JOLIET, IL - Heritage Corridor Destinations been hard at work on several new projects that will transform The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, stretching all the way from Chicago to Pontiac in Illinois. These projects are funded by Route 66 grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (IL DCEO). Since 2022, over $4 million in DCEO Route 66 grant funding has been invested in The First Hundred Miles alone.

“I'm extremely happy that Heritage Corridor Destinations has been awarded at least $1 million for each of the past 3 years,” said Bob Navarro, President/CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “As we prepare for the centennial anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, this funding will allow us to enhance current destinations and develop new attractions along this important piece of American History.”

2024 projects include: 

• Old Joliet Prison
  • EV Golf Carts - Electronic golf carts and charging station will provide convenient transportation for all visitors to explore the rich history of the Old Joliet Prison.
  • Signage – This new interpretive signage will provide educational information and improve visitor experience.
• Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66
  • Turn Up the Volume Exhibit - An engaging and immersive exhibit celebrating the impact of rock and roll music on the region and beyond.
• City of Dwight
  • Dwight Texaco Station - Renovation and preservation of the historic Dwight Texaco Station, an important stop along Route 66.
  • EV Stations/Landscaping/Parking - Enhancing the infrastructure of a popular Route 66 stop with electric vehicle charging stations, landscaping, and parking improvements
• City of Lockport
  • Route 66 Monument Enhancements – Creation of a native landscape park to highlight the exisiting Route 66 shield monument and provide a pedestrian-centric community space that shows the city's commitment to sustainability through native plantings.
• City of Joliet
  • Route 66 Park on Broadway St. - Enhancements and upgrades to the park, including new signage.
  • EV Stations/Landscaping/Parking - Adding additional electric vehicle charging stations, landscaping, and parking improvements to accommodate modern travelers.
• Plainfield Historical Society
  • Pumped Up on Plainfield Exhibit - A new exhibit highlighting travel on Route 66 through Plainfield in a building that sits on the only shared alignment of the two longest paved highways in the world, Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway
• Rialto Square Theater
  • Exterior Centennial Mural - A stunning exterior mural commemorating the shared  centennial of the theatre and Route 66.

"I am thrilled that DCEO and Governor JB Pritzker have committed to reinforcing the prestige of the 86th District as a premier destination for music and art in Illinois," said State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. "Route 66 is an iconic part of our nation's history and identity, and the 100th anniversary will bring in tourists, historians, and travel enthusiasts from around the world to experience our communities. These funds will help make sure this is a celebration that will be remembered for the next 100 years.”

These projects represent a significant investment in the future of Route 66 and its heritage. They join similar projects in recent years that included murals, Route 66 shield monuments in 18 communities, EV charging stations, new museum exhibits, and improved welcome centers.  By bringing modern amenities and enhancements to the historic Route 66, The First Hundred Miles will continue to be a cherished journey for generations to come.

About Heritage Corridor Destinations

Heritage Corridor Destinations ignites, influences, and impacts the visitor experience through tourism partnerships within the communities and counties along the historic I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, The First Hundred Miles of Route66, and beautiful Starved Rock Country. Heritage Corridor Destinations is the officially certified bureau for the following counties: Bureau, Grundy, LaSalle, Livingston, Putnam and Will.