If you’re a history buff, you’re going to love Springfield. The city is filled with historic sites and attractions that will keep you exploring and learning for endless hours. But before you set out on your history tour, book your room at the Best Western Route 66 Railhaven, a hotel that’s been operating since the heyday of The Mother Road. You’ll also want to consider Hotel Vandivort, a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a historic building downtown; The Mansion at Elfindale where you’ll enjoy Victorian elegance; or the charming Walnut Street Inn where the rooms are filled with antiques.
Day 1
Breakfast: College Street Cafe
Located on Historic Route 66 next to the Route 66 Car Museum, this quaint cafe reminiscent of a 1950’s diner will take you back in time. With down-home cooking as a staple, you can enjoy the Potato Skillet Delight featuring ham, hash browns, green peppers, tomatoes, onion and cheese topped with eggs fixed any way you like. With loads of gravy, the country-fried steak breakfast isn’t for those who want a light meal. Or go for a traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs. Whatever you choose, you won’t leave hungry.
Address: 1622 W. College St., Springfield
Route 66 Car Museum
After breakfast, explore the Route 66 Car Museum where you’ll see nearly 100 classic and sports cars, including automobiles from the early brass era to vehicles used in cinema such as the Gotham Cruiser. The museum houses seven Jaguars, two Rolls Royces, a 1963 Morgan owned by Desert Storm's General Norman Schwarzkopf, and the famous truck from the movie “The Grapes of Wrath” that starred Henry Fonda. Consider getting chauffeur service with a classic car for the rest of your trip.
Address: 1634 W. College St., Springfield
History Museum on the Square
Voted the best new attraction in the nation in a “USA Today” readers’ poll, the History Museum on the Square is where you’ll learn about the history of the Ozarks and the third-largest city in Missouri. Kids love the interactive exhibits and grown-ups enjoy the fascinating displays that explore famous incidents of the past, how the city has developed, famous Springfieldians and more. If you’re a Route 66 enthusiast, be sure to spend time in the exhibit about the famous highway that takes up a large portion of the third floor. Springfield, by the way, is known as the Birthplace of Route 66.
Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield
Lunch: Casper’s
You’ll leave the museum hungry so head over to Casper’s, Springfield’s most unique diner that began operating in 1909. After moving to a few different locations, the restaurant moved to its current location in 2023. While you’re dining, you won’t be able to stop your eyes from exploring the walls and ceiling, all covered with unique posters, art and odd decor. Note that it's a local custom to invite a stranger to sit at your table if you have room to spare.
Address: 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum
Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, head out of town to Mansfield for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum. Fans of the famous “Little House” books and the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series that was broadcast from 1974-1983 will love exploring where Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her books. The museum is only 50 miles from Springfield and is well worth the trip.
Address: 3060 State Hwy A, Mansfield
Dinner: Pizza House
You’ve been on your feet a good part of the day. Now it’s time to relax at another local restaurant that will take you back to yesteryear on Commercial Street. Pizza House has been serving St. Louis-style pizza since 1958 and is sure to please the palate.
Address: 312 E. Commercial St., Springfield
Day 2
Breakfast: Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe
Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe is another of Springfield’s oldest restaurants. It started out as a pharmacy serving hamburgers in 1940 and has been serving food ever since. Though the pharmacy part of the business is long gone, the restaurant has expanded into the ground floor of neighboring buildings and even includes a bar frequented by locals and travelers in the evening.
Address: 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
After breakfast, plan to spend three hours - or more - at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Thousands of fish and live animals are showcased in an immersive environment designed to educate about wildlife and conservation efforts around the world. Along with touring the displays and aquariums, patrons can go underwater in the Out to Sea Shark Dive and get up close and personal with penguins in the Penguin Encounter at Penguin Cove.
Address: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield
Bass Pro Shops
After exploring Wonders of Wildlife, don’t miss the chance to visit the original and largest Bass Pro Shops®, a true outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! Spanning nearly 500,000 square feet, this flagship location features indoor waterfalls, massive aquariums, a live firing range, the TRACKER® boat showroom, and even a stop at Hemingway’s Blue Water Café. Browse an unbeatable selection of outdoor gear and be sure to check out the five free museums inside.
Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield
Lunch: Lindberg's Tavern
Lindberg’s Tavern isn’t just a bar—it’s a piece of Springfield history. As the oldest tavern in the city, this beloved C-Street landmark has been serving up good times since 1870. With its vintage charm, live music, and elevated pub fare, Lindberg’s blends old-school character with modern flavor. Whether you're grabbing a burger, sipping a local brew, or enjoying the sounds of a live band, it’s the kind of place where stories are made and remembered.
Address: 318 W. Commercial St., Springfield
Stroll Historic C-Street
After lunch consider strolling Historic C-Street, one of Springfield’s most vibrant and eclectic districts. Known for its rich history and creative energy, C-Street is lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, artisan markets, and one-of-a-kind dining spots you won’t find anywhere else in town. From pop-up art shows and themed street festivals to live music and maker fairs, this lively strip always has something unexpected around the corner.
Address: Commercial Street
Tour Pythian Castle
Take a deep dive into some haunted history at Pythian Castle. Built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias as an orphanage, and later owned by the U.S. Military. Unravel the secrets of this certified haunted castle on a ghost tour, or solve a puzzle to escape the hallowed halls. Take a spooky ghost tour or learn about the general history of the building with one of their historic tours.
Address: 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield
Dinner: Springfield Brewing Co.
After you’re done exploring all the art downtown, head to Springfield Brewing Co. for a cold brew, nice meal and more local history. Hung on the walls throughout the restaurant, you’ll find several old photographs that will give you a glimpse into the city’s past.
Address: 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield
Day 3
Breakfast: Early Bird Breakfast Pub
If you haven’t paired a cocktail with your breakfast, you’ll get to do so at Early Bird Breakfast Pub. Scouring their menu, you’ll find a “For The Birds” section where each item comes with two eggs and toast no matter what you order. If you look a little further, their “Birds Nest” items are all served on top of a puff pastry. For cocktails, pair your breakfast with a Breakfast Margarita or a Mango Mai Tai.
Address: 1717 E. Cherokee St., Springfield
Missouri Institute of Natural Science
Step back in time at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science, where millions of years of history come to life. Nestled just outside Springfield, this hidden gem offers a fascinating look into Missouri’s prehistoric past—complete with fossils, minerals, and the massive skeleton of “Henry,” a 30-foot Triceratops discovered right on site. From Ice Age mammals to ancient sea life, the museum traces the natural history of the Ozarks and beyond. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, it’s a place where science and history meet, and where every exhibit tells a story from long before our time.
Address: 2327 W. Farm Road 190, Springfield
Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks
A hidden gem in Springfield is the Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks. Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the museum’s humble exhibits feature thousands of items of military history large and small. You’ll see Jeeps, airplane parts and more. Take an imaginary flight in a real Cobra helicopter, see restored vintage military equipment and have a personalized dog tag made.
Address: 2305 E. Kearney St., Springfield
Lunch: Leong's Asian Diner
You can't leave Springfield without trying Springfield-style Cashew Chicken!
Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken is available at restaurants throughout the city but if you want the authentic recipe, check out Leong’s Asian Diner, owned by the family that came up with the recipe of fried chicken chunks covered in oyster sauce, cashews and green onions.
The recipe got its start at Leong’s Tea House in 1963 when the late David Leong was trying to find a dish he could serve at his Chinese restaurant that would be accepted by the Springfield crowd. Little did he know that nearly 60 years later, his recipe would be a Springfield icon and versions of it would be served on menus across the country.
Address: 1540 W. Republic Road., Springfield
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
The Battle of Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and the site of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in action. The battle that occurred on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield commemorates and interprets the battle. Explore the visitors center and its exhibits and drive, bike or walk the five-mile tour road.
Address: 6424 W. Farm Rd 182, Republic
Dinner: Route 66 Steak 'n Shake
Springfield is home to a Steak 'n Shake that was built in 1962 on Route 66 (now St. Louis Street). Along with its delicious burgers, fries, shakes and more, this restaurant on the National Register of Historic Places still offers curbside service. Just pull up on the east side of the building and a server will come to you. Inside, you’ll find a black and white tile floor, neon signs, red vinyl seats and other retro decor.
Address: 1158 E. St. Louis St., Springfield
Other Museums
Did some of the museums above not suit your trip? Here are a few others you can put in place.
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