New and Upcoming Route 66 Experiences
Historic Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, officially starts in Chicago, and is one of the USA’s most iconic highways, offering a popular road trip adventure through Illinois. This 301-mile stretch of open road is dotted with various attractions, iconic sites, quirky stops, and nostalgic treasures, and the new year ushers in many new opportunities to explore the history and culture of Route 66. The Mother Road will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026.

• Gemini Giant “Muffler Man” Returns to Route 66 – The famous 30-ft. spaceman is now on display at his new home, South Island Park in Wilmington.
• Larger Than Life Attractions in Granite City on Route 66 – Opening this summer, these massive art installations will include: Fork in the Road, a 20-foot-tall metal fork, Make It Toy, a larger-than-life prototype for the Tinker Toy made in Granite City, and Granite Wear, a larger-than-life enameled cookware made in Granite City. Also, do not miss out on the new ‘It’s Electric Neon Sign Park’ experience in Granite City, which opened in late 2024 and further captures the history and charm of Route 66.
• Legends Neon Sign Park, Springfield, Illinois State Fairgrounds – Re-creations or restorations of neon signs for long-defunct Route 66 businesses now glow at the Legends Neon Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The neon park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience contains the signs of the A. Lincoln Motel, the Coliseum Ballroom, Chain of Rocks Motel and the Bel-Air Drive-In theatre, plus a giant Route 66 neon shield overlooking it all.

New Hotels

From Chicago to Central and Southern Illinois, a variety of new hotels and lodging options have recently opened throughout the state, and more are planned to open in 2025.

• Hotel Riu Plaza, Chicago – The 28-floor, boutique-style Hotel, Riu Plaza, Chicago opened overlooking Michigan Avenue and offers 390 contemporary rooms, plus the convenience of the nearby Streeterville neighborhood’s venues and attractions. Guests can enjoy hotel amenities that include a breakfast buffet, a 24-hour gym, and the thrill of the glass-floor balcony at the seasonal Rooftop Bar.
• L7 by Lotte, Chicago – The L7 Chicago by Lotte offers 169 rooms and 22 suites and the modern PERILLA steakhouse beautifully showcases Korean flavors. The restaurant also offers private dining experiences with table-side grilling.
• Residence Inn by Marriott, Chicago – Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, which opened in 2024, is a 4-star, all-suite hotel that features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites including connecting rooms and fully equipped kitchens. On-site dining options are also available, including a seasonal rooftop, 101 Sky Terrace.
• The Duke of Wells, Hyatt Unbound Collection, Chicago – The Duke of Wells, Hyatt Unbound Collection will open later this year in the city’s Old Town neighborhood.  This elegant property features 203 guest rooms, while eight-foot windows, balconies, and terraces add classic charm to blend with the neighborhood’s historic character. A rooftop lounge will provide spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the cityscape. A spa, fitness center, and restaurant are also planned.
• Margie B’s Lake Lodge, Jonesboro – Discover Margie B’s Lake Lodge, a charming mid-century modern A-Frame home overlooking a private 6-acre lake in beautiful Southern Illinois. Nestled against the Shawnee National Forest, the lodge offers a serene and picturesque escape.
• The Dome at Blueberry Hill, Cobden – This new glamping experience is located along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois just outside the quaint Village of Cobden.The Dome offers luxurious comfort while immersing guests in nature.
• Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery – Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery (the state’s first goat dairy farm and creamery) in Champaign is now home to a new restaurant, cafe, and farm stay experience.

Outdoors and Adventure

• New Dark Sky Park Trail, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield – In 2018, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve was designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association for its exceptionally high-quality starry nights and a nocturnal environment. The new Dark Sky Park Trail, projected for a grand opening in Spring 2025, will improve accessibility at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve offering new educational and recreational opportunities for campers and families.
• Kayak Kiosks – Paddle down the Mighty Mississippi River on a kayak in the Great Rivers & Routes region of Southwest Illinois. A total of 10 self-serve kayak kiosks have been installed at six locations along the Great River Road offering 40 total kayaks available for rent.
• Illinois Beach State Park – Illinois Beach State Park, in Zion, just completed a major renovation to preserve the coastline focused on saving, restoring, and protecting the last remaining shoreline in Illinois. Illinois Beach State Park is home to the Illinois Beach Hotel in Zion, one hour north of Chicago, which reopened in 2022 after a major renovation. It is the only hotel in the state nestled along the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan offering guests a unique experience.
• Navy Pier Marina in Chicago – A new five-star transient marina is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier. From exploring Lake Michigan to indulging in hundreds of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Chicago’s Navy Pier is set to welcome visitors with new amenities.

Culinary

• Chicago’s Michelin-starred Restaurants – Chicago is home to 20 Michelin-starred restaurants and 38 Bib Gourmand-rated restaurants. New highlights include Cariño, a new fine dining concept in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and the latest Chicago restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Cariño offers an immersive culinary journey offering a Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco Omakase by Chef Norman Fenton. Another notable Michelin restaurant in Chicago is Indienne, helmed by Indian Chef Sujan Sarkar, and known for its vegetarian, non-vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan tasting menus and bar bites.

Major Openings, Anniversaries & Events    

• The Barack Obama Presidential Center opens in 2026: Envisioned as a beacon of democracy and spanning 19 acres, the campus will feature a fruit and vegetable garden; an athletic, programs, and events facility; a world-class museum; an auditorium; a branch of the Chicago Public Library; and more.
• Route 66 Centennial Anniversary in 2026 – One of the nation’s most celebrated roads, historic US Route 66, with Chicago as its starting point, will celebrate its centennial in 2026.

The United States of America’s 250th Anniversary – July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Illinois America 250 Commission is actively planning major events for the celebration.