(Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, but its cultural significance endures. In Illinois, ongoing preservation efforts ensure that future generations can continue to explore this iconic roadway. Route 66 marks 100 years of carrying travelers across the country in 2026, and Landmarks Illinois is helping to mark that milestone throughout the year)
July 1, 2026
By Nicole Rakers, Director of Development
(This article originally appeared in the January 2026 edition of our print newsletter, The Arch. Read The Arch here.)
Travel season has arrived, and regardless of your plans, there’s a way to experience the spirit of preservation throughout Illinois this summer.
(Gertrude Lempp Kerbis was a pioneering modernist architect known for projects that blend structural ingenuity with elegant simplicity. Kerbis broke barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her legacy includes both her architectural designs and her role in advancing opportunities for women in architecture. In 2026, Landmarks Illinois joins in celebrating what would have been her 100th birthday, honoring her lasting impact on modern architecture.)
The Rotunda at O’Hare
Leaving town this summer? Traveling through O’Hare Airport, make sure to stop and admire the rotunda between terminals two and three. Designed by trail blazing female architect Gertrude Lempp Kerbis, the rotunda served as a crossroads connecting the first two terminals constructed at O’Hare. Offering a moment of calm in the chaos of travel, the open, two-story atrium is architecturally striking.
Traveling Route 66 Through Illinois
Staying local this summer? Established in 1926, the journey along Route 66 starts in Chicago and runs roughly 300 miles across the state, revealing a glimpse into mid-20th-century America. Of note is the Gemini Giant, in Wilmington (pictured above). This 28-foot tall “Muffler Man” statue was first installed in 1965 and was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2000.
(The 110-story, 1,450-foot-tall Willis Tower on Wacker Drive was completed in 1973 and was the tallest building in the world at the time. Prominent Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merril designed it for Sears, Roebuck & Co. The building’s Skydeck gives visitors a unique view of the city from 1,353 feet up.
Big City Fun
Looking for big city fun? No exploration of Illinois is complete without time in Chicago. Rich with architectural history, Chicago is often considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. Don’t miss the iconic Willis Tower – completed in 1974 as the Sears Tower, this 110-story building was the world’s tallest for 25 years.
No matter what you choose to explore this summer, Illinois is sure to thrill and surprise you with all it has to offer. Your support of Landmarks Illinois helps us to continue to preserve and protect the places that shape our communities.