Restored cottage-style Texaco station preserving the character of early automobile travel through historic architecture, vintage service equipment, and Route 66 exhibits.
How to Get There
From Joliet (20 mi): Follow Historic Route 66 southwest through Wilmington and Braidwood to Dwight, then continue to the intersection of Waupansie Street and Illinois Route 17 where the restored station stands along the original highway alignment.
Overview
Ambler's Texaco Gas Station is one of the finest surviving service stations on Historic Route 66 and a treasured landmark in central Illinois. Constructed in 1933, the station was designed in the cottage-style architecture popular during the early years of roadside motoring, when oil companies sought to make filling stations appear welcoming and compatible with nearby neighborhoods. Named after longtime operator Basil "Tubby" Ambler, who managed the station from 1938 to 1966, the property became an enduring fixture along the Mother Road and served travelers continuously for decades. Its distinctive canopy, clapboard siding, and period appearance make it an outstanding example of early roadside commercial design.
After operating as a gas station for sixty-six years, the property was donated to the Village of Dwight and meticulously restored with assistance from Route 66 preservation programs. Today it serves as a visitor center where travelers can explore exhibits, vintage automotive memorabilia, historic maps, and artifacts that tell the story of Route 66 in Illinois. The station's preservation allows visitors to experience a rare glimpse into the era when independent service stations were essential stops for motorists crossing America, making it one of the most authentic historic attractions along the entire route.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles, National Park Service resources, and official Village of Dwight tourism pages for the Ambler's Texaco Gas Station, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.
