How to Complete Springfield’s Route 66 Digital Pass (and Get All the Prizes)

Planning a Route 66 trip to Springfield just got a whole lot easier. The Route 66 Digital Pass is your guide to exploring the Birthplace of Route 66. Check in at participating stops, rack up points, and earn fun rewards along the way, including a sweatshirt, t-shirt, stickers, and even a tire gauge. If you’re visiting from out of town and want to make the most of your time (and your points), this itinerary is designed to help you hit the best stops in the most efficient way, so you can experience it all and walk away with every prize.

Where to Stay

Want to make the most of your Route 66 Digital Pass? Staying at one of the participating hotels is key. Hotel check-ins earn some of the highest point values in the pass. Check in, get comfortable, and let your adventure continue beyond the road. Check out the participating hotels below.

Participating Hotels:

Angler's Lodge
Baymont Inn and Suites
Best Western Rail Haven
ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham Springfield Airport Plaza
Element by Westin
La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport Plaza
Oasis Hotel
Rockwood Motor Court
Sleep Inn
University Plaza

Coming into Springfield

Lunch at Joe’s Route 66 Diner

As you’re heading down the route, stop for lunch inside Joe’s Route 66 Diner. Joe’s Route 66 Diner in Strafford is a nostalgic stop along the Mother Road, serving up classic American comfort food in a retro 1950s-style setting. It’s the perfect first stop to fuel up and continue on your journey.

Address: 201 E. Chestnut St, Strafford

Treat at Pawpaw's Kookies & Kream

Just around the corner, grab something sweet at Pawpaw’s Kookies & Kreme, the cutesy ice cream shop in town. This ice cream shop sells by-the-scoop ice cream and sherbet, homemade waffle cones, shakes, malts and other treats, including their famous spaghetti ice cream.

Address: 101 Historic Rte 66, Strafford

See Animals Up Close at Wild Animal Safari

Take an afternoon break and feed some animals at Wild Animal Safari. You can take your own car through in true Route 66 fashion, or take a tram tour. Make sure to visit the walking portion of the park as well for the full experience.

Address: 124 Jungle Dr., Strafford

Explore The Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Springfield! Spend some time walking through the Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks. See how Springfield played a role in World War II.

Address: 2305 E. Kearney St., Springfield

Dinner, Drinks & Fun at Bigshots Golf

Wind down and have dinner and drinks at Bigshots Golf to close out your first evening. You can try out their digital golfing games or their mini-golf course.

Address: 1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield

Day 2

See the Queen’s Gate 66

Start off your morning with taking a drive by the new Queen’s Gate 66 entryway. The 20-foot-tall monument features a stylized depiction of a crown to represent Springfield as the “Queen City of the Ozarks." This is a great spot for a photo-op!

Address: Intersection of St. Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue

Coffee at Brick & Mortar Coffee

Brick & Mortar Coffee

To start the morning off right, head inside Brick & Mortar Coffee for a beverage! Nothing starts the morning off quite like coffee, and their location is on Route 66!

Address: 1666 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield

See the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque

Shrine Mosque

Stop by the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque in downtown Springfield! The Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque is one of Springfield’s most eye-catching historic landmarks, with its unique Moorish-style architecture and colorful details. Built in 1923, it’s long been a go-to spot for entertainment, hosting everything from concerts to the Shrine Circus.

Address: 601 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield

Check out the Discovery Center

Science isn’t just for kids! The Discovery Center of Springfield is a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for curious minds of all ages. Packed with interactive exhibits, wander each room and explore everything from physics and engineering to space and the human body.

Address: 438 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield

See the Route 66 Shield Sculpture

Birthplace of Route 66 Sculpture

Just right next door, take a photo in front of the Route 66 Shield Sculpture. While there are several across many Route 66 cities, Springfield’s is the only one that says we’re the Birthplace!

Address: On the Corner of Jefferson Avenue & St. Louis Street.

See the Birthplace Plaza

Head across the street and see the brand new Birthplace Plaza where Springfield was officially named the Birthplace of Route 66 over 100 years ago! Take a photo in front of the new Ghost of the Colonial Hotel Sculpture, see the “Hitchhikers” mural and learn more about why Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66 at the Birthplace plaza information kiosk.

Address: On the Corner of Jefferson Avenue & St. Louis Street.

Visit the Route 66 Visitors Center

Need to stock up on Route 66 merchandise? Next to the Birthplace Plaza is the Route 66 Visitors Center! Inside you can grab some cool merch, pick up some Route 66 maps and stop and visit for a while.

Address: 318 Park Central E., Springfield

Take a photo or see a show at the Gillioz Theatre

Across the street from the Visitors Center, take a photo in front of the Gillioz Theatre or see a show if one is playing! The Gillioz Theatre was built the same year Route 66 was established, making it one of the first original Route 66 attractions.

Address: 325 Park Central W., Springfield

Take a photo in front of the Historic Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre

Just within walking distance is the Historic Fox Theatre. The Fox Theatre in downtown Springfield is a beautifully restored historic venue that brings a touch of old Hollywood charm to the Route 66 experience. It now hosts live performances, concerts, and classic film screenings in an intimate, retro setting. Take a photo in front of it or see a show inside!

Address: 157 Park Central Square, Springfield

Take a Tour of the History Museum on the Square

Take a tour of the History Museum on the Square just next door! Walk through and learn all of Springfield’s history dating back to the 1800s. For a real Route 66 treat, head up to the top floor and check out the Route 66 exhibit.

Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield

Have Lunch and Play Pool at Billiards of Springfield

Take a break, have lunch and play a round of pool at Billiards of Springfield. Enjoy everything from burgers and patty melts to wings, loaded hot dogs, mac and cheese and nachos.

Address: 541 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield

Have a Beer at Hold Fast Brewing

Wash down your meal with a local beer from Hold Fast Brewing right next door. Sit out on their outdoor patio and you may be able to catch some live music.

Address: 235 N. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield

See a Movie at College Station Theater

Head back down the street, relax and see a movie at College Station Theater. College Station Theater is one of Springfield’s locally owned theaters, and the only theater you can get delicious Pineapple Whip at, a Springfield staple.

Address: 415 W. College St., Springfield

Play Arcade Games at 1984

If you’re a night owl still itching for some entertainment, play some classic 1980s Arcade Games at 1984 Arcade. Play favorites like Smash TV, Dig Dug, or check out their Pinball room for even more games.

Address: 400 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield

Late Night Dinner at Steak n’ Shake

Still hungry or just want to grab a milkshake? Steak n’ Shake is the perfect place to stop for a late night treat. For a more authentic Route 66 experience, you can even do Car Hop service at this historic location.

Address:1158 E. St. Louis St., Springfield

Day 3

Your last day in Springfield! This day is all about seeing some of Springfield’s most notable stops before you leave for the day.

View the Route 66 Roadside Park

Start off your last day with touring through the Route 66 Roadside Park. Located right on Route 66, the park is a nod to roadside parks that once dotted the highway, great for a picnic and a selfie.

Address: 1053 W. College St., Springfield

Have Breakfast at College Street Cafe

Have breakfast at College Street Cafe, one of the cutest diners on Route 66. Open since the 50s, this spot gives you that homecooked, heartwarming feel. Make sure to grab a slice of pie before you head out!

Address: 1622 W. College St., Springfield

Tour the Route 66 Car Museum

Head next door to the Route 66 Car Museum. View over 80 different cars from early T-models to cars from your favorite movies.

Address: 1634 W. College St., Springfield

Take a Tram Tour Through Fantastic Caverns

You can’t leave Missouri without seeing a cave. Head north to Fantastic Caverns and take a tram tour through the cave. This is the only cave in North America you can take the tour in!

Address: 4872 N. Farm Road 125, Springfield

Walk Through Dickerson Park Zoo

Stretch your legs and see nearly 500 animals at Dickerson Park Zoo. The zoo is a self-guided walking tour you can explore at your own pace with various different animal exhibits, miniature train ride, a gift shop, a playground and a cafe.

Address: 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield

Have Lunch at Casper’s Diner

Grab a casual, classic American meal with hearty portions and a laid-back vibe at Caspar’s Diner. It’s a great spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy comfort food before continuing your day.

Address: 937 S. Glenstone Ave, Springfield

Tour Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Explore immersive exhibits featuring marine life, wildlife habitats, and conservation stories from around the world. Plan to spend a few hours here—it’s both educational and visually stunning.

Address: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield

Stroll Through Battlefield Mall

Walk through a wide variety of commercial shops ranging from popular name brands to local stores. It’s a good place to browse through all the retail Springfield has to offer.

Address: 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Have Dinner at Fire & Ice Restaurant

Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Fire and Ice, with a diverse menu and a stylish and unique atmosphere. It’s an ideal way to wind down your day with a satisfying meal.

Address: 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

See A Cardinal’s Baseball Game

Catch an exciting live game filled with energy, crowd cheers, and classic ballpark snacks. Whether you’re a fan or just there for the atmosphere, it’s a memorable experience and the perfect way to end your Route 66 itinerary!

Address: 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield