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Explore Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

The Birthplace of Route 66

Welcome to the place where it all began. Springfield, Missouri is proudly known as the official birthplace of Route 66—and we invite you to rediscover America’s most famous highway from right here in the heart of the Ozarks.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, creating new memories, or just looking for a good slice of pie and a scenic ride, you’ll find something unforgettable around every turn.

Route 66 section of History Museum on the Square

Route 66 Things to Do

Discover some of the must-do attractions on, and off the Route. We recommend a 2-3 day stay to experience the best attractions Springfield has to offer.

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Route 66 Places to Stay

From neon-lit motels, to modern amenities, there's somewhere to stay overnight. Discover deals and accommodations.

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Route 66 Planning & Inspiration

Use these helpful planning tools, like custom itineraries and mood boards, to help you design your perfect Route 66 trip to Springfield, MO.

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Group Tour Travel

A great resource for travel professionals to discover amazing places to take their groups and celebrate Route 66.

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Route 66 Must-Do Attractions

Whatever your pace, discover attractions both on and off the Route. A great way to spend 2 to 3 days in Springfield.

On the Route Attractions

Route 66 Car Museum

Gary's Gay Parita

Gillioz Theatre

History Museum on the Square

Other Unique Local Attractions

Wonders of Wildlife

Immersive wildlife museum and aquarium with 35,000 live animals.

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Fantastic Caverns

America’s only ride-through cave; explore via Jeep-drawn tram.

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Springfield Cardinals

Double-A baseball team; future stars play at Hammons Field.

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The Fork

35-foot-tall stainless steel fork; quirky roadside photo opportunity.

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Event Highlight:

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival is an annual celebration held in downtown Springfield, Missouri, commemorating the city's pivotal role in the creation of the iconic U.S. Route 66. In 1926, Springfield was the site where the name "Route 66" was first proposed, marking the city's significance in American transportation history.

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Birthplace of Route 66 Festival Springfield, Missouri

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Route 66 Lodging

Stay Overnight on the Route

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

Retro motel with neon lights and Elvis-themed room.

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Rockwood Motor Court

Restored 1940s motor court with vintage charm and style.

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Rest Haven Court

Vintage Route 66 motel with classic neon and charm.

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Additional Lodging in Town

The Moxy Downtown

Trendy, playful boutique stay with retro flair and cocktails.

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Oasis Hotel and Convention Center

Modern amenities with tropical vibes, perfect for events and groups.

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University Plaza Hotel

Spacious downtown hotel near parks, dining, and convention center.

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VIB Best Western

Chic, tech-savvy hotel with rooftop vibes on Route 66.

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Route 66 Planning & Inspiration

Itineraries & Blogs

2-Day Authentic Route 66 Itinerary

Experience classic nostalgia and charm on the Mother Road.

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2-Day Itinerary - Classic Meets Cool

A 2-day itinerary with a mixture of classic and modern vibes.

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2-Day Group Route 66 Itinerary

The best way's to spend 2 days traveling with your group.

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Custom A.I. Route 66 Itinerary Builder

Use A.I. to build your own custom Route 66 itinerary in Springfield, MO.

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Cruise the Birthplace of Route 66

Get your kicks on Route 66 by visiting these points of interest along the historic...

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66 Things to Do on Route 66

Yes, we really do have 66 things you can do on Route 66.

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Route 66 Inspiration Board

Must-Stop for Planning

The Route 66 Visitor Center

One of the first stops to make in Springfield for any Route 66 fan is the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center, a primary source of information for any Mother Road adventurer. The center offers maps, driving directions and regional highlights that help visitors discover the top things to see and do in the Springfield area and some historical tidbits.

Present your Route 66 Passport Here! Get it Stamped and receive a FREE GIFT!
815 E. St. Louis Street, Ste 100
Springfield, MO 65806

Springfield Visitor Center

Route 66 Group Tour Travel

Bring your group to the Birthplace of Route 66 for a nostalgic journey through classic Americana. From vintage cars and neon-lit motels to immersive museums and roadside photo ops, Springfield is the perfect stop for motorcoach tours, car clubs, and history lovers chasing the Mother Road.

Best Accommodations for Groups

Sample Group Three-Day Itinerary

Day One

🐟 Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Immersive aquarium and wildlife museum with 35,000 animals.
🍽️ Lunch at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe
Seafood and homestyle eats in Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World®.
🏛️ Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World®
The original 500,000 sq ft store with multiple free museums.
🎭 Performance at the Historic Gillioz Theatre
Route 66-era theatre hosting concerts and comedy.

Day Two

🗺️ Route 66 Guided Driving Tour
Explore Springfield’s historic Route 66 sites with a local guide.
🏛️ History Museum on the Square
From prehistoric times to Route 66 legends — it's all here.
🏛️ Park Central Square
Walk historic downtown streets with art, shops, and stories.
🍽️ Lunch at Steak ‘n Shake on Historic Route 66
Burgers, fries, and milkshakes at a classic Route 66 joint.
🏛️ Springfield Art Museum
Explore art from American masters to modern exhibitions.
🏛️ Pythian Castle
Springfield’s only castle, rich with history and ghost tales.

Day Three

🏛️ Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Walk Civil War battlefields and learn about key Missouri history.
🍽️ Lunch at Leong’s Asian Diner
Springfield-style Cashew Chicken where it all began!
🗺 Fantastic Caverns
America’s only ride-thru cave — a natural wonder of Missouri.
⚾ Springfield Cardinals
Catch a ballgame at Hammons Field, home to future Cardinals stars.