Pontiac

Travel Guide

Pontiac which includes outdoor art
Pontiac showing a city, a park and a statue or sculpture
Pontiac
Pontiac which includes a statue or sculpture
Pontiac which includes a statue or sculpture

Many Route 66 road trips include a stop in this small town, home to one of the highway’s biggest museums and a lively cultural scene.

Located halfway between Chicago and Springfield, Pontiac is a must-visit for any fans of Route 66 and its history. Follow the collection of 18 Route 66 murals, painted in 2009 by an artist collective, guiding a tour of this immensely walkable downtown, stopping at the charming small businesses lining the streets.

Visit the town’s unusually robust collection of museums, watching for their collection of 15 miniature cars and trucks that have been painted by local artists and art groups. Start at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. It features the bus that painter Bob Waldmire lived in as he traveled along the iconic highway.

Go next door to the Livingston County War Museum, a small but lovingly maintained tribute to local soldiers who fought in every conflict since World War I.

Continue to the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, with an extensive collection of vehicles from throughout history and a very impressive collection of oilcans. Indulge your taste for luxury at the Museum of the Gilding Arts, which explores the history and artistry of gold and silver leaf and how it has been used over time.

Wander across unique Swinging Bridges, which connect the two halves of the town across the Vermilion River. These were built to allow shoe factory workers to commute easily between work and home. Linger in Chautauqua Park and watch the river lazily flow by.

Pontiac is located in central Illinois. Fly to the small airport in town or drive from the closest major airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, in 1 hour 45 minutes. Take Amtrak from Chicago in 2 hours, then continue on to destinations farther south. Pontiac itself is walkable, though a car is recommended for exploring the rest of the state.

Combine Pontiac’s cultural scene with outdoor activities. Visit the Humiston Woods Nature Center for hiking, fishing or picnicking in the serenity of this hardwood forest.

Best Western Pontiac Inn
Best Western Pontiac Inn
2.5 out of 5
1821 W Reynolds St, Pontiac, IL
The price is €108 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
€108
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pontiac. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (582 reviews)
"Well appointed quiet room which served well as our base for a couple of days. Nice breakfast. Workout room was good. Internet was great. Cute town."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Best Western Pontiac Inn
Hampton Inn Pontiac
Hampton Inn Pontiac
3 out of 5
2000 Grand Prix Drive, Pontiac, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €127 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€127
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pontiac. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (424 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Hampton Inn Pontiac
Quality Inn Pontiac
Quality Inn Pontiac
2.5 out of 5
1823 West Reynolds Street, Pontiac, IL
The price is €95 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€95
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pontiac. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (365 reviews)
"Hotel was very clean and rooms updated."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Pontiac
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peaceful Pontiac Barndominium Near Local Museums
Peaceful Pontiac Barndominium Near Local Museums
3 out of 5
Pontiac
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Pontiac. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions International Wall Dog Mural and Sign Art Museum and Pontiac-Oakland ...
"Property was well-groomed and taken care of very clean. The extra bonuses like coffee, creamer, condiments et cetera were a great surprise. Spoke with the owner about getting different internet. Coverage from cellphone towers was not that great. I will definitely be staying at this property again ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2023

Peaceful Pontiac Barndominium Near Local Museums
Lucky 7s Bungalow with hot tub
Lucky 7s Bungalow with hot tub
Pontiac
Stay at this vacation home in Pontiac. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chautauqua Park and Pontiac's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"Such a wonderful house and an amazing host!"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Lucky 7s Bungalow with hot tub
Pontiac Elks Oaks Golf Course plenty of fun and room for everyone
Pontiac Elks Oaks Golf Course plenty of fun and room for everyone
Pontiac
Stay at this vacation home in Pontiac. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions International Wall Dog Mural and ...
Pontiac Elks Oaks Golf Course plenty of fun and room for everyone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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