Welcome to Lexington! Some Route 66 towns consciously hold on to yesteryear nostalgia, recreating the look of the Mother Road’s 1950s heyday. Others carry a small-town spirit that feels more like a glimpse of what Route 66 might look like if it continued to flourish in the 21st century. It’s hard to find a better example than Lexington.

As lifelong resident and current mayor Spencer Johansen puts it, “Lexington’s always had that passion. We’re proud of our community, and we can withstand just about anything.” Nearly halfway across Illinois’ Corn Belt from Chicago to St. Louis, Lexington has a stunning amount of homegrown energy for a town of just more than 2,000.

It’s also an easy and rewarding stop just minutes off Interstate 55. Travelers along historic Route 66 will find a welcoming small-town stop filled with history, local businesses, and the kind of community pride that keeps the Mother Road alive today. For a fast dose of refreshing small-town Route 66 life, you’ve picked the right place to stop.

BACKGROUND

The United States has a lot of Lexingtons named for the Massachusetts battle that kicked off the Revolutionary War in 1775. This city's name is a nod to two Lexingtons: Massachusetts and its Kentucky namesake, where one of the original town founders, James Brown, was born.

Brown and Asahel Gridley first laid out the town on a state route in 1838, and the community blossomed when the railroad came. (The train brought Abraham Lincoln en route to Washington in 1860 and then saw his funeral train pass through five years later.) The town has seen two bypasses of activity, the first in 1937 when Route 66 was re-aligned just west, then a complete shift with Interstate 55 a generation later.

Route 66 Centennial Monument, Lexington, IL

Yet, Route 66 still buzzes with promise here. “I grew up a block off Route 66,” Johansen says. “I remember when it was in its heyday, and I remember when it closed. Now I’m seeing it come full circle and see a whole new interest in Route 66 again.”

SIGHTS

From the get-go, Route 66 followed an existing highway—known today as Memory Lane—into town, bringing a boost of business. Today, travelers still can follow this original stretch of the Mother Road into Lexington, offering a rare chance to experience the road much as motorists did decades ago.

The narrow roadway is lined with quaint period-piece replica signs and billboards (e.g. “Rely on Horn” reminders) put up for atmosphere; new replicas were added in 2026. At the north end of Memory Lane you’ll find the John Patton Log Cabin, built by its namesake settler in 1829. The oldest surviving structure in McLean County, the cabin formerly stood on the banks of Patton Creek and now sits near Memory Lane, where it can be seen by visitors traveling the historic roadway. The cabin serves as a museum for some of Lexington’s earliest pioneer history. Nearby, visitors can see the new American Eagle sculpture, made by local sculptor Kasey Wells from farm implement shanks, barbell weights, springs, and chains. Wells also created the American Standard, a.k.a. Crazy Presidential Elephant, statue at Route 66 and Main Street.   www.lexingtonil.gov/lexington-history-project

MAIN STREET MOM-AND-POPS

Ever since the 1937 realignment pushed motorists west of the center, the Lexington Neon Arrow Sign has pointed travelers back east towards Main Street. It still leads to Lexington’s big prize—the locally owned businesses that flourish near Main Street just a few blocks east of Route 66. Only a short walk from the highway, Lexington’s downtown district offers visitors a welcoming collection of small-town shops, restaurants, and bars.

Historic storefronts and gathering places give travelers a reason to slow down, explore, and enjoy the friendly character that continues to define Lexington along the Mother Road. Mayor Johansen remembers when that intersection was the center of town activity. “There were three gas stations, two restaurants, and the Lexington Motel,” he said. “It was just a busy place—people gassing up, eating, staying overnight.”

Beginning in the 2020s, a group of home-schooled kids leaned on five generations of family baking knowledge, and a makeshift stand, to create The Sunshine Shack, a beloved drive-through bakery that’s two blocks south of Main Street at 102 West South Street. Best known for its cinnamon rolls, it’s open Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Website: www.lexingtonil.gov/business-in-lexington

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesunshineshacklexington/

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Southwest of town, the 175-acre ParkLands Lexington Preserve offers four miles of hiking trails along the Mackinaw River, one of the only un-channelized, natural prairie river systems left in central Illinois. The trails run north of the river and south of Turkey Creek. While out there, you can sometimes spot river otters, beavers, and great blue herons from the paths. To reach it, take Peine Drive to Douglas Drive, then turn left and park by the first gate on the right. You also can bike or walk along the paved Ollie & Dorothy Myers Trail that runs through town along Route 66.

MORE INFORMATION

Lexington’s official websites are a rich source of local information and events. Among several events in Lexington, the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival happens on the first weekend of May every year.

The town will be offering a “key to the city” outside of City Hall featuring the old Lexington Motel, which is located near the intersection of Route 66 and Main Street. There also will be tram rides along Memory Lane available, plus vendors and live bands. The closest motels to Lexington are in Bloomington-Normal, 20 miles southwest. There also are several Airbnb options in town, including historic homes that give visitors a chance to experience Lexington’s small-town charm during their stay. www.lexingtonil.gov