Legendary Route 66 | Springfield, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD IS

Historic Route 66

People from around the world are drawn to the aura of Route 66, dreaming to harness the 2,448 miles of open road from Chicago to Santa Monica.
The road is alive in Springfield with iconic Route 66 attractions, popular for generations, and new attractions opened by visionaries with a passion for the road.

Route 66 Centennial Commissioned Songs

Visit Springfield commissioned Tom Irwin, a local musician and songwriter to produce some special music pieces in celebration of the Route 66 Centennial year!

Song written and produced by Tom Irwin.
Recorded and mixed by Quincy Watson at Frequincy Recording, Springfield, IL.
Ryan Napier — piano
Art Carey — drums
David Alexander — saxophone
Owen Irwin — electric guitar
Tom Irwin — acoustic guitar, bass guitar, vocals

Take a copy with you...

Download your copy of the Legendary Route 66 Itinerary here.

For a list of Route 66 Centennial Co-Branded Events in Springfield, IL click HERE

Check out the Route 66 Twin Drive-In and experience the resurgence of this great American classic. See Springfield's own Muffler Man, the Lauterbach Giant, and take your selfie on the short stretch of Historic Route 66 Brick Road just minutes outside the city. Definitely stop by Simpson's Harley Davidson for your Springfield Harley t-shirt

Slide Down 66! Soar down the 40' high, iconic Giant Slide on the historic IL Fairgrounds! Adjacent to the Giant Slide, walk the entire Illinois Route 66 Corridor in microform. Marvel at the Neon Sign Park with new and restored signs, a paved brick road, a 25' tall, fiberglass Route 66 muffler man, a drive-in theatre replica, learn more about the Green Book Experience with with the Route History journey, allowing visitors to experience Route 66 through the lens of the Black experience and interpretive signs highlighting each Route 66 community from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Experience nostalgia at Shea’s Gas Station Museum! The station was a Texaco and later Marathon gas station from 1946-1982. Owners Bill and Helen Shea transformed the property into a world renowned museum from 1995 until 2013. After being shuttered for over a decade, the property was renovated and re-opened in 2024.

Enjoy two new features along this legendary part of Route 66 as you visit the stops along the Route 66 Mural Trail and the Route 66 Wayside Exhibits. The Route 66 Mural Trail tells tales of the Mother Road one vibrant painting at a time. The murals make for some memorable selfies and family pictures! The Route 66 Wayside Exhibits allow visitors to get a closer look at the history of the Mother Road as well as see some of the legends and stories of the road.

Carpenter Park Alignment & Wayside Exhibits
July 2025 we'll open this historic pathway to eager tourists and Route 66 enthusiasts. As visitors stroll along the original pavement, they'll be stepping back in time to experience a slice of history frozen in place. Reaching the Sangamon River, they'll find themselves standing at what was once the “Old Iron Bridge,” a perfect vantage point to take in the breathtaking scenery and soak up the rich history of the area. The accompanying Wayside signage will provide fascinating insights into the past, making this journey not just a walk, but a memorable exploration of America's iconic Mother Road.

Route 66 Bob Waldmire Exclusive Art Exhibition
Also beginning in July of 2025, experience art of nomadic hippie and Route 66 icon, Bob Waldmire. Waldmire captured the essence of Route 66 through his whimsical maps and drawings. The exhibit celebrates the nostalgia and culture of Route 66.

You won't want to miss Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, a great place for lovers of Route 66, custom cars, motorcycles, and vintage signs. Walk down memory lane as you look at the different signs in the beer garden. Which places do you remember?
Did we mention the largest outdoor Route 66 Shield in the country? Oh yeah!

Did you know

MILE PER MILE, ILLINOIS HAS MORE ROUTE
66 ATTRACTIONS THAN ANY OTHER STATE!!

Route History, our newest 66 attraction, shares the story of how Route 66 impacted African American history in Springfield and beyond. Ace Sign Museum is a great stop to see all the neon and other signs that made Route 66 famous, including the recently restored Sonrise Donut sign. Tours at 10am Mon-Fri.

TASTE AN AMERICAN TREASURE

on the Mother Road

Route 66 is all about the FOOD and do we have some options to make your mouth water! Cozy Dog Drive In, home of the "Original" hot dog on a stick, dipped in batter and deep fried, has been serving roadies on Route 66 since 1949, or try one of Sam's loose meat sandwiches at Maid Rite, America's first drive thru! There's also the Firebrand chili at The Chili Parlor or try on the many food vendors at The Railyard on Route 66. Don't forget to start your day in a sweet way and stop into Mel-o-Cream Donuts at one of their five locations around town. Enjoy the great vibe at Weeble's Bar and Grill or The Curve Inn, these businesses anchor each end of Route 66!

Pick up your free

EXPLORER PASSPORT AND LET YOUR ABE'S HAT HUNT &
ROUTE 66 LIVING LEGENDS AND LANDMARKS OF SPRINGFIELD ADVENTURES BEGIN!

For lunch, try our local Signature Horseshoe Sandwich, at Maldaner's, the oldest restaurant in Springfield on Route 66 or visit Fulgenzi's Pizza, "Home of the World's Greatest Hamburgers". Be sure to snap a pic of Mahan's Filling Station, located on-site. Whatever your taste, Springfield has a custom menu just for you!

Like what you see? Download your copy of the Legendary Route 66 Itinerary here.

Il Route 66 Scenic Byway

ILLINOISROUTE66.ORG!

INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66

Mother Road Festival

Stay with us

SPRINGFIELD HAS OVER 4,000 HOTEL ROOMS
WITH OPTIONS THAT FIT EVERY BUDGET!!