Wilmington Greene County IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilmington Greene County, Illinois.
1. Gemini Giant
ROUTE 66 ICONIC STATUE
The Gemini Giant is a beloved Route 66 landmark that was moved to South Island Park in March 2024. This muffler man-type statue has become a favorite photo stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world. Countless domestic and foreign visitors take photos at the base of this iconic roadside attraction each year.
2. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
NATURAL PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers visitors a chance to experience the natural landscape that once covered much of Illinois. This preserved prairie area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature. Visitors can explore various trails while learning about prairie ecosystem restoration efforts.
3. Historic Downtown Wilmington
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Wilmington offers visitors a charming glimpse into small-town America along Route 66. A mural depicting historic Downtown Wilmington was installed facing the Eagle Hotel in October 2023, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The downtown area features shopping, dining, and historic architecture that captures the essence of the Mother Road.
4. Midwest Classics on 66
VINTAGE ROUTE 66 COLLECTION
Midwest Classics on 66 showcases classic automobiles and memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. Visitors can explore vintage vehicles and artifacts that tell the story of American road travel through the decades. This attraction celebrates the automotive culture that made Route 66 famous as the Main Street of America.
5. Sincerely, Salli's
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Sincerely, Salli's offers a unique shopping experience for visitors to Wilmington. This local establishment is part of Wilmington's appeal for Route 66 travelers looking for authentic small-town charm. Visitors can browse through distinctive merchandise while enjoying the hospitality that makes Route 66 towns special.
6. Rival's Lookout
SCENIC RIVER VIEW
Rival's Lookout provides visitors with picturesque views along the Kankakee River that runs through Wilmington. This scenic spot allows travelers to take a break from their journey and connect with the natural beauty of the area. The location offers a peaceful setting to appreciate the same river that once powered the city's early mills and industries.
7. Eagle Hotel
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Eagle Hotel, built in 1836, stands at the corner of Route 66 (now Route 53) and Water Street as a testament to Wilmington's long history. This historic structure was already 90 years old when Route 66 was designated, making it one of the oldest buildings along the famous highway. Located at 100 Water Street, the Eagle Hotel represents an important piece of both local history and Route 66 heritage.
8. The Sinclair Dinosaur
ICONIC ROOFTOP ATTRACTION
The Sinclair Dinosaur, perched on the roof of BTI Tires at 200 E. Baltimore Street, has been the symbol of Sinclair Oil since 1933. This green dinosaur figure represents one of the most recognizable corporate mascots in American roadside culture. Route 66 travelers often stop to photograph this charming piece of Americana that adds character to Wilmington's streetscape.
9. The Mar Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE HOUSE
The Mar Theatre at 121 S. Main Street offers visitors a nostalgic cinema experience in downtown Wilmington. This historic movie house continues the tradition of small-town entertainment that was once common along Route 66. Travelers can step back in time while enjoying current films in a venue that preserves the charm of earlier eras.
10. Wilmington Area Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Wilmington Area Historical Society, located at 104 N. Main Street, preserves and shares the rich history of this Route 66 community. Visitors can explore exhibits that document the development of Wilmington from its early days as a mill town through its time as a stop on the Mother Road. The society helps maintain the stories and artifacts that connect present-day Wilmington with its historic past.
11. Rt. 66 Experience Hub
ROUTE 66 INFORMATION CENTER
The Rt. 66 Experience Hub, located near the Millrace Walking Bridge, serves as an informational waypoint for travelers exploring Illinois' portion of Route 66. This hub is part of a series marking Route 66 attractions throughout Illinois, helping visitors navigate the historic highway. Travelers can gather information about other nearby points of interest while learning about Wilmington's place in Route 66 history.
12. Cinder Ridge Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING DESTINATION
Cinder Ridge Golf Course offers visitors a chance to enjoy a round of golf in a scenic setting just off I-55 near Wilmington. This golf destination provides both locals and travelers with recreational opportunities in a well-maintained environment. The course serves as a reminder that Route 66 communities offer diverse activities beyond roadside attractions.
13. South Island Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
South Island Park, home to the relocated Gemini Giant since March 2024, provides a beautiful natural setting along the Kankakee River. This park offers recreational opportunities while also hosting events like the Let Freedom Rock Celebration scheduled for June 27, 2025. The park serves as both a gathering place for community events and a welcoming spot for Route 66 travelers seeking the famous Gemini Giant.
14. North Island Park
COMMUNITY EVENT SPACE
North Island Park serves as a key venue for community events in Wilmington, including the Let Freedom Rock Celebration planned for June 27, 2025. This park provides recreational space for both residents and visitors looking to experience local culture. The setting offers another perspective on the Kankakee River that has been central to Wilmington's development since Thomas Cox built the town's first mills in 1834.
15. Millrace Walking Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Millrace Walking Bridge connects parts of Wilmington while offering views of the Kankakee River that once powered the city's early industries. Near this bridge, visitors can find the Rt. 66 Experience Hub that helps travelers navigate Route 66 attractions throughout Illinois. The bridge represents the connection between Wilmington's water-powered industrial past and its current identity as a welcoming stop on Route 66.