66 Things to Do on Route 66 in Springfield Missouri

Whether you're cruising the Mother Road or planning a Missouri road trip, Springfield is a must-stop destination on Historic Route 66. Known as the Birthplace of Route 66, Springfield is where the iconic highway got its name in 1926, securing its place in American road trip history.

Today, visitors can experience that history through vintage motor courts, roadside attractions, local restaurants, museums, murals and unique Route 66 landmarks. From snapping photos of neon signs and exploring classic car collections to attending Route 66 events and discovering hidden gems, there are countless ways to experience the spirit of the Mother Road.

Whether you're stopping for a few hours or spending the weekend, use this guide to explore 66 things to do on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, and discover why the Birthplace of Route 66 remains one of the most memorable stops along America's most famous highway.

Places to Eat

1. Get carhop service at the Route 66 Steak n’ Shake.

2. Have a down-home meal at College Street Cafe.

3. Have Iraqi coffee at ASA-AL FURAT.

4. Eat handcrafted burgers at Civil Kitchen.

5. Sip on a tropical cocktail at The Golden Girl Rum Club.

6. Order a sweet treat at The European.

7. Enjoy a cold beer at Mother’s Brewing Company. 

8. Smoke cigars and eat delicious food at Tabak Co.

9. Watch some sports and eat wings at Harbell’s.

10. Get your caffeine fix with in-house roasted coffee at Brick & Mortar Coffee.

11. Grab a grilled cheese sandwich at Druffs. 

12. Try Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken at New House Chinese Food. 

13. Enjoy craft beer and live music at Hold Fast Brewery.

14. Have Jamaican Cuisine at Jamaican Patty Co. 

15. Order the Route 66 Kicker at Trailer Perk Coffee.

16. Eat delicious soul food at Mama G’s Kitchen. 

17. Grab some tacos at El Paraiso Mexican Kitchen.

18. Check out I Love Tacos TAQUERIA, a food truck on Route 66.

19. Have a latte at The Coffee Ethic.

Things to Do 

20. See a movie at the Gillioz Theatre.

21. Take a photo with the Springfield mural.

22. Visit the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center.

23. See over 70 antique cars at the Route 66 Car Museum.

24. Tour the History Museum on the Square.

25. See the circus at the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine.

26. Explore the Route 66-themed murals. 

27. See a show at the Historic Fox Theatre.

28. See a $5 movie on Tuesdays at College Station Theaters. 

29. Go on a science adventure at the Discovery Center.

30. Play a round of golf at BigShots Golf Springfield.

31. Catch a comedy special at Springfield Comedy Club.

32. Attend the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. 

33. Take a photo with the Route 66 Sculpture at the Route 66 Roadside Park. 

34. Visit the Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks.

35. Get a haircut at the smallest barbershop in Springfield. 

36. Tour the outdoor Sculpture Walk.

37. Tour The Calaboose, the city’s oldest jail and police museum.

38. Take a photo at the new Birthplace of Route 66 sign in Jubilee Park.

Places to Stay

39. Stay in the Elvis Room at the Best Western Rail Haven.

40. Cozy up at the Rockwood Motor Court. 

41. Get a good night’s rest at the Rest Haven Court. 

A Block Off The Route

42. Share some fondue at MudLounge.

43. Shop for books at Storyhouse Bookstore and Bookmarx. 

44. Stay at a Bed & Breakfast at Walnut Street Inn.

45. See a live theatre production at the Springfield Little Theatre.

46. Take a brewery tour of Springfield Brewing Co.

47. Enjoy boozy milkshakes at Black Sheep Burgers.

48. Stay in Springfield’s only boutique hotel, Hotel Vandivort.

49. See the Springfield Cardinals play at Hammons Field.

West of Springfield (Until Carthage)

50. Enjoy a meal at the aviation-themed Hangar Kafe.

51. Take a leap of faith at the Ozarks Skydive Center.

52. Relive the glory days of the Mother Road at Route 66 Gary's Gay Parita Gas Station.

53. Visit the retro-inspired Iggy’s Diner.

54. Watch a movie at the 66 Drive-In Theatre.

55. Enjoy a sweet treat at SuperTAM Icecream Parlor and Superman Museum.

56. Visit Red Oak II, a modern remodeled ghost town.

57. Grab a vintage soda at Lottie’s Soda Shoppe.

58. Enjoy a tasty burger at Bernie’s Bar & Grill.

East of Springfield (Until Lebanon)

59. Try over 35 ice cream flavors at Papaw’s Kookies & Kream.

60. Visit Joe’s Route 66 Diner for a classic American meal.

61. Enjoy a unique safari experience at Wild Animal Safari. 

62. Sample a selection of beers at Boat Town Brewery.

63. Enjoy all day breakfast at Elm Street Eatery.

64. Book a stay at the Manor House Inn.

65. Tour the Route 66 Museum.

66. Walk through the Route 66 themed Boswell Park.