Route 66, the "Mother Road," is a historic highway that runs through Springfield, Missouri, the birthplace of one of its most iconic stretches. Whether you're a history buff, road trip lover, or just exploring the charm of this legendary route, Springfield offers a variety of attractions. From vintage diners and classic motels to modern hidden gems, here are 66 things to do along Route 66 in Springfield and beyond!

Springfield

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. Enjoy old-fashioned burgers at Red’s Giant Hamburg. (off the Route)

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 Blue Room 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 with the Muffler Man at the former Route 66 Food Truck 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 Pagination Bookshop 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.