Skip to Main Content

Tropics Dining Room sign.

Old Neon: Tropics Dining Room

Field review by the editors.

Lincoln, Illinois

The neon Tropics Dining Room sign along Route 66, with its Tiki-stlye lettering and palm tree, was always geographically out of place, but it suited a roadside diner that had a name and decor (though not a menu) inspired by its owner's time spent stationed in Hawaii during World War II. The neon was first flipped on in 1956 and shone until December 2004, when the restaurant closed for good and was bulldozed for a McDonald's. In a gesture of goodwill, the McDonald's allowed the darkened sign to stand in its parking lot for ten years. It was finally taken down, donated to the local tourism bureau, and underwent a slow restoration.

On June 24, 2018, the sign was returned to its original spot, and at dusk its neon glowed again. Now travelers can enjoy the after-dark display, and read an accompanying historical placard about the sign, sans tropic-themed diner.

Old Neon: Tropics Dining Room

Address:
1007 Hickox Drive, Lincoln, IL
Directions:
On the west side of Route 66 just north of its intersection with IL-121/Woodlawn Rd.
Hours:
Lit until midnight. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

World's Largest Covered Wagon and Big LincolnWorld's Largest Covered Wagon and Big Lincoln, Lincoln, IL - < 1 mi.
Honest Abe CourthouseHonest Abe Courthouse, Lincoln, IL - < 1 mi.
The Mill: Route 66 MuseumThe Mill: Route 66 Museum, Lincoln, IL - 1 mi.
In the region:
Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial Rock, Broadwell, IL - 7 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Illinois

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Illinois.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Illinois Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings