As the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield, Missouri is pulling out all the stops to kick off the Route 66 Centennial in unforgettable fashion. From April 30–May 3, the city will host a lineup of special centennial kickoff events, paired perfectly with iconic attractions, classic diners, and local favorites that capture the spirit of America’s most legendary highway. Whether you’re a longtime Route 66 road-tripper or planning your first journey, this itinerary is your guide to experiencing the ultimate centennial celebration right where it all began.
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April 29
Lunch at Druff’s Diner
Looking for the perfect lunch stop when you first roll into town? This grilled cheese joint offers a unique blend of classic culinary delights with a touch of vintage flair. Nestled right by the Gillioz Theatre downtown, this cozy diner is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and snap a quick picture of the cute and quirky interior.
Address: 331 Park Central E., Springfield
Tour The Route 66 Car Museum
For classic car enthusiasts, visitors can step inside the Route 66 Car Museum and view over 70 car models that owner Guy Mace has been collecting since 1990. View brass-era vehicles that date back to the early 1900s to celebrity cars that are famous for their time on the big screen.
Address: 1634 W. College St., Springfield
Tour The 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 a must-see for Route 66 enthusiasts visiting the birthplace of the Mother Road. Located in downtown Springfield, the museum explores the history of the Ozarks and the city’s growth while featuring an immersive Route 66 exhibit that takes up much of the top floor. With vintage memorabilia, historic photos, and interactive displays, it offers a deeper look at how Route 66 helped shape Springfield and American road travel.
Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield
Dinner at College Street Cafe
Located on Historic Route 66, the quaint College Street Cafe is the perfect stop for hungry travelers. With down-home cooking as their staple, they want all of their customers to feel as though they are sitting at mama's table every time they come in.
Address: 1622 W. College St., Springfield
Drinks at Golden Girl Rum Club
Step into a tropical time machine at Golden Girl Rum Club, a retro-inspired tiki bar located along historic Route 66 in downtown Springfield. With vintage flair, bold rum-forward cocktails, and a crave-worthy pizza menu, it’s a perfect stop for Route 66 travelers looking to unwind after a day on the Mother Road.
Address: 137 Park Central Square Second Floor, Springfield
April 30
Early Breakfast at Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe
A longtime downtown favorite a street over from Route 66, Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe has been serving all-day breakfast for nearly 20 years. Known for its locally inspired atmosphere, homemade classics like eggs benedict and chicken and waffles, plus fun extras like mimosa flights and occasional live music, it’s a great fuel-up stop for Route 66 travelers before hitting the road for the day.
Address: 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield
See the TODAY Show in Downtown Springfield
NBC’s TODAY Show will originate its nationally televised “3rd Hour” live from Springfield, bringing the Birthplace of Route 66 to millions of viewers across the United States and around the world from downtown Springfield. Hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin will spotlight Springfield’s role in American transportation history, the cultural legacy of Route 66, and the communities preparing to celebrate the highway’s 100th anniversary. The broadcast will feature live interviews, historical storytelling, and scenes from the kickoff celebration, officially launching the Route 66 Centennial on a national stage. Head downtown around 8 a.m. and see if you can land a spot in the live crowd shots.
Address: Downtown Springfield
Tour Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
While not on the Route, an afternoon at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a must. Be prepared to spend several hours here, as the 350,000-square-foot space houses over 35,000 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals, from small turtles to a large albino alligator. The sea of blue tanks stretches through a series of themed areas visitors can roam, such as an ocean shipwreck, Louisiana swamp area, Amazon rainforest and others.
Address: 600 W. Sunshine St., Springfield
Lunch at Hemingway’s Inside Bass Pro Shops
No reason to drive to lunch! Simply walk over to this stunning cafe nestled inside Bass Pro Shops and enjoy a sportsman inspired menu like Bacon Wrapped Duck Poppers, Bison Burger, and much more amidst an aquarian backdrop.
Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield
Attend The Birthplace Plaza Dedication at 4 p.m.
