If you’re planning a Route 66 road trip you’re going to want to make a stop in Springfield, Missouri.
Springfield played a key role in the history of Route 66 and visitors can learn more about the city’s story and modern charm along the way.
I’m sharing more about the best Route 66 photo spots and other unique things to do during a visit to Springfield, MO that you’ll want to add to your list.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Springfield, MO. This article contains affiliate links.
Find Out Why Springfield, MO, is the Birthplace of Route 66 at Birthplace Plaza
Located at the intersection of N Jefferson Avenue and Park Central East
Birthplace Plaza is the location where highway leaders gathered and sent the first recorded proposal for the name “U.S. Route 66” to Federal Highway officials in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 1926.
This plaza has changed a lot over 100 years. Now it showcases art installations honoring Route 66’s history, present, and future.
Springfield, MO, gets bragging rights as the Birthplace of Route 66 because the history-making telegram was sent from Springfield.
The Colonial Hotel was built in 1907 and had six stories.
Unfortunately, it was torn down almost 30 years ago. Thankfully, “The Ghost of the Colonial Hotel” sculpture honors the site where the telegram was sent.
Visitors can see where Springfield is located along Route 66 on the 10×14-foot mosaic map of Route 66 designed by local artist Christine Schilling.
Across from the plaza is a giant Route 66 sculpture that’s perfect for photos.
The 6-story mural “Hitchhikers” is by artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding.
The Kiosk features a Giant statue of keys where you can read about the history and see a replica of the telegram on the back of the key statue.
I walked by this statue many times during my visit, and somehow I initially missed the plaques on the back of the sculpture until a few days later.
Photo Ops and Merch at the Springfield Route 66 Welcome Center
318 Park Central E #106, Springfield, MO
The Springfield Route 66 Welcome Center is a great resource while you’re in the area.
You’ll find an assortment of Route 66-themed merchandise, including apparel.
Visitors can also take pictures in front of the large Springfield-themed backdrop or the Route 66 sign.
Explore More With the Springfield Story Trail
The interactive self-guided tour allows visitors to learn more about historic places with their phones.
You can even see what buildings used to look like using the website. (Make sure that you have your location settings turned on.)
You can earn prizes for completing all of the stops on the tour.
You’ll find a variety of restaurants on Park Central Street, steps away from The Birthplace Plaza.
Discover the Springfield 66: Centennial Sculpture Series
There are currently 16 sculptures, spread throughout the city, for “Springfield 66: Centennial Sculpture Series.”
Each sculpture has a unique theme within the Route 66 road sign design.
Many of the sculpture designs tie to the area’s history.
View Route 66 Queen’s Gate Sculpture During the Day
St. Louis Street, west of Glenstone Avenue
You can drive around the Queen’s Gate Sculpture, but you’ll want to get out of your vehicle for this photo op that you can walk through.
I’d recommend taking a picture on both sides to test which lighting is better. You’ll also want to appreciate the details inside the sculpture as you pass through.
View Route 66: Queen’s Gate 66 Sculpture at Night
You really need to see this sculpture during the day and also at night to truly appreciate it in all its glory.
Drive on The Musical Road
Don’t miss your chance to drive on the Musical Road while you’re checking out the Queen’s Gate Sculpture.
The Musical Road is a drive-through attraction that “sings” a selection of “America the Beautiful” when drivers go over the rumble strips at exactly 30 mph on St. Louis Street.
This is more difficult to achieve than you may realize.
If you go too fast or too slow, the melody will change.
Pro tip- Set your cruise control to 30 mph so you can focus on driving over the rumble strips to hear the song in all its glory.
Sleep Where Elvis Slept at the Best Western Rail Haven Motel
The Route 66 Queen’s Gate Sculpture is next to the Rail Haven Motel, famous for a guest who previously stayed there.
In 1956, Elvis stayed at this location while he was performing in Springfield, and you can book the Elvis Suite, themed in his honor.
There is also a unique Western-themed suite in addition to a variety of room sizes, ranging from a Double room with Double beds to Family King Suites.
Route 66 and its Mother Road Nickname
Route 66 is often referred to as the Mother Road. The nickname can be traced back to John Steinbeck’s 1939 book “The Grapes of Wrath,” where he proclaimed Route 66 the Mother Road.
Discover the History Museum on the Square
154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO
You can learn more about Springfield’s role throughout history, which includes a great exhibit on Route 66.
The exhibit features landmarks that were part of Springfield’s Route 66 history, many of which are no longer around.
The exhibit takes you through a timeline of Route 66 and also shares more about the other states along the highway.
Route 66 passes through 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The highway stretches over 2,400 miles, starting in Chicago, Illinois and ending in Santa Monica, CA.
Don’t miss the interactive passenger train that’s fun and challenging for all ages.
