Pontiac, Illinois

A Complex Full of Museums

Housed inside the Historic City Hall and Fire Station, the Pontiac Museum Complex packs an unusual amount of history under one roof. Wander through the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, then step into the Livingston County War Museum, staffed by veteran volunteers who keep local military history alive. The complex also holds the Bob Waldmire Experience, a "Life in the 1940s" room, a "Life on the Titanic" exhibit, a collection from the traveling Walldog mural and sign artists, and a Lincoln Era Room tied to the town's place on Abraham Lincoln's judicial circuit.

Cars, Gold Leaf, and More

Just down the street, the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum displays classic cars and automotive artifacts that trace the history of the Oakland and Pontiac brands. For something you will not find anywhere else, the Museum of the Gilding Arts explores the craft and history of gold and silver leaf work, from the tools to the finished pieces.

Murals, Bridges, and the Road Ahead

Downtown Pontiac doubles as an open-air gallery, with more than 26 murals painted across building walls telling the story of the town. Three historic swinging bridges cross the Vermilion River nearby, two dating back to the 1890s and a third added in the 1970s, offering a quiet walk with a view of the water. Looking ahead, Centennial Plaza is taking shape behind the Museum Complex to mark Route 66's 100th anniversary, with an opening planned for summer 2026.

Plan your visit and follow #PlayInPontiac. Pontiac Tourism, 115 W. Howard St., Pontiac, IL 61764. Phone: 815-844-5847.