Pontiac IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pontiac, Illinois.
1. Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
HISTORIC MOTHER ROAD TRIBUTE
The Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the iconic American highway that defined mid-century travel across the United States. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring memorabilia, photographs, and stories that capture life on the Mother Road. The museum is housed in what was once Pontiac's city government and fire department building, making it both a tribute to Route 66 and an important piece of local history.
2. Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION
The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum showcases a stunning collection of vintage Pontiac and Oakland vehicles that trace the evolution of these classic American car brands. Automotive enthusiasts can admire meticulously restored vehicles, rare memorabilia, and comprehensive exhibits detailing the history of Pontiac automobiles. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through American automotive history with its impressive displays and artifacts.
3. Murals on Main Street
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ART GALLERY
Murals on Main Street features 24 stunning outdoor murals throughout Pontiac that beautifully depict the city's rich local history. Many of these impressive artworks were created during a 2009 Walldog Meet when over 150 artists painted 18 murals in just 4 days. While visitors can view most murals from their vehicles, a walking tour is recommended to fully appreciate the intricate details of these public art masterpieces.
4. Route 66 Shield Mural
ICONIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The Route 66 Shield Mural is one of the most photographed landmarks along the historic Route 66 highway, located behind the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Centennial Plaza. This world-famous mural serves as the perfect backdrop for travelers documenting their journey along the Mother Road. The base of the mural contains bricks from the original Route 66 alignment that ran through Pontiac, adding historical significance to this popular photo opportunity.
5. Museum of the Gilding Arts
GOLDLEAF CRAFT PRESERVATION
The Museum of the Gilding Arts preserves and showcases the ancient decorative technique of applying gold leaf to various surfaces. Visitors can learn about the historical significance of gilding and its applications across different cultures and time periods. The museum offers a unique cultural experience not commonly found elsewhere, making it a distinctive attraction in Pontiac's museum complex.
6. Livingston County War Museum
MILITARY HISTORY TRIBUTE
The Livingston County War Museum honors the service and sacrifice of local veterans through comprehensive exhibits of military artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. Visitors can explore displays covering multiple conflicts, gaining insight into how these events impacted the community and nation. The museum serves as both an educational resource and a meaningful tribute to those who served in the armed forces.
7. Looking for Lincoln Exhibits
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY TRAIL
The Looking for Lincoln Exhibits highlight Pontiac's significant connections to Abraham Lincoln during his days as a young lawyer traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit. Visitors can explore sites and stories related to Lincoln's numerous visits to Pontiac, from his early career through to his final journey back to Springfield in 1865. These exhibits offer fascinating insights into how Lincoln's relationship with Pontiac and its citizens contributed to his development as a leader.
8. Bob Waldmire Experience
ROUTE 66 ARTIST LEGACY
The Bob Waldmire Experience showcases the life and work of folk artist Bob Waldmire, a Route 66 legend known for his intricate illustrations of the Mother Road. Visitors can explore his famous '60s-schoolbus-turned-RV known as the Road Yacht, which is permanently displayed in Pontiac's Centennial Plaza. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the countercultural spirit and artistic vision that made Waldmire an iconic figure in Route 66 history.
9. Pontiac's Art Cars
VEHICULAR CANVAS CREATIONS
Pontiac's Art Cars display features vehicles that have been transformed into mobile works of art through creative painting, sculpture, and decoration. Each art car represents the unique vision of its creator, combining automotive history with artistic expression. These colorful and often whimsical vehicles provide visitors with unexpected moments of delight throughout their exploration of Pontiac.
10. Music of the Civil War Exhibit
HISTORICAL SOUNDSCAPE EXPERIENCE
The Music of the Civil War Exhibit immerses visitors in the songs and sounds that provided comfort, inspiration, and unity during one of America's most challenging periods. Through displays of period instruments, sheet music, and audio recordings, visitors can understand how music shaped both battlefield experiences and home front life. The exhibit offers a unique perspective on the Civil War by examining its cultural expressions rather than just its military aspects.
11. Life in the 1940s Exhibit
WWII ERA TIME CAPSULE
The Life in the 1940s Exhibit recreates the atmosphere of wartime America through authentic artifacts, photographs, and recreated settings from this pivotal decade. Visitors can experience aspects of daily life during World War II, including rationing, victory gardens, and the changing roles of women in the workforce. The exhibit provides valuable context for understanding how global events transformed life in Pontiac and communities across America.
12. Walldog Mural and Sign Art Exhibit
COMMERCIAL ART PRESERVATION
The Walldog Mural and Sign Art Exhibit celebrates the tradition of hand-painted commercial art that once dominated American advertising before the digital age. Visitors can learn about the techniques, styles, and cultural significance of these skilled artisans known as 'Walldogs' who created large-scale paintings on buildings. The exhibit connects to Pontiac's own collection of outdoor murals, many of which were created by modern Walldog artists during a 2009 community event.
13. Route 66 Byways Exhibit
ROAD TRIP NOSTALGIA
The Route 66 Byways Exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the lesser-known attractions and detours that made traveling the Mother Road an adventure of discovery. Through maps, photographs, and memorabilia, the exhibit highlights the small towns, roadside curiosities, and natural wonders that awaited travelers who ventured off the main highway. Visitors will gain appreciation for how Route 66 wasn't just a way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles, but a corridor of American experiences and encounters.
14. Humiston Woods Nature Center
NATURAL WOODLAND ESCAPE
Humiston Woods Nature Center offers visitors a peaceful retreat with its preserved forestland, walking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation just outside Pontiac. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying recreational activities like hiking, photography, and birdwatching in this natural oasis. The center provides educational programming about local flora and fauna, making it both a recreational destination and an environmental learning resource.
15. Centennial Plaza
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GATHERING SPACE
Centennial Plaza serves as a hub for community events and tourism in downtown Pontiac, featuring several Route 66 landmarks including Bob Waldmire's Road Yacht and the famous Route 66 Shield Mural. The plaza's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Pontiac's museums, murals, and historic buildings. Visitors often gather in this welcoming public space to take photos, meet fellow travelers, and plan their adventures through this charming Route 66 community.