A few other noteworthy people mentioned in the museum are Wild Bill Hickok, who had a shootout across the street at the square, and local celebrities from Springfield, including actors Brad Pitt and John Goodman.
Shop and Dine at Springfield’s Historic Commercial Street (C-Street)
Commercial Street, Springfield, MO
Commercial Street, known as C Street, was a very popular hub for railroad transit 150 years ago.
The area is experiencing a renaissance with a variety of fantastic restaurants and stores bringing life back to the street.
Upside Down Merchantile
209 West Commercial Street, Springfield, Missouri
One of my happy discoveries while wandering on C Street was Upside Down Mercantile.
What makes this store so special is that all the product lines featured in the store are developed, branded, and sold by individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
My only sibling had special needs, and I LOVE everything about this!
You’ll find a range of products from 20+ vendors within the store, including Brew 21 Extra Chromosome Coffee Co.
View the Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
The Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge originally opened in 1902 at 562 feet and connects Commercial Street and Chase Street.
The bridge is underrgoing a large construction project and will be opening to the public once it’s accessible.
Be on the lookout for special bridge lightings in the future.
Visit Askinosie Chocolate – A Bean to Bar Chocolate Factory
514 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO
Tour and taste craft chocolates at Askinosie Chocolate. They are the first small batch chocolate maker in the US to press their own cocoa butter and the first makers of natural cocoa powder.
Learn more about the bean-to-bar chocolate factory and the story behind this award-winning business with a global and local heart.
Take a Tram Tour of Fantastic Caverns
4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO
Fantastic Caverns offers a guided 55-minute ride-thru tour for guests in a jeep-drawn tram.
This is America’s only drive-thru cave tour.
This is a great tour for all ages, with plenty of excitement as guests duck down to avoid the lower parts of the cave.
The cave temperature is around 60 degrees year-round, so you may want to bring a light jacket to wear inside the cave.
You’ll see an underground river and incredible cave formations along the way.
*Check the daily hours before you visit. The last tour of the day departs an hour before closing.
You can visit the Fantastic Caverns year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Visit the Oldest and Original Bass Pro Shops
1935 S. Campbell Ave.Springfield, MO
The Springfield Bass Pro Shops is almost 500,000 sq ft, which includes shopping space for outdoor gear and incredible displays.
You’ll need to allow a lot of time if you want to fully explore the property.
The bronze statue located at the entrance of the store is in honor of John Henry Willey, known as “Uncle Buck.” He was an uncle to Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.
See a Replica of the Original Bass Pro Shops Store
Bass Pro Shops has an interesting origin story.
The company got its start inside Johnny’s father’s liquor store.
He started selling fishing tackle in a small section of the store, which grew in popularity with local fishermen.
That later evolved into the first Bass Pro Shops in Springfield in 1981.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO
This attraction, also known as Wonders of Wildlife, is 350,000 sq ft. It’s HUGE! Guests can visit 364 days a year.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during late fall or winter, excluding dates close to the holidays.
During the spring and summer months, visit Monday through Thursday to avoid larger crowds.
You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes because there are over 1.5 miles of experiences and immersive exhibits that can take 3-4 hours, with the last guest entry 15 minutes before closing.
Guests travel one-way through the exhibits, which allows you see everything without backtracking.
It also helps reduce traffic in congested areas, and there are plenty of restrooms, a restaurant, and snack options for dining along the way.
All ages will enjoy this attraction that is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Manual wheelchairs are available for guests free of charge. There are scooters and strollers available for rent, too.
Guests will learn more about wildlife in the oceans, lakes, and streams through top-notch exhibits.
There are 35,000 live animals at the aquarium, so be prepared to be impressed!
Try Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken at Leong’s Asian Diner
1540 W Republic Rd., Springfield, MO
Springfield-style Cashew Chicken was created by Chinese immigrant David Leong in 1963 at Leong’s Tea House as an adaptation of the popular Chinese dish to cater to the taste preferences of locals.
The Springfield-style version is made with deep-fried battered chicken that’s smothered in savory oyster-soy gravy, topped with cashews and green onions, and served with rice.
David’s son, Wing Yee, continues his father’s legacy at Leong’s Asian Diner.
It’s such a popular dish in Springfield that other restaurants have made their own version, and there’s even a Springfield Cashew Chicken Trail.
Where I Stayed in Springfield, MO
Tru Hotel by Hilton – 517 E Elm St, Springfield, MO
The Tru Hotel by Hilton is conveniently located a short walk from the Route 66 Birthplace Plaza on Jefferson Ave., which also features restaurants and shops.
Save on your stay at Tru Hotel here
Tru Hotel has a great lobby area with a mural featuring points of interest around Springfield. There’s a pool table and several seating areas for guests to hang out, relax, or work.
A free breakfast is included with your stay.
