Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
1. The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience Marker
This walk-through exhibit highlights the 92 communities along Illinois Route 66 from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison. Discover vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theater, Legends Neon Park, and a tribute to giant muffler men. Then, hit the Mother Road to visit these community treasures in person!
Vivid neon signs in the Legends Neon Park illuminate The Route 66 Experience nightly. These reproductions, created by the Ace Sign Company in Springfield, are designed from actual signs that once lit up Route 66 in communities throughout Illinois.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience was led by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in coordination with Visit Springfield, Ace Sign Company, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Enjoy Illinois.
Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.
Location. 39° 49.932′ N, 89° 38.219′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Illinois - Where The Mother Road Begins! (here, next to this marker); Chain of Rocks Bridge (here, next to this marker); Route 66 Alignments in Springfield (a few steps from this marker); Giants on Route 66 in Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); 66 Drive-In Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
2. The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience Marker
More about this marker. Marker has limited historical information but is part of the Route 66 series (see above).
Regarding The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience. The exhibit is permanent and is open to the public all year-round.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
