EXPLORE SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66
Springfield, Missouri is the proud birthplace of Route 66, having suggested the name for the iconic highway back in 1926. By 1938, Route 66 became America’s first fully paved coast-to-coast road, affectionately known as the “Mother Road.” Today, Springfield seamlessly blends old and new, offering a delightful mix of classic adventures and modern city along the historic Route 66.
MUST-DO ROUTE 66 ATTRACTIONS
HISTORY MUSEUM ON THE SQUARE DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD, MO
Delve into Springfield’s vibrant history at the History Museum on the Square. Located in the heart of downtown, this museum immerses you in Springfield’s history, from its impact on Route 66 to its pivotal role in the Civil War.
ROUTE 66 CAR MUSEUM DOWNTOWN
SPRINGFIELD, MO
Step into the captivating history of Route 66 at the Route 66 car museum, where the iconic highway’s legacy comes to life, transporting you to an era of tailfins, chrome accents, and powerful engines that connected communities and fueled dreams across America.
RED’S GIANT HAMBURG WEST SUNSHINE, SPRINGFIELD, MO
Enjoy a classic-American dining experience with Red’s Giant Hamburg. Carrying the legacy of Route 66 and credited as creating America’s first drive-thru, this restaurant delivers classic flavors, nostalgic ambience and family-inspired décor.
BEST WESTERN ROUTE 66 RAIL HAVEN
GLENSTONE AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO
For 75 years Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven has been welcoming international guests along Route 66. This refurbished motel offers modern amenities with a historic charm.
GARY’S GAY PARITA GAS STATION
ASH GROVE, MO
A 1930 Route 66 gas station created by the Late Gary and Lena Turner, to show their devotion to Route 66 travelers. Located 25 miles west of Springfield, MO on Historic Route 66, step back in time to the hay day of the Mother Road.
DIRECT FLIGHTS DID YOU KNOW?
FLY INTO THE SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON AIRPORT (SGF)
The Springfield-Branson airport is serviced by four major airlines, providing non-stop flights to 13 major cities across the United States.
TOUR ROUTE 66 THROUGH DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD
1 Steak ’n Shake – 1158 E. St. Louis St., 417-866-6109
Outside, this Route 66 icon still offers curbside service. Inside, enjoy the 1950’s-style decor.
2 Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center – 815 E. St. Louis St., 417-881-5300 Route 66 souvenirs and all the information you need for your visit.
3 Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque – 601 E. St. Louis St., 417-869-9164
Built in 1923, this unique building has a museum and serves as a community event venue.
4 Gillioz Theatre – 325 Park Central East, 417-863-9491
This opulent movie house opened in 1926 and remains a premiere event destination.
5 Park Central Square – Downtown – Designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, it is the site of the 1865 “Wild Bill” Hickok shootout.
6 History Museum on the Square – 157 Park Central Square, 417-831-1976
Discover the “How, When & Why” of the history that makes Springfield and Greene County unique, including an entire gallery dedicated to Route 66.
7 Mother’s Brewing Company – 215 S. Grant Ave., 417-862-0423, Beers that make your good time on the Mother Road all the better.
8 College Street Cafe – 1622 W. College St. (next to Route 66 Car Museum) Stop by and see us on your travels down Route 66!
9 Route 66 Car Museum – 1634 W. College St.
More than 75 unique and classic cars, including Batman’s Gotham Cruiser.
OTHER MUST-SEE THINGS TO DO IN SPRINGFIELD
FANTASTIC CAVERNS
Explore the Caves the Easy Way
Experience America’s Ride-Thru Cave. A 55-minute guided tour follows an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. The cave stays a comfortable 60° year-round.
SPRINGFIELD-STYLE CASHEW CHICKEN
Be a part of the Cashew Chicken Crave
Savor Springfield’s culinary history with Springfield-style Cashew Chicken, a delightful fusion of American-Chinese flavors. Originated in the 1960s, this iconic dish features crispy chicken, cashews, and a flavorful sauce, offering a delicious taste of the city’s unique culinary heritage.
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE NATIONAL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM
Voted America’s Best Aquarium for 5 years. Two Adventures, One Ticket. AQUARIUM ADVENTURE Dive into the excitement of the world’s oceans, lakes and streams with 1.5 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater aquariums teeming with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Touch a stingray, be surrounded by piranhas, and go underwater with the biggest river monsters on the planet!
WILDLIFE GALLERIES Go eye-to-eye with wildlife and discover the greatest collection of record-setting big game animals ever assembled. The completely immersive Wildlife Galleries transport you to the wildest places on Earth by engaging all of your senses. Entertaining and educational, this world-class experience emphasizes the critical role hunters and anglers play in conserving the great outdoors.
THREE-DAY ITINERARY
Discover Springfield, Missouri – the city in the Ozarks. As the gateway to the great outdoors and the birthplace of Route 66, it seamlessly blends outdoor adventures with cultural richness. Easily accessible with non-stop flights from 13 cities, it’s perfect for a memorable vacation. Enjoy parks, shopping, and diverse attractions. Springfield caters to all, whether you’re into family-friendly or pet-friendly activities. Here are some ideas to start your journey.
DAY TWO
DAY ONE
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium - Adjacent to the original Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World®, this 1.5-million-gallon aquarium and immersive wildlife museum adventure showcases 35,000 live fish, animals, reptiles and birds.
Lunch at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe - Enjoy great seafood and down-home cooking at this unique restaurant located in Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World®.
Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World® - Shop in the original Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores, with nearly 500,000 square feet of shopping fun. While you are there, experience the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, Archey Hall of Fame Museum, Bass Pro Museum and the Bass Pro Motorsports Museum, all with free admission and open during store hours.
Performance at the historic Gillioz Theatre - Opening in 1926 on Route 66, this ornate theatre was originally built for concerts and silent movies but has grown to become a major performance venue for musicians, comedians and performers.
Route 66 Guided Driving Tour - A step-on guide will share Springfield’s Route 66 history.
History Museum on the Square - See exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the 1950s, including a Route 66 exhibit and history of Springfield.
Park Central Square - Take a stroll back in time through the streets of downtown Springfield. Check out the historic site of the first recorded shootout of the Wild West era between “Wild Bill” Hickock and Davis Tutt, visit the art galleries, and do some shopping in the downtown boutiques!
Lunch at Steak’n Shake on Historic Route 66 or Red’s Giant Hamburg
Springfield Art Museum - Enjoy Springfield’s oldest cultural institution, connecting you with thousands of years of culture, with collections on American art, sculptures and more.
Pythian Castle - Tour Springfield’s only castle and experience the history and mystery.
DAY THREE
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield - A critical Civil War battlefield in Missouri, the site includes walking trails to various battlefields, a museum and changing exhibits.
Lunch at Leong’s Asian Diner - A trip to Springfield is not complete without trying some of our famous “Springfield-Style” Cashew Chicken!
Fantastic Caverns - Fantastic Caverns is America’s only ride-through cave. Beyond the scientific value of this site, it also holds strong historical value to the area.
Springfield Cardinals - Enjoy the excitement of a ballgame in Hammons Field, an 11-time Texas League Field of the Year winner and home to the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
