Day Two of your journey along U.S. Route 66 continues southwest from Bloomington, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois, following a stretch of road where agriculture, architecture, and presidential history intersect. This portion of the route feels expansive—open farmland, small towns, and quiet stretches of highway—but it carries stories that are central to understanding both Illinois and the nation.

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Stop 1: Bloomington-Normal — Where History Meets the Road

Before leaving Bloomington, take time to explore the McLean County Museum of History, located in a beautifully restored courthouse. The museum offers context for the region, from early settlement to transportation networks like Route 66.

Nearby, drive past the last remaining stretch of original Route 66 pavement—subtle, but powerful. It’s a reminder that this road is layered, not lost.

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Stop 2: Atlanta — A Town That Embraces the Road

Heading south, the town of Atlanta, Illinois is a must-stop for anyone interested in preservation and community storytelling.

Explore the town’s growing collection of small museums and Route 66 sites. Atlanta is a case study in how small communities are using heritage tourism to shape their future.

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Stop 3: Funks Grove — Sweet History Along the Way

Just outside of Atlanta, Funks Grove offers a quieter, more unexpected stop.

This family-run maple syrup operation has been part of the Route 66 experience for decades. It’s a reminder that not all roadside stops are neon and nostalgia—some are rooted in agriculture, tradition, and continuity.

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Stop 4: Lincoln — A Town Built Around a Name

The city of Lincoln, Illinois is the first town in the country named for Abraham Lincoln, and that legacy is woven throughout the community.

Visit the Lincoln Heritage Museum for a deeper look at Lincoln’s life and impact, and take time to see the famous covered wagon—the world’s largest—sitting just off Route 66.

This is where Route 66 intersects with one of the most enduring figures in American history.

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Stop 5: Springfield — The Story Comes Together

End your day in Springfield, Illinois, where the narrative expands from local to national.

Spend time at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, one of the most immersive storytelling museums in the country. Through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia, it brings Lincoln’s life—and the era he shaped—into sharp focus.

Nearby sites like the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Oak Ridge Cemetery further deepen the experience, connecting place to legacy.

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Why This Day Matters

If Day One introduced you to the culture of the road, Day Two reveals its depth.

This stretch of Route 66 is less about spectacle and more about meaning. It’s about how communities interpret their history, how landscapes shape identity, and how a single road can connect local stories to national narratives.

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Tips for the Road

• Plan for a full day with multiple stops
• Don’t skip the smaller towns—they’re often the most memorable
• Build in time for museums and walking downtown areas
• Consider staying overnight in Springfield to explore more deeply

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The Road Continues

By the time you reach Springfield, Route 66 begins to feel less like a drive and more like a thread—connecting people, places, and stories across time.

And as you continue south, that thread only gets stronger.