Want to see history come alive? The Birthplace Plaza marks the historic site of the Colonial Hotel, where in 1926 the telegram naming Route 66 was sent, cementing Springfield’s place in American history. Featuring a sculptural work, mural, and interpretive kiosk, the plaza reclaims this corner as a wayfinder for travelers and a pilgrimage site for Route 66 enthusiasts. The plaza will be dedicated exactly 100 years to the moment the telegram was sent to Washington, D.C., honoring the road that began here.
Address: Southwest corner of Jefferson Ave. and St. Louis St.
Dinner At Civil Kitchen
Located just up the street from The Birthplace Plaza along historic Route 66, Civil Kitchen is a great spot to gather for dinner and cocktails in downtown Springfield. With indoor and outdoor seating and local favorites like Chicken and Waffles and Banh Mi Tacos, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing stop for Route 66 travelers.
Address: 107 Park Central Square, Springfield
Go to the concert at Great Southern Bank Arena
Join thousands of fans at Missouri State University’s Great Southern Bank Arena as we celebrate the epic 2026 Route 66 Centennial. This high-energy outdoor concert brings together some of the biggest names in country, rock, and Americana like Little Big Town, Gretchen Wilson, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flats, Chris Janson, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and The Haygoods whose sounds echo the grit, soul, and storytelling of America’s most legendary highway. Learn more here.
Address: 685 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield
May 1
Breakfast at The European
Located in the heart of downtown on historic Route 66, The European sits on Park Central Square within walking distance of many Springfield favorites. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and seasonal menu, it’s a great breakfast or brunch stop for Route 66 travelers craving classics like homemade biscuits and gravy or cream ricotta pancakes before exploring the city.
Address: 105 Park Central Square, Springfield
Attend The Queen’s Gate 66 Dedication: 11 a.m.
See one of Springfield’s Route 66 monuments take center stage at this citywide dedication. The Queen’s Gate 66 will rise nearly 30 feet high on St. Louis Street, just west of Glenstone, marking the east gateway to the Birthplace of Route 66. The crown-like, sunburst design celebrates Springfield’s foundational role in the highway’s origin and stands beside the iconic Route 66 Rail Haven as a landmark in its own right. Illuminated at night, the monument will welcome travelers from around the world with a striking symbol of where the journey began.
Address: St. Louis St., just west of Glenstone Avenue
Lunch at Casper’s Diner
For a quirky diner stop with a Route 66 feel down the street from The Queen’s Gate, have lunch at Casper’s Diner, one of the oldest diners in Springfield. Fill up with a classic bowl of chili or steakburger that are some local favorites.
Address: 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Take a Tour of Fantastic Caverns
You can’t leave Springfield without visiting one of the city’s iconic caves. One of Missouri’s most well-known caves is Fantastic Caverns. As the only ride-through cave in North America, riders can relax in the big red trams while the cave guides stop throughout the cave and dive deep into the cavern's history. Fantastic Caverns is open 362 days a year and is an all-weather, all-seasons natural attraction.
Address: 4872 N. Farm Road 125, Springfield
Check out First Friday Artwalk
Experience a local favorite while you’re in town, First Friday Artwalk in downtown Springfield! Visit the Downtown Arts District on First Friday to enjoy original art, live music, hands-on activities and live art demonstrations in more than 20 participating galleries, as well as fine and casual dining, cutting-edge fashion, one-of-a-kind retail and vibrant nightlife throughout the historic heart of Springfield. It’s the perfect activity to check out the downtown scene before the parade!
Address: Downtown Springfield
See the National Route 66 Parade at 6 p.m.
There are parades and then there are once-in-a-century celebrations. At 6 p.m., Missouri kicks off the National Route 66 Centennial with a 100-Car History Parade that promises to be one of the most exciting, nostalgic, and star-studded events ever to roll down the Mother Road. This isn’t just a parade; it’s a living, moving museum of America’s most famous highway.
