Known as the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield, Missouri is home to countless iconic hotels, restaurants, and other unique tourist attractions. Route 66 (also known as US Highway 66) has gained significance as the country’s first all-weather highway that linked Los Angeles to Chicago. The period of the highway’s historical significance was 1926 to 1985 as it enabled one of the most comprehensive movements of people in the history of the United States, and also symbolized the new optimism that was part of the country’s post-war economic recovery.

These days, Route 66 continues to serve as a national and cultural phenomenon that took America by storm and represents the free-spirited independence of our country and highway culture. If you’re cruising through Springfield and would love to see some iconic stops on your way, here are a few Route 66 stops that are a must-see during your next visit.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

For 75 years, Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven has welcomed guests along Route 66. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the refurbished historic motel is set on beautifully landscaped grounds and offers complimentary continental breakfast, an outside pool, spa, and Route 66 pavilion.

Fans of the King of Rock and Roll (who stayed at the motel in the past) can upgrade to the Elvis Presley-themed room, which features nostalgic decor, a bed inspired by a Cadillac, a corner soaking tub, and other fun details.

203 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

Rockwood Motor Court

In 1929, Rockwood Court was built on Route 66 and originally operated as a tourist camp. A Shell Oil Filling (Gas) Station and house were also built on the property, which was renovated in 2019. Guests can enjoy clean and comfortable room amenities while experiencing authentic motor court lodging, and each room is themed to an era of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture, and memorabilia.

2200 W. College St., Springfield, MO 65806

Route 66 Visitors 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 provides maps, driving directions, and an abundance of information on all the fun things to see, do, and experience in and around Springfield. 

815 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806

Route 66 Car Museum

With more than 70 car models on display at Route 66 Car Museum, visitors can admire the impressive vehicles that owner Guy Mace has been collecting since 1990, from early 1900s brass-era vehicles to celebrity cars that have made appearances on the big screen. The collection includes 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.

1634 W. College St., Springfield, MO 65806

History Museum on the Square

History Museum on the Square has Springfield’s rich history displayed on three floors with a traveling exhibit space and six permanent galleries, including a Route 66 section. Check out the Route 66 gallery of photos, memorabilia, signs, and interactive exhibits that showcase the historic highway. 

154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806

Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque

When it was first built, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque was the site of the largest auditorium west of the Mississippi River and the second-largest stage after the New York Metropolitan Opera Theater. The building has hosted various community events including circuses, telethons, war bond drives, revivals, and presidential visits with Truman, Roosevelt and Reagan. The facility also has had an eclectic range of performers on its stage which have included Elvis Presley and Rob Zombie.

601 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806

Gillioz Theatre

Open since 1926, the historic Gillioz Theatre was originally built for concerts and silent movies to attract patrons traveling on Route 66. Some of the theatre’s famous guests that have performed on their stage include Dave Chappelle, Elvis Costello, George Clinton, and others. After it closed in the 1980s, the theatre was revamped and is now used mainly as an entertainment venue for comedians, musicians, and movies. 

325 Park Central East, Springfield, MO 65806

Queen City Soda & Sweets

Queen City Soda & Sweets has a variety of nostalgic favorite sweets such as gigantic lollipops, jelly beans, Clover chewing gum, and an assortment of vintage candy bars and craft sodas that’ll take you back to the 1960s. Customers can take photos with some of the newly painted murals inside the shop, perfect for the ‘Gram.

301 Park Central West, Springfield, MO 65806

Gary’s Gay Parita

Located about 25 miles west of Springfield, Missouri, Gary's Gay Parita is a 1934 Sinclair gas station stuck in time with great attention to detail. It’s also a great source for Route 66 books and maps.

21498 MO-266, Everton, MO 65646

College Street Cafe

Located on Historic Route 66, College Street Cafe is the perfect stop for hungry travelers. With down-home cooking as their staple, they want all of their customers to feel as though they are sitting at Mama's table every time they come in.

1622 W. College St., Springfield, MO 65806

Route 66 Food Truck Park

The Route 66 Food Truck Park is home to an array of food trucks and cuisine, and guests can order their food and sit at  picnic tables outside or indoors at the dine-in area and bar.

1530 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65802

Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake

One of three locations still located on Route 66, Route 66 Steak N’ Shake was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and still has its original signage. It also offers convenient curbside.

1158 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806

Red’s Giant Hamburg

Though Red’s Giant Hamburg opened in 2019, its history dates back to the 1940s when the original Red’s opened its doors on historic Route 66 and was the first drive-thru restaurant in America. The unusual name is due to the sign being cut off at the bottom so it would fit under power lines.

The new restaurant (no longer on Route 66)  features the same old-fashioned hamburgers, fries, pinto beans, ice cream, and other menu items that were served at the original restaurant. There is also a sign just like the one from the original, along with a busy drive-through window.

2301 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807

Hangar Kafe

Located in an airplane hangar about an hour from Springfield, Miller’s Hangar Kafe is decorated with soaring planes hanging from the ceiling, hot air balloons, and a mural of the countryside. Highlights from the menu include fried chicken, the hot beef and the pork tenderloin, cheeseburgers, and steaks on Friday and Saturday nights.

3103 Lawrence 1070, Miller, MO 65707

For more information and trip ideas, visit springfieldmo.org and follow on Instagram: @lovespringfield

[Images courtesy of Springfield Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk