Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign

Location Details

The Tropics Restaurant Neon Sign is located at 1109 Hickox Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656. It stands as a landmark photo spot just yards away from its original location at the intersection of Woodlawn Road and the 1940–1977 alignment of Route 66 (Lincoln Parkway).

Location Context

• Current Setting: The fully restored neon sign is situated on the property of a McDonald's restaurant, sandwiched between the McDonald's and a King Buffet.

• Historic Spot: The original mid-century tropical diner was demolished in 2017 to make room for this commercial development, but the historic sign was saved through community fundraising and a National Park Service grant.

• Roadside Geometry: Historically, the restaurant sat at the bend of Lincoln's infamous "Killer Curve," acting as a bright tropical oasis that lured travelers off the highway. 

Historical Background

• Origins (1950): The restaurant was opened by WWII veteran Vince Schwenoha, who was inspired by his military service in Hawaii to bring a tropical aesthetic—complete with bamboo walls and palm tree motifs—to central Illinois.

• The Legacy Era: Lew and Bev Johnson managed and eventually owned the family business, running it through its heyday from the 1950s until 1997.

• The Decline & Revival: After being bypassed by Interstate 55, business slowed, leading to final closure in 2003. The landmark was inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 2016, meticulously restored by the Ace Sign Co., and officially relit in its current spot in June 2018.