Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Sky Glider
Soar over Route 66
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 8, 2025
1. The Sky Glider Marker
Get a bird's-eye view of Route 66! The Sky Glider made its debut at the Illinois State Fair in 1968. The next year, it became a permanent fixture with new and refurbished parts installed by O.D. Hopkins Associates, Inc. (now SkyTrans). Perched high above, daring riders could get an aerial view of the crowds below and the busy Route 66 traffic bringing more fairgoers to town.
Railway Origins
The ancestor of the Sky Glider, the ski chairlift, got its beginnings in Ketchum, Idaho. The Sun Valley Resort was opened in 1936 by the Union Pacific Railroad as the first destination ski resort in America. Engineer James Curran designed the chairlift with the goal of making the skiing experience more comfortable for wealthier railway passengers.
The Long Haul
The original Sky Rides were portable and transported by trucks from fair to fair. This required employees to set up and take down the ride each year. The Sky Glider at the Illinois State Fair was one of the first to be upgraded for a more permanent setup.
(photo caption:)
When the Sky Glider opened in 1968, a total of 128,110 tickets were sold. It lifted riders
this page online
Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 39° 49.898′ N, 89° 38.222′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Sangamon Avenue and North Peoria Road (Illinois Route 29). Marker is on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, near Gate 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 8, 2025
2. The Sky Glider Marker
Marker is located at the south end of the Sky Glider ride (on the Illinois State Fairgrounds near Gate 2).
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 66 Drive-In Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois - Where The Mother Road Begins! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience (within shouting distance of this marker); Route 66 Alignments in Springfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Chain of Rocks Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Giants on Route 66 in Illinois (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Coliseum (about 300 feet away); Bel-Air Drive-In (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Regarding The Sky Glider. Access to the marker may be limited throughout the year; it is required that one have a ticket to the Illinois State Fair during its operating hours (usually the first and second weeks of August).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
