Birthplace of Rt 66: Springfield, MOAuthorsannettetaus
DestinationsSpringfieldItinerary

Where to Stay

Rockwood Motor Court
In 1929, Rockwood Court was built on Route 66 and Deverne Ruckman began operating it as a tourist camp. Ruckman also built a Shell Oil Filling (Gas) Station and house on the property. At that time, the address was 1902 College and the property was on the west edge of Springfield. Newly renovated in 2019, enjoy clean and comfortable room amenities while experiencing authentic motor court lodging. Each room is themed to an era of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture and memorabilia.
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Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
For 75 years Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven has been welcoming international guests along Route 66. The hotel, in fact, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This refurbished historic motel is set in beautifully landscaped grounds and offers complimentary continental breakfast, outside pool, spa and Route 66 pavilion.
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Where to Eat

Hangar Kafe
Located in an airplane hangar about an hour from Springfield, Miller’s Hangar Kafe is decorated with soaring planes hung high in the ceiling, hot air balloons and a mural of the countryside. Some menu favorites include fried chicken, the hot beef and the pork tenderloin, cheeseburgers, and steaks on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Steak 'n Shake
As only one of three locations still located on Route 66, the Route 66 Steak N’ Shake was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and still houses the original signage. Guests can take advantage of the curbside service this location still offers.
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What to Do

Springfield Route 66 Welcome Center
If you’re not sure what to see in Springfield, start your adventure at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center for inspiration and mementos. The visitor center can provide maps, driving directions and heaps of information on all the fun things to see, do and experience in and around Springfield.
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Route 66 Car Museum
Car enthusiasts can step inside and view over 70 car models that owner Guy Mace has been collecting since 1990. View brass-era vehicles that date back to the early 1900s to celebrity cars that are famous for their time on the big screen. The museum houses seven Jaguars, two Rolls Royces, a 1963 Morgan owned by Desert Storm's General Norman Schwarzkopf, the famous ghost slinging Ecto-1 from “Ghostbusters,” a Gotham Cruiser and more.
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History Museum on the Square
Route 66 fans can head to the History Museum on the Square to marvel at Springfield’s rich history displayed on three floors with a traveling exhibit space and six permanent galleries, including a Route 66 section. Review the Route 66 gallery of photos, memorabilia, signs and interactive exhibits that showcase the historic highway.
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Abou Ben Adhem Shrine
At its creation, the structure boasted the largest auditorium west of the Mississippi River and the second-largest stage right behind the New York Metropolitan Opera Theater. The building has been host to numerous community events including circuses, telethons, war bond drives, revivals and presidential visits from Truman, Roosevelt and Reagan. The facility has had an eclectic range of performers on the beautiful stage from the Vienna Singers to Elvis Presley to modern performers such as the Blue Comedy Tour and Rob Zombie.
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Gillioz Theatre
Opening in 1926, the historic Gillioz Theatre was originally built for concerts and silent movies to draw in patrons traveling on Route 66. Some of the most famous guests that have performed there include Dave Chappelle, Elvis Costello, George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, Kacey Musgraves and others. After it closed in the 1980s, the theatre was revamped and reopened and is now used mainly as an entertainment venue for comedians, musicians and movies.
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