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, dream ing 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.

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 and 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.

INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD FESTIVAL

Celebrating 20 years, the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival brings street machine, muscle car and hot rod enthusiasts to historic downtown Springfield for an incredible weekend of family entertainment.

Be amazed at the Friday night cruise as over 2,000 cars parade through the city into downtown to kick off the event. Enjoy live entertainment, a burn-out contest, multiple aftermarket and food vendors and so much more at this CASI certified national judging competition with over 40 classes of car awards.

Add in a farmers market and selfie opportunities galore and it is a weekend not to be missed!

Mark your calendars now for September 24-26, 2021 route66fest.com

Dew Chilli Parlor

2690 S. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-679-1910 dewchilliparlor.com

Over 110 years of serving American’s finest chilli to Springfield Illinois residents and Route 66 travelers.

Hall’s Harley Davidson

2301 N. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-528-8356 hallsh-d.com

In Springfield since 1962, stop in and check out the magnificent two-story 43,000 square foot complex, including the Harley Davidson showroom with a huge selection of motorcycles, apparel and customized collectibles for all ages. Hall’s is located on the 1940-1977 Route 66 alignment in Springfield.

Lauterbach Giant

1569 Wabash Ave.

217-546-2600 lauterbachtire.com

Lauterbach Tire and Auto Service has a fiberglass “muffler man” giant standing in the parking lot. He was recently upgraded to be more patriotic with a U.S. flag.

Mahan’s Filling Station

1168 Sangamon Ave.

217-544-8520 fulgenzis.com

A unique example of the earliest of gas stations is now on display at Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta located across from the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield The roadside attraction is accessible as a great photo and souvenir opportunity for Route 66 visitors.

Maid Rite 118 N. Pasfield

217-523-0723

This friendly, quaint, original old-school diner was built in 1921, one of only a few remaining Maid Rite franchises. You can still get a steamed “Loose Meat Sandwich” on super soft bread and a tasty root beer float. The Springfield location on the old Route 66 is also credited with being the first fast food drive-thru in America.

Maldaner’s Restaurant

222 S. 6th St. 217-522-4313 maldaners.com

Creative American dining using local products, when available. Relaxed, semi-formal atmosphere in a historical Springfield building. Two blocks from hotels and Lincoln sites. Buffet style meals also available. Oldest continually operated restaurant in Springfield since 1884.

Route History

737 E. Cook St. 217-503-4129 Facebook: visitroutehistory

Route History is where visitors can experience and learn about the tragedy, resilience, and excellence of Black people, Black-owned businesses and related events and places located along historic Route 66. Learn about pioneers that made significant contributions to Illinois, the city of Springfield, and the greater society. Of note are Springfield’s role as a haven along the Underground Railroad, the Race Riot of 1908 which led to the formation of the NAACP, and the lifesaving commodities and guidance provided by Black-owned businesses during the Jim Crow era.

Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill

600 Toronto Rd.

217-679-7323 66motorheads.com

Not only are we home to one of the coolest restaurants and bars you have ever seen, we are also home to a Route 66 museum showcasing some of Springfield’s historic past. A great place for lovers of Route 66, old cars and vintage signs.

Route 66 Twin Drive-In Theatre

1700 Recreation Dr. 217-546-8881 route66-drivein.com

The remodeled twin drive-in, located on Route 66 in Springfield, is next to Knights Action Park. Enjoy affordable family fun with concessions and double features on both screens. Open April through September — show starts at dusk.

The Curve Inn

3219 S. 6th St. Rd.

217-529-5806 thecurveinn.com

The Curve Inn opened on Route 66 south of Springfield in 1945. The original owner, Guido Manci, served the public in the main tavern area, while “special” customers could ring a buzzer at the bottom of the back stairs to gain entrance to the gambling parlor on the upper floor. It was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2007.