Welcome to
Pontiac
Pontiac is Illinois Route 66's mural capital — over 20 outdoor murals adorn downtown buildings, most painted during the 2009 Walldog Meet when 150+ artists transformed the town in 4 days.
The Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum (free) is one of the most beloved Route 66 museums anywhere, and the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum (also free) is a deep dive into the Pontiac brand. Three 1898 swinging pedestrian bridges over the Vermilion River are postcard-perfect.
exploreThings to See & Do
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
The flagship Mother Road museum in Pontiac's old firehouse, home to Bob Waldmire's hippie van and the largest collection of Illinois Route 66 memorabilia.
Pontiac Walldogs Murals
More than 25 hand-painted murals across downtown Pontiac — painted by the Walldogs muralist collective
Pontiac Swinging Bridges Park
Three historic pedestrian swinging bridges over the Vermillion River — a free, photogenic, and genuinely unusual Pontiac stop
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
The world's largest free public collection of Pontiac and Oakland cars, dealer signs, mascots, and brand memorabilia, two blocks off Route 66.
Livingston County War Museum
A free, volunteer-run museum in the old city hall covering every American conflict from the Civil War to Iraq, with first-person veteran tour guides.
Tips for Visiting Pontiac
Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum is free — donations support the collection; allow 1 hour.
The mural walking tour map is available at the visitor center; 20+ murals across downtown.
All three Pontiac swinging bridges are free and open dawn to dusk — each is a different design.