Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center
Explore Route 66 history and Abraham Lincoln's ties to Bloomington in a stunning 1903 courthouse. Free Tuesdays!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Route 66 history and Abraham Lincoln's ties to Bloomington in a stunning 1903 courthouse. Free Tuesdays!
"An absolute gem in Bloomington Normal, offering a delightful and enriching experience."
Free Tuesdays! :money_with_wings:
Admission is completely free on Tuesdays. A fantastic deal for exploring history and architecture.
Photography Paradise :camera_with_flash:
The gallery and building offer ample opportunities for stunning pictures. Don't forget your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
McLean County Courthouse Architecture
The Building Itself
A gorgeous 1903 building with a fantastic dome. A photographer's dream with pristine appearance and historical significance.
'Court Room' Exhibit
Inside the Visitors Center
Experience a courtroom setting for the first time. Impressive, pristine, and historically significant.
Beliefs and Values Gallery
Inside the Visitors Center
A powerful and thought-provoking display shedding light on diverse individuals' struggles and journeys.
Route 66 & Lincoln History
Exhibits on multiple floors
Explore auto travel history and Abraham Lincoln's ties to Bloomington. A must-visit Route 66 stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Tuesdays & Affordable Entry
More Than Just Route 66
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Tuesdays! :money_with_wings:
Admission is completely free on Tuesdays. A fantastic deal for exploring history and architecture.
Photography Paradise :camera_with_flash:
The gallery and building offer ample opportunities for stunning pictures. Don't forget your camera!
Gift Shop Treasures :gift:
Features local products, Lincoln gifts, and Route 66 items. Great for souvenirs.
Explore All Floors :arrow_up_down:
Historic displays are on all floors, including the McLean County Museum of History above.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Tuesdays! :money_with_wings:
Admission is completely free on Tuesdays. A fantastic deal for exploring history and architecture.
Photography Paradise :camera_with_flash:
The gallery and building offer ample opportunities for stunning pictures. Don't forget your camera!
Gift Shop Treasures :gift:
Features local products, Lincoln gifts, and Route 66 items. Great for souvenirs.
Explore All Floors :arrow_up_down:
Historic displays are on all floors, including the McLean County Museum of History above.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center for its beautiful historic building, engaging exhibits on Route 66 and local history, and friendly staff. The free Tuesday admission and affordable entry on other days are significant highlights, making it a great value. Some reviews mention a desire for more focus on specific historical narratives.
"Interesting building with a lot of history. I enjoyed walking around and seeing and learning about the town’s history and the building’s history. But this sign made me mad. There are only two genders, male & female. Not men pretending to be women or women pretending to be men. I don’t want my daughter or wife using a bathroom where there is a dude pretending to be a woman sitting in the bathroom."
Ernie Tidball
"The museum is beautiful, people is really friendly, good pictures, image and history"
Lilian Miranda
"We stumbled upon Cruisin with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and Gift Shop by chance, and I'm so glad we did. This place is an absolute gem in Bloomington Normal.
One of the best parts is that admission is completely free on Tuesdays, which is a fantastic deal. On other days, there's a reasonable $5 charge per person.
The center boasts four floors of exhibitions, and my personal favorite was the 'Court Room' exhibit. It was my first time experiencing a courtroom setting, and I was impressed by its pristine appearance and historical significance.
Additionally, I was captivated by the gallery showcasing beliefs and values, which shed light on the struggles and journeys of diverse individuals. It was a powerful and thought-provoking display.
To top it all off, this gallery is also a photographer's dream, providing ample opportunities for stunning pictures.
Visiting Cruisin with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and Gift Shop was a delightful and enriching experience. It's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area."
prashant agarwal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located in Bloomington, Illinois, within the historic McLean County Courthouse. It's easily accessible by car and is a key stop for those traveling along historic Route 66. Parking is generally available nearby, though specific details might vary depending on the day and local events.
While specific parking lots can vary, visitors generally find parking available in the vicinity of the McLean County Courthouse. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most current parking information.
The historic courthouse building has been adapted for modern use, and efforts are typically made to ensure accessibility. For specific needs, it's recommended to contact the visitors center directly to confirm elevator access and other facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is free on Tuesdays! On other days, there's a reasonable $5 charge per person. This makes it an accessible attraction for many visitors.
