In Springfield, Illinois, Route 66 still feels present and alive. The road’s 100th anniversary is giving the city a moment to highlight what has always set it apart. It’s not a place to simply pass through—it’s a place to stay and explore.
The experience is built piece by piece. Vintage neon, classic diners, museums, and public art play a role in telling a story that still carries through today.
“We like to call ourselves the overnight heart of Illinois Route 66,” says Amy Beadle of Visit Springfield. “You could literally stay here for three or four days and not be able to do all the things there are to do here.”
Illinois is home to the most miles of Route 66, with Springfield at the heart of the route. Visitors will find one of the most concentrated collections of attractions, food, and roadside landmarks anywhere along the route.
The Stop That Turns Into a Stay
Many travelers arrive in Springfield with a single expectation in mind: Abraham Lincoln. That history remains an important part of the city, though it’s just the beginning. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences. Lincoln landmarks sit alongside Route 66 attractions, a Frank Lloyd Wright home, the Illinois State Capitol, the performing arts scene, and a newly developed sports complex, which hosts events from across the region.
Some visitors think they understand what Springfield offers but quickly realize they’ve only scratched the surface. Many find themselves trying to fit more into their time, moving from one stop to the next.
“People are very pleasantly surprised at what there is to do,” says Beadle. “They’re disappointed when they come here and haven’t decided to stay at least a night or a couple of nights.” A short stay can feel limiting, but a longer visit provides time to experience everything that the city has to offer.
Route 66 Experiences You Can Only Find in Springfield
Part of Springfield’s appeal is the variety of Route 66 experiences packed into one place. Travelers can follow the Route 66 Mural Trail, explore wayside exhibits, spot the city’s famous giants, and visit restored landmarks that preserve the look and spirit of the highway.
The centennial comes with new additions that invite travelers to keep exploring. The Bob Waldmire Exclusive Art Exhibition at The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space celebrates the work of the Springfield native and Route 66 icon. Nearby, Carpenter Park Alignment invites visitors to walk a preserved stretch of original Route 66 pavement near the Sangamon River. Both reflect how Springfield builds on its history and continues to introduce new experiences for today’s travelers.
“There are a lot of pinpointed things that you have to come here to do,” Beadle says. “There are things to see, do, eat, and experience that you really can’t find anywhere else.”
Eating Along the Mother Road
Route 66 has always been shaped by places where people gather to eat, and Springfield carries on that tradition with a lineup of iconic spots. Travelers can build their trips around such stops as:
- Cozy Dog Drive In: The home of the original “Cozy Dog,” this Route 66 staple still makes the popular dish the same way.
- Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop: Recognized as the first drive-thru restaurant in the nation
- Maldaner’s Restaurant: One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants along Route 66
- Motorheads Bar, Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex: This themed stop merges dining, car culture, and Route 66 memorabilia.
“If you want to eat all the food, you need to stay at least two days,” Beadle says.
A Celebration That Brings It All Together
One of the biggest events of 2026 is the 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, September 25–27 in downtown Springfield. Downtown will host a large-scale celebration of the Mother Road, kicking off with a Friday night cruise, with thousands of classic cars roll into the city. Throughout the weekend, the event spans nearly 30 blocks and features a packed schedule of live music, a car show with hundreds of vintage vehicles, food vendors, and crowd-favorite events, such as the burnout contest. Such events as the Miss Mother Road competition carry the energy through the day and into the night.
Attendance regularly reaches tens of thousands. With the Route 66 centennial in 2026, the festival is expected to play an even larger role in the city’s celebration. Admission is free for spectators, and the event is open to anyone looking to be part of the experience.
“We want this energy to live on,” Beadle says. “Now is the prime time for us to amplify that excitement, bring in a younger generation, make it fun, make it fresh, while respecting the nostalgia and the history.”
Travelers planning a Route 66 trip in 2026 will find plenty of places to pause along the way. In Springfield, they’ll find plenty of reasons to stay awhile.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Visit Springfield, IL CVB. For more information and to start planning your trip, visit VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com.
