Pontiac, IL

About

From its rocky 19th century beginnings, Pontiac has blossomed into a historic highlight in the heart of Illinois. The 1875 courthouse with its red brick wall and white trim is perfectly charming, and the statue of Abe Lincoln honoring the presidents visits is a great photo op. For a treasure hunt (and great way to see the town), follow the red footprints that lead to over two dozen colorful murals. For a local history lesson, go to the Livingston County War Museum, which chronicles the attempts to displace the town, and some local trivia. Of course you can't say Pontiac without thinking of cars, and there are actually two auto-themed museums in town. Stop by the Route 66 Association to learn about the most famous highway in the United States and the personalities and businesses that made it an American icon! The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum is the only one of it's kind in the world and offers a fun look at the history of the now defunct automaker.