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

An Oasis on Route 66

Sherman Wayside Park

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

1. An Oasis on Route 66 Marker

Inscription. Sherman Wayside Park is one of a few remaining waysides that once dotted "The Mother Road" from Chicago to California.

Wayside parks offered a break from sunbaked highways and Depression-era cars lacking air conditioning. Weary travelers paused here for a picnic and rest on their journey west.

A Shifting Road
Route 4, the first paved road between Chicago and St. Louis, was designated part of Route 66 in 1926. From 1936 to 1961, the highway followed a four-lane bypass route. Route 66 became a relic of the past when I-55 bypassed Springfield and Sherman.

A Rest From the Road
As a wanderer in the desert welcomes the oasis, so the motorist hails with joy these little off-the-road nooks that offer rest and relaxation after a ride in the boiling sun. - Texas Parade Magazine, 1936

(photo captions:)

·A Sherman family enjoys a picnic here in 1951. Many locals picnicked at Sherman Wayside Park and visited with travelers from around the world.

·Flooding on the Sangamon River near Sherman frequently closed Route 66, as seen in this circa 1945 photo.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series.

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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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 39° 53.804′ N, 89° 36.03′ W. Marker is in Sherman, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is at the intersection of South Sherman Boulevard (Business Interstate 55) and East Andrew Road, on the right when traveling north on South Sherman Boulevard. Marker is located off a small old segment of Route 66 that is accessible from Andrew Road, by taking a hard left from the stoplight. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2816 Andrew Road, Sherman IL 62684, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

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

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

2. An Oasis on Route 66 Marker

Wide view, with its supplemental interpretive statue.

are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Abraham Lincoln (approx. 0.6 miles away); Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 2.2 miles away); Abraham Lincoln and the Talisman (approx. 2.3 miles away); Highway Tree Planting (approx. 3.9 miles away); The Williamsville Depot (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Golden Years (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Early American Farming Community (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sherman.

Regarding An Oasis on Route 66. Marker was originally missing (was not there in 2020) but the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway association had replaced some of the markers that have been damaged or removed since then.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

3. An Oasis on Route 66 Marker

Marker is located off old Route 66 roadbed (where a roadside park once was).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 273 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.