Route 66 Illinois: Dixie Truckers Home
N 40° 18.636 W 089° 10.035
16T E 315837 N 4464485
Quick Description: Located along Rt.66 in McLean right off of I-55.
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 3/4/2006 7:56:52 AM
Waymark Code: WM8AZ
Views: 162
Long Description:
The truck stop began as a mechanic’s garage, that also sold
sandwiches to passing motorists by J.P. Walters and John Geske
almost 80 years ago. Starting with little more than a counter and
six stools, it quickly gained popularity and by the mid 1930's had
developed into a full-fledged restaurant complete with cabins in
the back.
The Dixie Truck Stop in McLean, Illinois has been operating
since 1928, September, 2004, Kathy Weiser. Not only popular to
travelers, Dixie’s also brought in hundreds of area locals who
enjoyed the live entertainment and music on the weekends. However,
when World War II began, the festive weekends came to a screeching
halt.
However, the restaurant and gas station continued to serve
travelers by four generations of the Geske family until June of
2003. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, it never closed
except one day when it suffered a fire in 1965.
The Dixie Truckers Home has since changed hands and has an
updated look, but still continues to stand along Route 66 serving
the truckers and travelers of the Mother Road.
