TOURISM
Now known as Route 53 in our area, the "Main Street of America" or Route 66 travels through eight states and cities large and small including downtown Wilmington. Along our little slice of highway, there is plenty of shopping and dining plus a number of Route 66 attractions. To find even more to do in and around Wilmington, including activities and outdoor recreation areas, be sure to visit our Recreation page. We welcome visitors with open arms. Enjoy your stay!
RT. 66 Attractions
Wilmington Area Historical Society
104 N. Main Street
Rt. 66 Experience Hub
Located near the Millrace Walking Bridge, our Hub is one in a series that marks Rt. 66 attractions all through Illinois.
The Eagle Hotel - 100 Water St.
Built-in 1836, the Eagle Hotel was already 90 years old when Route 66 was designated.
The Gemini Giant - 810 E. Baltimore St.
Located in the parking lot of the Launching Pad drive-in, This huge Muffler Man is a favorite photo stop for Route 66 travelers.
The Sinclair Dinosaur - 200 E. Baltimore St.
Located on the roof of BTI Tires is the symbol of Sinclair Oil since 1933.
THE MAR THEATRE - 810 E. Baltimore St.
The Mar has been featuring first-run films since 1937.
MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
The largest tallgrass prairie restoration in North America is located just three miles north of Wilmington on Rt. 66.
SHOPPING
The Flower Loft
221 N. Water St.
815 476-5638
Treasure Cove
215 N. Water St.
815 476-7555
110 N. Water Street
815-476-1004
Normington's General Store
207 S. Water St.
Paraphernalia Antiques
112 N. Water St.
815 476-9841
Rick’s Relics on 66
116 N. Water St.
815-260-4602
Sincerely Salli’s
118 N. Water St.
708-715-4010
Fleur De Lis
219 N. Water St.
815-476-9566
Milltown Market
508 N. Kankakee St.
815 476-0386
DINING
Nelly’s
140 Bridge St.
815 476-9590
205 E. Baltimore St.
Wilmington House
210 Bridge Street
815 476-2426
209 N Water St
779 875-6475
Hayden’s
107 N. Water St.
815 476-5925
The Corner Tap
201 N. Water St.
815 476-6146
The Rustic Inn
108 N. Water St.
815 476-7290
Chick-A-Dee
390 West Baltimore St.
815 476-2897
RT 66 Bar & Grill
113 E Baltimore St
815 476-6000
EVENTS
Let Freedom Rock Celebration
June 28, 2024 (tentative)
North Island Park
Catfish Days
July 25-28, 2024
Visit catfishdays.com for more information
Visit the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
for more information on local events.
Visit the Wilmington Downtown Merchants
for more information on local events.