Chenoa, Lexiington and Towanda, Illinois - More Small Town Charm on Route 66

ILLINOIS LEGENDS

Chenoa, Lexington & Towanda - More Small Town

Charm on Route 66

As you continue to travel southwest, you’ll soon pass through the small town of Chenoa, Illinois. Getting its start in 1856, the town was the perfect spot as the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad and the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad intersected here. In addition to the railroads, Route 66 and U.S. 24 also intersected here, bringing many travelers through the small town. Today this sleepy village of about 1,800 souls sits quietly off of I-55, bypassed by speeding cars whose passengers are seemingly unaware of its existence.

In Chenoa, you can still see once bustling railroad depot that now stands in ruins testifying to better times in the city. In the small downtown area, check out the giant mural painted on the side of one of Chenoa's historic buildings by a local high school student.

This mural in Chenoa, Illinois was painted by a high school student,

September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

The old depot in Chenoa, Illinois speaks of better times in this small city,

September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Other points of interest include the Matthew T. Scott House, a 19th Century restored home, Steve's Cafe building, and the vintage Chenoa Pharmacy, which is a member of the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

Lexington, Illinois

Just about ten miles further down the road finds you in one of Illinois’ oldest towns – Lexington, founded in 1928. Named after the Massachusetts battleground, the town was bustling during its Route 66 heydays, with nine gas stations and numerous eateries and motels. Unfortunately in June, 1970 destroyed or damaged many of its businesses and buildings

Welcome to Lexington, Illinois, September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Though settled down now to a quiet small town, it continues to celebrate its heritage of the Mother Road with murals on its buildings and a walking trail called "Memory Lane.” This one mile stretch of pavement is an original section of Route 66 that has been preserved as a park, complete with billboards, Burma-Shave signs, and more.

While in Lexington, be sure to check out the historic Patton Cabin, built in June, 1829. Unusual to the westward settlement of America, the cabin was built with the help of the Kickapoo and Delaware Indians by the area's first settler John Patton. This historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on north Cherry Street in P.J. Keller Park.

As you drive through Lexington you’ll catch glimpses of Route 66’ former glory at the Filling Station Café built in the 1940's and at the edge of town, an old abandoned Oasis Drive In, now in ruins.

Remnants of old station in Towanda, Illinois, September, 2004,

Kathy Weiser.

The old Oasis Drive In in Lexington, Illinois, September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Towanda, Illinois

Another nine miles down this old stretch of road you come to the small town of Towanda, home to less than 500 residents. When you first enter the town you'll see the remnants of Eddie's Pure Oil Truck Stop that opened in the late 1940's, but died when the Interstate bypassed this small town.

Other sights to see in this vintage village the Kick's Route 66 Bar and Grill housed in an old gas station and Schenks' Garage which features old Route 66 memorabilia

As you are leaving Towanda, keep your eyes open for an old vintage bridge alongside the road before traveling on down Route 66 to Normal and Bloomington, Illinois.

To Bloomington

Return to Route 66

To Pontiac

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Gift Certificates are the perfect solution when you just can't find the right gift or you're short on time and make a perfect gift for gift friends, family, and business associates. See gift certificates for our brand new Legends of America Store HERE!

NEW - Gift Certificates!