While talking with a fellow Girl Camper at our last outing, she told me about a new park in Granite City, Illinois called the It’s Electric Neon Sign Park which is a dedication to the old Route 66. I was a bit surprised to hear this as she was from Chicago and Granite City is pretty close to where I live and I had never heard of this place before.

So, with what I was calling the “Sunday Surprise” I told my parents I would pick them up and we were going to go somewhere and to plan to be outside. As I headed towards Granite City, they were both really surprised as my dad worked in Granite for over 30 years and couldn’t figure out where I was taking them. When I pulled up in the heart of the run-down downtown, next to the cutest little half square block, they were both really surprised!

This park is a nod to the old Route 66 and the businesses and sights that once lined the Mother Road in the area.

There is a miniature replica of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge which if you have not yet walked across that pedestrian bridge, I highly recommend it. You can see my post HERE! You can also bring a lock and attach it!

There are neon signs from Hudson’s Jewelry, Reese Drug Store and the Washington Theater. On the website it says that the neon lights are on from dusk until dawn, and I hope to go back and see the block lit up!

I loved all the murals that captured the heart of the city and Route 66.

Below is dad standing in front of the steel mural – a proud Steelworker and mom with Mr. Twist Ice Cream since she liked the lady 😊

We walked up to Neidringhaus Ave and took a picture of the Granite City mural and the Route 66 sign!

Overall, this was a fun, quick adventure to get out of the house and see something new. While Granite is falling on a bit of hard times, I really appreciate the bright spot this park brings to the city and the stories it tells from the past. They are really trying to re-vitalize the city and this is a step in the right direction.

Be sure to check it out and leave a comment below!