Holiday Inn Express & Suites Litchfield West Local Area

Step into Litchfield's rich history at this free museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, built on the site of a former gas station. Retro neon signage greets you outside, while inside you will find local artifacts, classic license plates, an original Route 66 road sign, and a gift shop full of Mother Road merchandise. Just a five-minute drive from the hotel, it is an easy walk too. Admission is free, and the team loves sharing stories about Litchfield's role along the highway.

Catch a movie under the stars at the last originally operating drive-in on Route 66 in Illinois. Open since 1950 and inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame, this single-screen theater runs seasonally from March through October with showings at dusk on a 42-by-52-foot screen. Tune your radio to 103.1 FM for sound, grab a bite at the onsite grill, and enjoy a nostalgic night of big-screen entertainment. About a 5-minute drive from the hotel along historic Route 66.

This 1,357-acre lake is the centerpiece of Litchfield's outdoor culture, offering boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping across 4,641 surrounding acres. Marina 1 opens March through October with boat passes, bait, fuel, and snacks. A sandy swim beach at Milnot Beach operates from Memorial Day through summer, perfect for family outings. About 6 miles from the hotel, the lake draws visitors for the annual TriathLou triathlon and weekend getaways year after year.

Antique lovers and treasure hunters flock to this award-winning juried market, held the second Sunday of each month from May through October. All items sold are produced prior to 1985, including antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, and upcycled pieces. Live music, street food, and a farmers market on Monroe Street add to the festive atmosphere. Just a mile and a half from the hotel, it is a short drive to browse hundreds of vendors with no entry fee or parking charge.

Nature lovers will find a hidden gem in this 266-acre preserve on the southeast side of Lake Lou Yaeger. Established in 1990, it protects a rare example of Southern Illinois till-plain barrens and woodland communities. Over 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and 70 breeding bird species call this area home. Two easy hiking trails wind through native prairie and shoreline woods. Roughly 5 miles from the hotel, it is a peaceful escape for hikers, birders, and all who visit.