Route 66 Experience

The Route 66 Experience is a free, educational exhibit open 365 days a year inside Gate 2.

Miles of Smiles Car Show
August 13-23, 2026

From pristine classics to modern marvels, take a ride through time at the Miles of Smiles Car Show at the Illinois State Fair. Each day, a different classic car club will bring in new vehicles, new stories and throwback vibes. This is your chance to talk shop with passionate enthusiasts who are keeping history alive. Join us - every day at the Illinois State Fair -- as we celebrate the evolution of the American road - from vintage cruisers to muscle cars.

Featured Clubs Show Dates

Cool Cruisers

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Friday, August 21, 2026

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Central Illinois Mustangs

Friday, August 14, 2026

Route 66 Cruisers

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Friday, August 21, 2026

Saturday, August 22, 2026

No Limits Car Club

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Mustang Outlaws

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Daily Schedule:

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Name	Date	Time	Location	Date

The Experience is a self-guided tour highlighting the 92 communities along Route 66 in Illinois beginning in Chicago and ending at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison. Vintage billboards, a drive-in movie theatre, Legends Neon Sign Park and tribute to the muffler men along Illinois Route 66 make up a large part of the Experience. While visiting, make sure to stop at one of the many selfie spots within the exhibit to share your experience with the world!

Outside of the dates of the Illinois State Fair, visitors are encouraged to enter through the Main Gate, on Sangamon Avenue, to access the exhibit.

The Route 66 Experience is partnership between the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Visit Springfield, Enjoy Illinois, and Ace Sign Company.