Discover the Lincoln Highway-Illinois
If roads could talk, the Lincoln Highway would have a story to tell every mile. The Illinois portion of the Lincoln Highway spans 179 miles, offering travelers an unforgettable journey. As America’s first transcontinental highway, this iconic route helped shape the way we travel.
A Byway with a Legacy
First established in 1913, the Lincoln Highway opened up the country to exploration, adventure, and discovery. It became the official route to stretch from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. Illinois offered a critical midwestern link through farmland, industrial towns, and growing cities.
As you travel, you’re not just driving– you’re following the tracks of early adventurers, seeing the landscapes that captivated 1920s travelers, and experiencing the small towns that helped shape America. From early auto tourists to Route 66 dreamers, the Lincoln Highway laid the foundation for all that came after.
Small Town Treasures and Scenic Views
The beauty of the Lincoln Highway Illinois Scenic Byway isn’t just in where it takes you– it’s in how it gets you there. Along this route, you’ll travel through small towns that each offer their hint of Midwestern hospitality.
In DeKalb, history meets innovation. Downtown buzzes with energy from local cafes, vintage shops, and music venues while historic homes and buildings tell the story of early settlers who built the town. Stop in Franklin Grove, where the Lincoln Highway Association has its national headquarters inside a beautifully preserved 19th-century general store. Just outside town, the Naschusa Grasslands offer a peaceful retreat into native prairie ecosystems, complete with bison herds and birdwatching trails.
Art Meets Asphalt
Along the Illinois portion of the Lincoln Highway, history isn’t just preserved– it’s painted, sculpted, and built into every landscape. More than 35 larger-than-life murals line the route, each one capturing a glimpse of the past. These murals aren’t tucked away into museums– they’re painted across brick walls in downtown, along gas stations, and beside parks.
In Aurora, Batavia, DeKalb, and Fulton, the murals add bursts of colors and creativity, making the simplest stop a moment of cultural discovery. In Lynwood, a painting of Carl G. Fisher, “Father of the Lincoln Highway,” tells the story of how the highway began. The story of Dutch immigration and local industry comes to life in Fulton. The history is recreated through Dutch windmills and art-infused public spaces.
Plan Your Journey
The Lincoln Highway Illinois Scenic Byway is more than just a road– it’s a living legacy of the American Journey. The path invites travelers to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with the road that built America.
Plan your trip and hit the open road! For more information go to: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/lincoln-highway-il/