The Village of Gardner has retained the charm and friendliness of small town America while growing to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
The town of Gardner is very proud of its newly built Town Gazebo. A dedicated group of volunteers built and dedicated the gazebo to the Village in 2008. A prominent engraved stone was installed to honor historic Route 66.
Steel Arch Bridge
Now gone, removed in 2001, this bridge was part of the 1939-1958 alignment that bypassed Joliet and ran through Plainfield. It connected that alignment with the original alignment near Gardner. Incidentally, the newer alignment, which dead-ends before the bridge site, is now marked as IL 129 and is just west of the railroad tracks from IL 53 (marked as Historic US 66).
The Shop On Route 66
As you enter Gardner from the north, this gift shop, filled with Coca Cola memorabilia, is located on your right where the Route curves into the downtown area.
Historic Streetcar Diner
This Association Hall of Fame diner has moved around a bit in its life, but was located behind the Riviera before its relocation to Gardner following the fire that destroyed the Riviera. This diner was restored by the Association’s Preservation Committee.