McLean: Route 66 and Local History

McLean brings together Route 66 memories, local architectural history, and attractions centered on classic games. Its history spans buildings from the 19th century to Route 66 traditions. Arcadia and Pinball Paradise offer different experiences: both focus on gaming culture, and Pinball Paradise also has a connection to the history of a historic building. Village Square Park rounds out the attractions described here with a picnic area.

Route 66 and Local History

The McLean Depot was built in 1855 and moved from its original location along the railway in 1970. Its history thus connects a 19th-century building with a later change of location. Today, the building is home to the McLean Depot Train Shop, a specialty store for model railroad supplies. Items are available in stock or by special order. The depot brings together architectural history and a present-day specialty shop with a fitting theme.

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Interpretive Statue and the accompanying “Home on the Road” information panel pay tribute to the Dixie Truck Stop across the street. The truck stop has served travelers since 1928 and was inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 1990. These reflect two distinct aspects of local history: its longstanding connection to travelers and its later recognition by the Route 66 organization. The statue and panel give this history a tangible point of reference.

A Route 66 mural with a bench commemorates Wesley “Shorty” Ruble, who worked as a barber in McLean for more than 50 years. While the statue and information panel honor the Dixie Truck Stop, the mural focuses on a person and his profession. The local history it tells thus extends beyond transportation to a job practiced in McLean over several decades.

Historic Buildings and Museum

Funks Grove Church was built in 1864–65. Original walnut interior features that remain include ceiling beams, the altar rail, the pulpit and its accompanying wall, and a pew partition. These details make the furnishings a specific focus of the building’s history. The church offers a different historical perspective from the Route 66 commemorative markers: here, the focus is on materials and individual elements of the interior.

The Mt. Hope Township History Museum is located in the southern part of McLean’s historic township building. Its location in the building is a point of reference in its own right: the museum is housed in a historic municipal building, while Funks Grove Church is described by its construction period and surviving walnut details. This helps distinguish their different connections to local history without reducing them to the same kind of historic attraction.

Gaming Culture in McLean

At McLean Village Square, Arcadia offers the experience of a traditional game room in the style of an old arcade. Its collection includes more than 1,500 games, with a focus on pinball and video games from the 1980s and 1990s. The collection and focus on these decades give the venue a distinct profile: the emphasis is on a variety of games and a clearly defined era. This sets Arcadia apart from the historic buildings and commemorative markers that explore McLean’s history in other ways.

Pinball Paradise is housed in a historic, restored bank building designed by architect Arthur Pillsbury. This adds a distinct architectural history to its gaming culture. Pinball Paradise is open on weekends and by appointment. Hours may change, so check the latest information on the website or Facebook page before your visit. Knowing that it is open by appointment and on weekends can be especially helpful when planning to include this attraction in your itinerary.

A Break at Village Square

Village Square Park has a picnic area among historic buildings, with a covered pavilion, picnic tables, large shade trees, and park benches. In addition to the buildings, collections, and Route 66 commemorative markers, this is a place to take a break, with specific amenities. The pavilion, tables, trees, and benches give you several points of reference when considering a picnic spot as part of your McLean experience.

Discover more destinations: Chenoa, Normal, Bloomington.

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