Following the construction of Interstate 55 around Towanda in 1977, a 4.1-mile section of Route 66 was abandoned and closed off to motorized traffic. Beginning in 1998, students and faculty of Normal Community High School, Illinois State University, along with members of the local community developed this exhibit, and began to convert this portion of road into a linear park. Historical plaques and pamphlets are displayed along the Parkway following extensive research by students of the human activity occurring locally and on the entire length of Route 66.   Murals depicting the historical and geographical features of each of the eight states Route 66 traverses were created and placed along the site. Numerous gardens were planted along with over 400 trees, shrubs, and grasses to create a beautiful walkway.  The Parkway is now an accredited Level 1 arboretum and the only know one along the entire 2,448 miles of Route 66.  Benches, split-rail fencing, sidewalks, Burma Shave signs, flagpoles, bridges, and historical and informational plaques have been added since 1998.  The historic Money Creek Bridge still stands that was scheduled for demolition in 2001.  A plaque on the Bridge tells the story of how students engaged in activism to save and preserve this historic landmark.  A Blue Star Memorial Highway marker has been awarded to our stretch of the road paying tribute to the U.S. armed forces.  A large outline map of the United States was painted on the roadbed showing Route 66 stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Directional signposts were created and installed pointing to various villages, towns, and cities along the “Mother Road” and throughout the country.   A problem-solving activity guide is available at the entry way plaque to engage visitors by interacting with the map and the signposts to further their knowledge of Route 66. This is the only known interactive map found along the entire pavement of Route 66. 

Thousands of volunteer hours have made this portion of Old Route 66 an educational and enjoyable experience for the many people who have visited our Parkway from around the world.   Enjoy our website, and learn how this preserved piece of Route 66 has evolved over the years.  Come visit our scenic walkway and go back in time to experience the “Main Street of America.”   You can still “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”