SPRINGFIELD, MO - Visit Springfield is excited to announce that its new Route 66 Welcome Center will open Monday, April 27, bringing a modern, interactive welcome space to the heart of downtown Springfield.
The welcome center will be located at 318 Park Central East in The U building, at the corner directly across from the Gillioz Theatre and adjacent to the Route 66 Birthplace Plaza — one of the city’s newest attractions tied to the Route 66 Centennial celebration.
Each year, Visit Springfield welcomes thousands of visitors through its Route 66 Visitor Center. The new location builds on that reach by bringing visitors directly into the heart of downtown, encouraging them to step out and experience the city’s restaurants, attractions and cultural offerings firsthand.
“We’re excited to create the best possible experience for every visitor, and this new location allows us to welcome guests in a more modern, engaging way,” said Tonia Castaneda, Vice President of Finance and Administration for Visit Springfield. “The welcome center is often the first stop when arriving in Springfield. We’re proud to connect visitors more directly to everything the city has to offer.”
Visit Springfield partnered with H Design Group and Nabholz Construction, both of Springfield, to bring the vision for the 1,745-square-foot space to life. The welcome center features maps, guides, driving directions, local recommendations, and souvenirs for visitors to take home a piece of their Springfield experience. Designed with today’s traveler in mind, the center reflects the evolving needs of visitors while providing a relaxed environment to discover the destination. The welcome center will also serve as a resource for local residents.
The existing Route 66 Visitor Center at the Jordan Valley Car Park will close, while Visit Springfield’s administrative offices will remain at that location for the time being.
Visit Springfield will host an open house on Wednesday, May 6, from 4–6 p.m., inviting the community to tour the new space and experience the Route 66 Welcome Center firsthand.
Opening the welcome center ahead of the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration ensures Springfield is ready to welcome the world during this landmark year, strengthening the arrival experience for future visitors and elevating the city’s visibility during this historic moment.
