Get your kicks (and your kitsch!) on the most famous highway in the U.S.
Historic Route 66 goes right through the heart of Springfield. For a complete listing of Route 66 stops in the area visit IllinoisRoute66.org.
People from around the world are drawn to the aura of Route 66, dreaming to harness the 2448 miles of open road from Chicago to Santa Monica in their classic car, on a Harley Davidson or in an RV. Coming through the heart of the city, the road is alive in Springfield as we embrace the 66 attractions that have existed for generations and welcome new attractions opened by visionaries with a passion for the road. Join us as we celebrate Route 66 at one of our iconic diners like Cozy Dog Drive In, see the neon signs that made history at Ace Sign Museum, catch a movie at the Route 66 Drive-In and visit our newest legends, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum and Route History. Top it all with your Instagrammable photo on the stretch of Historic Route 66 Brick Road just outside the city. This and so much more is waiting for you on your Route 66 journey through Springfield.
Sonrise Donut Sign
Opened in 1947, Sonrise founder Byron Figuera earned the title of Springfield’s First Donut Shop with a Coffee Bar. The business was christened with the unusual spelling of “Sonrise.” In 1949, the 6’ x 8’ neon sign went up! 70 years later, the Sonrise Donut sign was purchased by the City of Springfield. Today, the two sections of the original sign, with working neon, can be seen at the Ace Sign Company Sign Museum and at Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum in Springfield.
Ace Sign Company Sign Museum
2540 S. 1st St. 217-522-8417 acesignco.com Ace Sign Company is a 75+ year old family company. The museum has a large collection of signs, featuring neon signs and local Route 66 historic signage.
Historic Route 66 Brick Road
Snell & Curran Roads Auburn, Illinois 217-525-9308 illinoisroute66.org
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful 1.4-mile-long piece of restored hand-laid brick road is a segment of 66 done in 1931 and placed over a concrete roadbed. Don’t miss this excellent photo stop during your journey on Route 66.
Chili Parlor
820 S. 9th St. 217-523-4989 thechiliparloronline.com
Located on Historic US Route 66, the Chili Parlor is a Mother Road icon - serving up some of the best chili anywhere.
Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 S. 6th St.
217-525-1992 cozydogdrivein.com
The restaurant is a shrine to Route 66 and to itself, packed with mementos, clippings, and old signs, as well as with Mother Road souvenirs for sale.
