Normal, IL

Normal and Bloomington have grown into a contiguous metropolitan area. Route 66 going into Normal follows a windy path through some old and some relatively new neighborhoods. Be on the look-out for Sprague's Gas Station at 305 Pine St. It has a distinctive Tudor design and was built on the original alignment of Route 66 in 1926. It was home to Sprague’s Super Station starting in 1930. It is one of only five remaining two story service stations on Route 66. It had been closed for years, but now has been restored and houses Rayburn Place, which is an information center and gift shop that features work from local artists.

In 1934, Gus Belt converted an old Shell Station into a roadside restaurant featuring steak burgers and milkshakes. Carhops would serve meals on metal trays that hooked onto car doors. There also was indoor dining. This became the first Steak 'n Shake. Gus later replaced the gas station with the Art Deco restaurants Steak 'n Shake customers visit to this day.

The 1937 Normal Theater at 209 W North St is still in operation.

In Normal, you will go past the Illinois State football stadium and take an easy ride into Bloomington.