Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 ($3.7 million) and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs ($2.9 million) to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and Enjoy Illinois. The Route 66 Grant Program is awarding $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. This funding supports a variety of projects across the state, including the installation of iconic Route 66 signage, pylons, monuments, as well as investments in museums, exhibits, service areas and rest stops. A few of the grantees include:

Choose Chicago
$210, 756
Installation of architectural pylons on the north & south side of Jackson Boulevard where it meets Michigan Avenue. The Pylons will incorporate the iconic Route 66 road sign language attesting to the historical significance of Route 66 and its starting point in Chicago. The Pylons will also include a QR code with information on EV charging stations along the route. The funding will also install interpretive signage in four diverse neighborhoods in Tri-Taylor, Douglass Park, North Lawndale and Little Village.

Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau
$493,032
Funding for multiple projects, including expansion of the mural trail, creating interpretative panels for Green Book sites, Route 66 event signage for promotional use across the state, funding for Route 66 promotion at festivals and events, parking upgrades, exhibitions and more.

For more information, visit www.illinois.gov