Take a trip through American history as you travel Route 66 in Illinois’ capital city of Springfield. From roadside photo ops and vintage signage to diners and drive-ins, you’ll discover some truly iconic attractions along America’s most famous highway.
Illinois State Fair Route 66 Experience
If you’re looking for an amazing photo op, be sure to stop by the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Learn about the history of Route 66 in Illinois, take a self-guided tour of the educational exhibits, and snap Instagram-worthy photos of vintage billboards, “muffler men”, and Legends Neon Sign Park.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
A popular spot along Route 66 in Springfield, this bar, restaurant, museum, and entertainment complex caters to car lovers and racing enthusiasts and boasts an impressive collection of classic vehicles, historic neon signs, and other memorabilia.
See a piece of history at this museum, which features a collection of more than 85 historic signs from along Route 66 and throughout Springfield. The museum offers tours at 10am Monday through Friday and is in the same building as Ace Sign Company’s contemporary manufacturing facility.
Diners and quick-stop restaurants are a common sight along the entirety of Route 66, but Springfield’s Maid Rite Sandwich Shop, which is open for lunch Monday through Saturday, is a particularly notable one: it opened in 1924 as the first drive-through restaurant in the United States. Stop and try their specialty: a loose meat sandwich and homemade root beer.
Another famous diner on Springfield’s section of Route 66, the Cozy Dog Drive In is the birthplace of the original “hot dog on a stick”, which they’ve been serving for more than 75 years. There’s also lots of great Route 66 memorabilia to peruse (and purchase) while you’re enjoying your lunch.
