Springfield, Missouri, known as the Birthplace of Route 66, is full of can’t-miss photo ops that capture the spirit of the Mother Road. From retro neon and historic motor courts to colorful murals and new public art, these stops offer the perfect mix of nostalgia and creativity for your next photo-worthy adventure.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
This retro motor court is one of the most iconic Route 66 stops in Springfield, complete with neon signs, a decked out Elvis-themed room, and classic Americana charm. It’s a living time capsule that instantly transports your photos back to the golden age of road trips.
Address: 203 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Route 66 Steak N' Shake
As only one of three locations still located on Route 66, this Steak N’ Shake was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and still houses the original signage. For a prime photo-op, visit at night to see the full effect of the neon signage.
Address: 1158 E. St. Louis St., Springfield
Related Post: Plan Your Trip on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri
The Birthplace of Springfield, Missouri Sculpture
This bold, modern sculpture marks the historic roots of Springfield while doubling as a striking photo backdrop. Its clean design and downtown setting make it an easy, must-visit stop along Route 66.
Address 219 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield
The Gillioz Theatre
The historic Gillioz Theatre was also built in 1926 with a marquee that still glows with classic charm, making it a standout stop for vintage-inspired photos. Its beautifully restored façade adds a touch of old Hollywood to your Route 66 journey.
Address: 325 Park Central E., Springfield
The History Museum on the Square
On the top floor of the History Museum on the Square is an in-depth exhibit talking all about Springfield's history with Route 66. Snap a photo in front of the huge wall to wall map, convertable car, or one of several neon signs.
Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield
College Station Theatre Mural
This large-scale mural adds color and storytelling to downtown while highlighting movie stars who have visited Springfield or share ties to the city. It’s a vibrant, eye-catching spot that blends local history with Hollywood flair, making it a fun and unique photo stop.
Address: 415 W. College St., Springfield
Bud’s Tire & Wheel Mural
Bright, bold, and unmistakably Route 66, this mural on the side of Bud’s Tire & Wheel celebrates the road’s car culture with vintage flair. It’s a colorful, high-energy backdrop that perfectly captures the spirit of the Mother Road.
Address: 701 W. College St., Springfield
Related Post: Bud’s Tire & Wheel: A decades-long legacy on Route 66 in Springfield
Hubcaps on Route 66 Sculpture
A beautiful art piece on the historic Route, “Hubcaps on Route 66” is a sculpture made by Joe & Terry Malesky for Springfield Sculpture Walk. Take a photo with this giant 66 made entirely of hubcaps symbolizing the miles and miles visitors travel to see the iconic road.
Address: 1000 W. College St., Springfield
Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park
If you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs, this scenic stop along the route offers a quiet place to pause and unwind. It also features a photo op with the original Red’s Giant Hamburg sign, a nod to the first drive-thru restaurant in America.
Address: 1053 W. College St., Springfield
College Street Cafe
A true Route 66 classic, this cozy diner offers nostalgic vibes both inside and out. Its retro signage and welcoming exterior make it an easy favorite for capturing that timeless road trip feel.
Address: 1622 W. College St., Springfield
Related Post: College Street Cafe, a Route 66 landmark in Springfield for eats and treats
Route 66 Car Museum
Packed with vintage cars and automotive history, this spot is a dream for car lovers and photographers alike. Take some photos with classic movie cars or even vintage T-models.
Address: 1634 W. College St., Springfield
Rockwood Motor Court
With its classic neon sign and historic motel cabins, Rockwood Motor Court offers one of the most authentic overnight stops on Route 66. It’s especially photogenic at night when the neon lights up the scene.
Address: 2200 W. College St., Springfield
Trailer Perk Coffee Shop
This quirky coffee stop, set in a retro turquoise trailer, adds a fun and unexpected twist to your Route 66 photos. It’s a perfect blend of caffeine and creativity with plenty of personality. Make sure to order the Route 66 Kicker on your way through, their Route 66-themed drink.
Address: 2848 W. Chestnut Expy, Springfield
Gary’s Gay Parita
A lovingly restored filling station, this stop is pure Route 66 nostalgia brought back to life. Every detail, from the gas pumps to the signage, feels like stepping into a postcard from the past.
Address: 21118 Old 66, Ash Grove
Coming Soon
Queen’s Gate Sculpture
Planned as a towering tribute to Route 66 adjacent to the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, the Queen’s Gate will offer a dramatic, larger-than-life photo opportunity symbolizing Springfield as the Queen City of the Ozarks.
Address: 203 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Birthplace Plaza
Set to become a new gathering space downtown, the Birthplace Plaza will blend history, public art, and storytelling into one photogenic destination. A new sculpture titled “Ghost of the Colonial Hotel” will be installed at the corner of St. Louis and Jefferson, honoring the site where Route 66 was officially named in 1926 and where the Colonial Hotel once stood before its demolition nearly 30 years ago. Once complete, it will be a go-to location for capturing Springfield’s origin story in a single frame.
Address: Corner of South Jefferson Avenue and East St. Louis Street
Route 66 Centennial Sculpture Series
Part of Springfield’s ever-evolving public art scene, these Route 66 sculptures will be making their appearance all over Springfield, with each sculpture painted with a unique design, bringing local art right to the roadside. Each piece offers a unique photo op that blends art with Route 66 history.
Address: TBD