Address: Downtown Springfield
Dinner at Flame
To finish off an iconic day in Springfield, Flame Steakhouse & Wine Bar downtown is sure to impress. Dine upstairs in the two-tier seating area or head downstairs to the Red Room for cocktail hour. Start off the night with a glass of wine from the extensive selection. From there, scour the menu with an array of steaks from dry-aged ribeye to filet mignon.
Address: 314 W. Walnut St., Springfield
Drinks at Eyrie at The Moxy Hotel
Wrap up your night with a gorgeous view of downtown Springfield at Eyrie Rooftop Bar at The Moxy Hotel. Not only can you enjoy some delicious cocktails and food, but you’re still just a block from Historic Route 66.
Address: 430 South Ave., Springfield
May 2
Breakfast at Van Gogh’s
For breakfast and dutch pancakes all day, Van Gogh’s Eeterie is the place to be. Focusing on traditional Dutch cuisine of the Netherlands, you can find favorites such as Dutch pancakes (Pannenkoek), Stamppots, Nasi Goreng and even Stroopwafels and Poffertjes.
Address: 334 E. Commercial St., Springfield
Attend the Classic Car Show on Historic C-Street 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Classic cars will transform Commercial Street into the centerpiece of an Americana celebration, forming a living timeline of American transportation. From early touring cars to mid-century cruisers, muscle cars, and vintage trucks, the display tells the story of how Americans traveled, worked, and dreamed across generations. More than a tribute to Route 66, these vehicles honor the people who shaped both the road and the nation.
Address: Historic C-Street
Attend Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street
Experience Springfield’s creative energy with a weekend at Artsfest. Explore original art from 100+ artists, live music, hands-on activities, live demos, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Presented by Great Southern Bank, Artsfest offers a full weekend of art, music, and memories for just $5 admission (free for kids 5 and under).
Address: Historic Walnut Street
Lunch at Artsfest
Over a 20+ food and drink vendors serve cuisine from all over the world at Artsfest. Head to the food court and food truck area and grab some lunch. Many of the food vendors have local restaurants here in Springfield.
Address: Historic Walnut Street
Attend The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Dedication: May 2, 2026 4 p.m.
The historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, built in 1902, will be rededicated as a powerful symbol of connection and continuity in Springfield. Spanning 562 feet across the railroad yard, the restored bridge reunites north and south neighborhoods while honoring Route 66’s spirit of bringing people together. Its lighting marks a meaningful celebration aligned with the Route 66 Centennial and America’s 250th Birthday.
Address: Jefferson Avenue
Attend the Telegraph Ball at Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque May 2, 2026 7 p.m.
The National Route 66 Centennial Telegraph Ball debuts at the Historic Shrine Mosque, transporting guests back to 1926—the moment Springfield helped launch Route 66. Hosted by Missouri First Lady Claudia Kehoe and Springfield First Lady Mary Helen Schrag, the elegant evening features fine dining, music by the Angel City Swing Orchestra, and a live auction amid the Mosque’s iconic Moorish architecture. With distinguished guests and a $500 general admission, the ball honors Springfield’s pivotal role in American history with an unforgettable night of rhythm, heritage, and celebration.
Address: 601 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield
May 3, 2026
Breakfast at Tea Bar & Bites
Start your morning a couple blocks from Route 66 at Tea Bar & Bites, where bakery-fresh aromas and an extensive tea menu set the tone for a relaxing stop. With a charming patio and popular homemade treats like caramel cinnamon rolls and fresh quiche that often sell out, it’s a sweet way for Route 66 travelers to ease into the day.
Address: 621 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield
Check Out Dickerson Park Zoo
After breakfast, take a stroll through Dickerson Park Zoo. The zoo is a self-guided walking tour you can explore at your own pace with a wide variety of animal exhibits. Kids can explore the reptile house, feed the giraffes, and attend special events for more hours of fun. There’s even a miniature train ride, a gift shop, playground and cafe for snacks.
Address: 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield
Continue Down Route 66 or Back Home!
Whether you want to stay in Springfield a bit longer, or continue down the route, it’s up to you!
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