Greene County

AS THE FOURTH MOST populous county in Missouri, Greene holds the enviable honor of being home to “the birthplace of Route 66” — Springfield. The iconic highway meanders through the towns of Strafford, Springfield, and Plano.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, Springfield

Here you will find an abundance of retro Route 66 roadside gems like the World’s Largest Fork, the Hangar Kafe, Fantastic Caverns (which is the only cave in North America to offer a completely ride-through tour), and the Pythian Castle. You can also find the iconic Gillioz Theatre, the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park, the

Mother Road Antiques &

Uniques, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, the Rest Haven Court, Red’s Giant Hamburg, and the Route 66 Car Museum.

Giant Hamburg Sign at Red's, Springfield

The Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

The Best Western Rail Haven, a vintage Route 66 motel that opened in 1938, still stands today as a source of classic Route 66 charm with modern amenities and comfort. Back in 1956, “The King,” Elvis Presley, stayed here after a performance at the Shrine Mosque, another Springfield landmark.

History Museum on the Square, Springfield

Steak ’n Shake, Springfield

BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL

Springfield

This downtown event runs for two days. The event features a car and motorcycle show, a parade, live music, Route 66 exhibits, and a 6.6K run. Held annually on the second weekend of August. For more info: Route66FestivalSGF.com

Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

GOOD TO KNOW: The Gillioz Theatre, located on

Park Central East in downtown Springfield, hosted the premieres of two Ronald Reagan movies: The Winning Team and She’s Working Her Way Through College.

MY GREENE COUNTY CHECKLIST

• Route 66

Car Museum • Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven • Giant Hamburg sign • Route 66

Roadside Park • Gillioz Theatre • Steak ‘n Shake • History Museum on the Square • The Shrine Mosque • Park Central Square, site of the shootout between Wild Bill

Hickok and Davis Tutt • Denney’s

Harley-Davidson ROUTE 66 KICKS

Red’s Giant Hamburg has long been credited with having the first drive-through service window in the world. The local landmark was razed in 1997, but a replica of the sign is at the new Route 66 Roadside Park in Springfield.

Come See Us in Springfield…

We’ll Show You Around!

Take a few days to explore the Birthplace of Route 66—Springfi eld, Missouri! Celebrate the legacy of the Mother Road at the newly opened History Museum on the Square, see classic cars at the Route 66 Car Museum and enjoy a burger and shake at one of our vintage American diners, all while experiencing the local arts and culture scene in Springfi eld!

Plan your Mother-Road trip at SpringfieldMo.org

Point your smartphone camera at this QR code to fi nd out more about things to do in Springfi eld, Missouri. Missouri Life | 33