LINCOLN - It'll be hard to miss all the tourism possibilities of Logan County for drivers on Interstate 55 between Bloomington and Springfield.

The Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County has posted two billboards along the major north-south thoroughfare. Tourism director Geoff Ladd hopes the boards pull motorists off I-55 and into Lincoln and surrounding areas.

The signs, leased from Mid America Advertising for $1,000 a month, direct visitors to the bureau's Information Station, 1555 Fifth St., Lincoln, to find out about attractions in the county.

"Not only will this have an impact on the 28,000 cars a day that drive the interstate, but it will also help draw in possible new tourism-related businesses and hotels that then see all that Logan County has to offer," said Ladd.

The billboards feature the bureau's logo, which features Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat beneath sign promoting Route 66. The historic, now-decommissioned, highway runs through Logan County.

The billboards will change periodically to promote events such as the county fair and art and balloon festival.

"We're trying to make our message as clean and simple while providing a great supplement to our courthouses, museums and other attractions," said Ladd.

Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobbi Abbott said Chamber members are excited about the additional signs. The Chamber already leases a sign for June through August to promote the art and balloon festival.

"The traffic count on the interstate is so high, I definitely think it will only continue to improve tourists coming into all sections of the towns," said Abbott.

One billboard is located off the northbound lanes near Broadwell. The other is off the southbound lanes near Atlanta.

Ladd hopes to capitalize on travelers heading to and from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

"These billboards will show how people can continue their Abe Lincoln experience with Logan County attractions," said Ladd.

Ladd eventually wants to add billboards both within and outside the county and anticipates new state signs that list tourist attractions.

"We're really trying to promote Logan County as much as we can with all the tourism draws it has," said Ladd.