Explore more in Livingston County

EXPLORE MOREin Livingston County

Nestled in the prairies of North Central Illinois, near the end of your First Hundred Miles trek along Route 66, you’ll find Livingston County. Steeped in rich history and civic pride, featuring ample entertainment opportunities and wonderful dining options, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the hidden gems and beautiful sights that can be found along the Mother Road in Livingston County! Here’s a look at some of must-see attractions you’ll encounter:

 PONTIAC COURTHOUSE Recently undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, this historic courthouse was built on the site where future President Abraham Lincoln, and his legendary political opponent Stephen Douglas, both practiced law. Though this building wasn’t completed until a decade after President Lincoln’s passing, it’s still a stunning example of Second Empirestyle architecture, erected on some truly historic grounds. Open daily except for Saturdays.

 PONTIAC SWINGING BRIDGES Pontiac is home to three beautiful swinging pedestrian bridges, one of which even predates Route 66! Built in 1898, 1926 and 1978, these cablesupported wooden walkways stretch nearly 200 feet across the flowing Vermillion River. These beautiful relics of Livingston County’s past make for an excellent photo-op and a convenient way to view this beautiful stretch of nature.

 FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DWIGHT One of only three remaining banks designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this gorgeous prairie style building in downtown Dwight once housed the real estate office and bank of Frank L. Smith. Constructed in 1905, and later remodeled in the 1960s using Wright’s original plans, this unexpected landmark is a must-visit for any architecture aficionados driving on the Mother Road.

 KILGUS FARMSTEAD COUNTRY

STORE

Located just a short detour to the East of Route 66, you’ll find Fairbury’s own Kilgus Farmstead Country Store. This authentic farm store features a wide range of local milk products and farm-raised meats. If you visit early on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you can see the milk bottling process in action at their on-farm creamery, or you can schedule a full farm tour during the Spring, Summer and Fall months.

 FAIRBURY AMERICAN LEGION

SPEEDWAY

Racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss a trip to the Fairbury American Legion Speedway, an award-winning 1/4 mile semi-banked dirt track that hosts a number of high profile stock car events every season. This renowned track, which has been entertaining fans and racers alike since 1946, attracts 1000’s of visitors from near and far because thanks to it’s comfortable atmosphere and convenient location.