Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop

Where Route 66 meets Lincoln's legacy

We have something fun for everyone: road trippers, train buffs, architecture experts, foodies, Lincoln enthusiasts, museum-goers, and more!

Plan Your Visit

Check out what's happening on the Museum Square.

From local history programming, to concerts, and the weekly Farmers' Market, there's always something to do.

The Silent Killer: Dangers of Asbestos in the Workplace Panel Discussion
Tuesday, April 29th | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
6:30pm – 8:00pm

April 28 is Workers' Memorial Day. Join us the following day, Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m., to honor those who have fallen...

Online + In Person
Sculpture on the Square Dedication Ceremony
Friday, May 2nd | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
5:00pm – 6:00pm

Kick off a weekend of fun by joining us to celebrate the installation of Herb Eaton's Star Crossed Pollinators sculpture on t...

NCHS Experimental Ensemble presented by pt.fwd
Saturday, May 3rd | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
7:00pm – 8:00pm

The Museum, in partnership with pt.fwd, is excited to present the NCHS Experimental Ensemble. This concert will conclude pt.fwd’s ...

Red Carpet Corridor Festival 2025
Saturday, May 3rd | 9:00am – 5:00pm
9:00am – 5:00pm
10:00am – 2:00pm

Join us for the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival, spanning 100 miles of historic highway from Joliet to Bloomington. Sponsore...

History Reads Book Club: Living Downstream
Tuesday, May 6th | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
7:00pm – 8:00pm

All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. for the second History Reads Book...

History Reads Book Club
Online + In Person
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500+ reviews on Google Maps and TripAdvisor.

A must-see site

"Wonderful museum about historic McLean County - especially Lincoln's connection with it and Route 66. Staff are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The Court House itself is a beautiful treasure. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours or an afternoon."

Unbelievable

"By far the best county museum in the country. We spent over 2 hours there and wasn't able to take it all in. There was a tremendous amount of information on Lincoln and much, much more. Definitely worth the stop."

Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 is a visitors center with something fun for everyone.

People from all over the world visit downtown Bloomington every day

Located on the ground floor of the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois.

Centrally located with nearby parking, great restaurants, coffee shops, and things to do.

Get Directions

Open today from 9am to 5pm.

Admission to the visitors center is always FREE.

Get travel information and local recommendations

Whether you need a restaurant recommendation, a great cup of coffee, time in nature, or a place to stay, our staff and volunteers are here to help.

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Buy something special in the gift shop

We have locally-produced snacks like Beer Nuts and artisan-made crafts. There's Route 66 themed shirts and souvenirs, Lincoln-related gifts, and seasonally-available Funks Grove Maple Sirup.

Browse Items

Embark on a self-guided walking tour

Look for where Lincoln left his mark on Bloomington-Normal with our Looking for Lincoln audio tour that explores the area through Lincoln's eyes.

More into downtown Bloomington's architecture? We have a tour for that, too.

Take a Tour

Grab an ice cold route 66 soda from our vintage Pepsi machine

Yes, it still works!

Take a picture with Abraham Lincoln on our iconic bench

Tag us in your pictures on Instagram with #LincolnBench

Appreciate the art and the architecture

Murals, sculptures, and our building's remarkable architecture are worth a visit alone.

Check Out Our Murals

Learn local history

Informational panels in the visitors center explore how traveling, lodging, dining, and Abraham Lincoln have helped to shape the region and communities of McLean County.

Want to know more? Head upstairs to explore one of the best regional history museums in the country.

this image shows the interior of our Making a Home exhibit, with a covered wagon on the right. Visit the Museum
this image shows the interior of our Making a Home exhibit, with a covered wagon on the right.
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