Springfield Missouri is the Birthplace of Route 66

🎙️ A Route 66 Travel Guide to Springfield, Missouri

The Birthplace of Route 66

Out here on Route 66, some towns feel like they’ve always belonged to the road.
But Springfield, Missouri? This is where the road got its name — and where the journey truly began.

Back in 1926, a group of highway officials met inside the Colonial Hotel downtown and proposed a name for the new highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. That name — Route 66 — stuck. And from that moment on, Springfield earned its place in the history books as the birthplace of the Mother Road.

But this city isn’t stuck in the past. It wears its history with pride, sure — but the road is still alive here.
You can feel it in the glow of neon signs, the hum of classic cars, and the smell of burgers frying on a seasoned grill.

📸 Things to See and Do in Springfield

Start your visit with a photo at the Barbecue Chef Muffler Man — a giant fiberglass figure holding a spatula and fork, greeting travelers like he’s been waiting for them since the glory days.

Just down the road, the Rockwood Motor Court, built in 1929, still stands proudly. It’s been lovingly restored and is one of the most authentic places to stay along Route 66. Even if you don’t spend the night, stop in and see what a real motor court looked like back in the day.

You’ll also pass the old Shamrock Court sign — faded, chipped, and beautiful in its own way. It may no longer light up the night, but it still tells a story.

Then there’s Junker Joe’s Recycling, which looks like a regular scrapyard at first glance. But head inside and you’ll find a personal Route 66 museum, built one relic at a time. Old signs, gas pumps, license plates, tools, and even a Tow Mater-style truck with a crooked smile greet you like long-lost friends. Joe didn’t build this place for tourists — he built it for the love of the road. And it shows.

The city’s also home to the Hubcap 66 sculpture — a giant Route 66 shield made entirely from chrome hubcaps, shining bright in the sun.

You’ll find colorful murals painted on the walls of downtown buildings, each one telling a piece of Springfield’s story along the Mother Road.

And if you’re looking to take a break, there’s a quiet city park nearby with a vintage HAMBURG sign still standing tall.
It’s not a misspelling — the last two letters were cut off years ago to keep the sign from hitting a power pole.
Now it’s a quirky roadside landmark — and a peaceful reminder that even the small mistakes along Route 66 end up becoming part of the legend.

🏨 Where to Stay in Springfield, Missouri on Route 66

Springfield’s got plenty of places to lay your head — from restored relics to comfortable classics:

• Rockwood Motor Court – One of the oldest surviving motor courts on Route 66. Red brick, neon glow, and pure Americana.
• Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven – A modern chain motel with classic flair. Vintage cars, neon lights, and Route 66-themed rooms.
• Greenstay Hotel & Suites – A clean, modern option just minutes from the historic corridor.

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🍔 Best Places to Eat on Route 66 in Springfield

When it’s time to fuel up, Springfield delivers. These spots are tied directly to the Mother Road and worth the stop:

Red’s Giant Hamburg
The first drive-thru restaurant in America, originally opened in 1947 right on Route 66. The original is long gone, but the new Red’s pays tribute with the same look and feel — complete with a spinning sign and old-school burgers.

College Street Café
A hidden gem right near Rockwood Motor Court. Friendly folks, hot coffee, and hearty plates that feel like home.

Route 66 Food Truck Park
A newer stop right on the old route. Rotating food trucks, shaded picnic tables, and a massive mural wall. Great for a casual meal with a side of photo ops.

🧭 Route 66 Attractions Near Springfield

⬅️ West of Springfield

Gay Parita Sinclair Station – Paris Springs (30 miles)
A faithful 1930s Sinclair station replica, rebuilt by Gary Turner and now run by his family. Vintage cars, original pumps, and some of the best hospitality on the road.

Avilla (45 miles)
Not much remains here, but what’s left tells its own quiet story — ivy-covered ruins and Lottie’s Soda Shoppe, still full of color.

Carthage (70 miles)
Route 66 is alive and well here with:

• Boots Court Motel – Restored with period detail.
• 66 Drive-In Theatre – Still showing movies under the stars.
• Red Oak II – A recreated ghost town by artist Lowell Davis — part nostalgia, part dream.

➡️ East of Springfield

Northview (20 miles)
Blink and you might miss it, but behind the trees lies a forgotten junkyard, full of rusty metal and quiet history.

Lebanon (50 miles)

• Munger Moss Motel – Neon still glowing, and still welcoming travelers.
• Route 66 Museum – Inside the public library, filled with vintage signs, recreated rooms, and stories of the road.

Cuba, Missouri (95 miles)
Nicknamed “Route 66 Mural City,” Cuba’s walls are covered with color. Don’t miss the Wagon Wheel Motel, one of the oldest continually operating motels on Route 66.

Meramec Caverns (115 miles)
Cave tours, legends of Jesse James, and roadside magic. A Mother Road classic that’s been luring travelers underground since the 1930s.

Springfield may be where Route 66 got its name — but it’s also where the spirit of the road still lives on.

From neon-lit motor courts to muffler men and murals…
From quiet city parks to junkyard museums…

This is more than a place to pass through — it’s a place to remember.
So take your time.
Roll the windows down.
And let Springfield remind you what this road is really all about.

Route 66 Attractions in and Around Springfield:

1. Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center: Your one-stop shop for information, souvenirs, and photo ops with the iconic Route 66 shield.
2. History Museum on the Square: A deep dive into Springfield’s history, with a dedicated Route 66 exhibit showcasing artifacts and stories.
3. Route 66 Car Museum: A haven for car enthusiasts, featuring a collection of classic cars from the Route 66 era.
4. Gillioz Theatre: A historic theater that has hosted a wide range of performers throughout the decades.
5. Route 66 Mural City: A vibrant outdoor gallery showcasing colorful murals celebrating Route 66’s heritage.
6. Route 66 “Hubcap” Sculpture: A towering stack of hubcaps symbolizing the countless miles traveled along the historic highway.
7. The Rail Haven Motel (Formerly the Hamburg Inn and Ozark Courts): A historic Route 66 motel offering a charming glimpse into the past.
8. College Street Cafe: A classic diner serving up American comfort food since the 1940s.
9. Rockwood Motor Court: A vintage motel that has welcomed travelers since the 1920s.
10. Route 66 Roadside Park: A tribute to Route 66 featuring the iconic giant Route 66 shield sign and a reproduction of the famous Red’s Giant Hamburg sign.