Towanda,IL Route 66 Linear Parkway

Location :

Old Route 66 Towanda, Illinois, Towanda, Illinois 61776
Added by Jopie, at 20 March 2011

Towanda is a community of 700 people located a little over 100 miles southwest of Chicago on Old Route 66. Following the construction of Interstate 55 around Towanda in 1977, a 3 1/4 mile section of Route 66 was abandoned and closed off to motorized traffic. Beginning in 1999 work began to convert this portion of road into a linear parkway. This exhibit originated as a class project for Normal Community High School geography and history students. Historical placards were placed on Old Route 66 describing the human activity occurring along this piece of the “Mother Road.” This marked the beginning of Towanda’s Historic Route 66: A Geographic Journey.
Over the years the students and faculty of Normal Community High School, along with members of the local community developed this exhibit. Murals and pamphlets depicting the historical and geographical features of each of the eight states were created and placed at the site. Flower gardens were planted along with many trees and shrubs to create a beautiful walkway. Benches, split-rail fencing, sidewalks, Burma Shave signs, flagpoles, bridges, and entryway signs have been added since 1999. A large outline map of the United States was painted on the roadbed showing Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. This is the only interactive map you will find along the entire stretch of Route 66.
Thousands of volunteer hours have made this portion of Old Route 66 an educational and enjoyable experience for thousands of people who have visited our site. Enjoy our website and learn how this piece of Route 66 evolved over time. Come out and visit our scenic walkway and go back in time to experience Route 66. You can still “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”

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• Anynomous

  09 April 2019

  Come out and see our Exhibit on May 4 during the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival.

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• Anynomous

  06 May 2016

  Its that time of year again . . Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor . . . stop by to see our freshly painted interactive mural of the Route 66 map in front of FS!

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• Anynomous

  28 September 2013

  Fred brings students out to educate them on the significance of the project, and help with Yearly maintenance.

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• Anynomous

  04 April 2013

  Here is a great shot that reflects the heritage of Route 66. Don't miss the Route 66 Corridor Celebration ON May 4 and May 5.

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• Anynomous

  27 March 2011

  Me and Fred have been working on this and it is starting to take shape. I will be adding much more in the near future. Pass the word! Rod Merritt

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