The biggest discount is free admission every Tuesday. Beyond that, the standard $5 fee is quite affordable for the experience offered.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Generally, they are open during standard business hours on weekdays and weekends, with Tuesdays being a highlight for free entry.
Advance booking is typically not required for general admission. You can usually walk in, especially on non-Tuesday visits. For any special events, it's wise to check their policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on auto travel, Abraham Lincoln's ties to Bloomington, and the history of the building itself. Highlights include the 'Court Room' exhibit and the 'Beliefs and Values' gallery. The gift shop also offers local products and souvenirs.
Most visitors find 1-2 hours to be sufficient to explore the exhibits and gift shop. If you're particularly interested in local history or photography, you might extend your stay.
Yes, the exhibits offer historical and cultural insights that can be engaging for older children and teens. The building's architecture and the Route 66 theme can also be appealing.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially in the galleries and the beautiful courthouse architecture. The 'Beliefs and Values' gallery is noted as a photographer's dream.
The building is the former McLean County Courthouse, a gorgeous structure from 1903 with a fantastic dome. It's a historic landmark and a key part of Bloomington's heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The visitors center itself primarily focuses on exhibits and a gift shop. There are no dedicated dining facilities within the center. However, Bloomington offers various restaurants and cafes nearby.
Bloomington has a range of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, located a short distance from the visitors center. Exploring the downtown area will provide many choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning 1903 courthouse architecture, especially the dome, is a prime subject. The 'Beliefs and Values' gallery is also highlighted as a photographer's dream for its visual appeal and thought-provoking displays.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the exhibits, allowing visitors to capture the historical displays and the beauty of the building.
Architectural photography of the courthouse, historical displays, and candid shots of visitors engaging with the exhibits would all be excellent. The 'Beliefs and Values' gallery might lend itself to more artistic or conceptual photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a Tuesday for free admission to make the outing even more budget-friendly. Encourage older children to read the exhibit information and discuss the historical connections to Abraham Lincoln and the iconic highway. The architectural beauty of the building itself can also be a point of interest for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even on other days, the $5 per person admission fee is incredibly reasonable for the value offered. Combine this with the free parking often available nearby, and you have a highly affordable cultural experience. It's a perfect stop for those looking to maximize their travel budget while still enjoying significant attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the grandeur of the building, the details of the historical displays, and the atmosphere of this significant landmark. The 'Beliefs and Values' gallery is specifically mentioned as a photographer's dream, suggesting a space with compelling visual narratives. Remember to check any specific photography guidelines upon arrival.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: McLean County Courthouse
This architectural marvel provides a stunning backdrop for the exhibits within. The building's grandeur enhances the visitor experience, making it more than just a museum stop but a journey through time. The historical significance of the courthouse adds another layer of depth to the visit, making it a memorable part of any trip to Bloomington.
For photography enthusiasts, the courthouse is a dream. The intricate details of the architecture, the play of light on the dome, and the historic interiors offer endless opportunities for capturing striking images. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of its era and a proud landmark for the community.
Route 66 and Lincoln's Legacy
Visitors can expect to learn about the cultural impact of Route 66 and how it shaped communities and travel in the United States. The inclusion of Abraham Lincoln adds a significant historical dimension, offering insights into his life and his influence on the region. It’s a comprehensive look at a fascinating period in American history.
The center serves as a vital stop for anyone interested in the history of the Mother Road or the life of Abraham Lincoln. It offers an informative and engaging experience that appeals to history buffs and casual tourists alike, making it a valuable stop on any itinerary.
Engaging Exhibits for All
Another deeply impactful display is the gallery showcasing beliefs and values. This exhibit is noted for shedding light on the struggles and journeys of diverse individuals, making it a powerful and thought-provoking experience. It’s a space that encourages reflection and understanding of different perspectives.
These thoughtfully curated exhibits, combined with the historical context of the building and its Route 66 connection, make the visitors center a rich and rewarding destination. The blend of interactive elements and informative displays ensures there's something to capture everyone's interest.
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