McLean IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McLean, Illinois.
1. Arcadia: America's Playable Arcade Museum
VINTAGE GAMING PARADISE
Arcadia is a unique playable arcade museum where visitors can enjoy classic video games in their original cabinets. The museum preserves gaming history while allowing guests to experience the golden age of arcades firsthand. Visitors will appreciate this nostalgic attraction that celebrates the cultural significance of arcade games.
2. Pinball Paradise
FLIPPER FUN FOR ALL
Pinball Paradise offers enthusiasts a hands-on experience with an impressive collection of playable pinball machines. Visitors can enjoy the flashing lights and satisfying clicks of these mechanical marvels spanning different eras. The attraction provides a perfect blend of entertainment and appreciation for the art and engineering of pinball machines.
3. Route 66 Mural and Bench
HISTORIC HIGHWAY TRIBUTE
The Route 66 Mural and Bench commemorates McLean's connection to the iconic Mother Road with vibrant artwork. Visitors can rest on the bench while admiring the artistic representation of Route 66 culture and history. This spot serves as both a photo opportunity and a reminder of the town's place along this legendary American highway.
4. Village Square Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Village Square Park is a charming green space bordered by Hamilton, Park, and Morgan Streets in the heart of McLean. The park features a covered pavilion with picnic tables, large shade trees, and memorial monuments honoring citizens who served in World War I and World War II. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful respite while appreciating the historical significance of this community gathering place.
5. Mt. Hope Township Community Hall & Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Mt. Hope Township Community Hall & Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the McLean area. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight the development of the community over the years. Visitors gain insight into the local heritage and the people who shaped this Illinois town.
6. Dixie Restaurant & Truck Stop
ROUTE 66 DINING ICON
The Dixie Restaurant & Truck Stop is a famous Route 66 landmark that has been serving travelers since the heyday of the Mother Road. This historic establishment offers classic American diner fare in an authentic roadside atmosphere. Visitors can experience a true piece of Route 66 culture while enjoying a meal at this Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame location.
7. McLean Depot Train Shop
HISTORIC RAILWAY DESTINATION
The McLean Depot Train Shop occupies the original railway depot building that once stood in central McLean on the GM&O Alton Route tracks. This restored historic structure is one of only two stations still standing in Illinois that witnessed the 1865 funeral train carrying President Lincoln's coffin. Today, the depot serves as a visitor center and hobby shop selling model railway kits, connecting train enthusiasts with transportation history.
8. Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Interpretive Statue
MOTHER ROAD MONUMENT
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Interpretive Statue honors McLean's place along the historic highway with informative displays and artwork. Visitors can learn about the significance of Route 66 and its impact on the development of McLean and surrounding communities. The accompanying wayside panel provides context and stories about the Mother Road's influence on this small Illinois town.
9. Funks Grove Nature Spaces
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
Funks Grove Nature Spaces offers visitors a chance to explore scenic walking areas and playgrounds nestled in natural surroundings. The preserved woodland provides a peaceful retreat with trails winding through native Illinois landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can observe local flora and fauna while enjoying outdoor recreation in this tranquil setting.
10. Funks Grove Church & Chapel in the Trees
SPIRITUAL WOODLAND SANCTUARY
Funks Grove Church & Chapel in the Trees offers visitors a serene spiritual experience in a beautiful natural setting. The historic church and surrounding chapel area blend religious heritage with the tranquility of the grove's natural environment. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this location that serves as both a historical landmark and a place for reflection.
11. Funk's Grove Maple Sirup
SWEET NATURAL TRADITION
Funk's Grove Maple Sirup continues a tradition of maple syrup production that dates back generations in this historic Illinois grove. Visitors can learn about the process of tapping maple trees and producing pure maple syrup using time-honored methods. The specialty shop offers this delicious natural product that has become famous among Route 66 travelers and locals alike.
12. Funk Prairie Home Museum
HISTORIC FAMILY ESTATE
The Funk Prairie Home Museum preserves the historic residence of the Funk family who were influential in developing agriculture in the region. Visitors can tour the meticulously maintained home and learn about rural life in Illinois during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum houses period furnishings, family artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of this prominent pioneer family.
13. Hot Dog Muffler Man
QUIRKY ROADSIDE GIANT
The Hot Dog Muffler Man stands as a colorful roadside attraction along Route 66 near McLean. This towering fiberglass statue, originally designed as an advertising figure, now delights travelers as a whimsical photo opportunity. The giant figure represents the golden age of American highway culture when such oversized attractions drew motorists to local businesses.
14. Memories: Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD MEMORABILIA
Memories: Route 66 Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the iconic highway. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the cultural and historical significance of Route 66 through personal stories and authentic items. The museum brings to life the experience of traveling this legendary road during its heyday, preserving an important chapter of American transportation history.
15. Atlanta Public Library
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Atlanta Public Library stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century architecture and serves as both a functioning library and historic site. The building features distinctive design elements that reflect its era of construction and the cultural aspirations of the community. Visitors appreciate not only the literary resources but also the preserved architectural details that make this structure a significant landmark in the area.