s.

Also see . . . Dixie Travel Plaza on Wikipedia. Known to be one of the first truck stops ever, this iconic Route 66 place has been doing most things the same since 1928. It has gone through different names, while being known as "Dixie Truckers Home" and "Dixie Truck Stop" and it has changed hands over the years. (Submitted on September 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

3. A Home on the Road Marker

Marker and interpretive statue are both located in front of McLean Depot Train Shop

Dixie Truckers Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

4. Dixie Truckers Home

This is located across from the marker

Dixie Truckers Home Postcard image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Picture Post Card, January 26, 2024

5. Dixie Truckers Home Postcard

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 313 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 5. submitted on January 26, 2024, by Belinda Richardson of Old Fort, Tennessee.