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The year 2026 is a landmark year as Route 66 celebrates its centennial! Your clients can enjoy a nostalgic day right down this historic highway’s birthplace in Springfield, Missouri!

To kick off the journey, the itinerary can start at the Route 66 Visitor Center. It’s the perfect spot to grab some Route 66 memorabilia and get the lowdown on the area.

Next, visitors can dive into Springfield’s history at the History Museum on the Square. With eight galleries spanning three floors, your clients can find fascinating exhibits on everything from the iconic Mother Road to Wild West shootouts.

If you’re dealing with a foodie client who is craving some classic diner fare, College Street Cafe is a must-visit. This beloved spot has been serving up delicious meals to Route 66 travelers since the 1950s.

Car enthusiasts will love the Route 66 Car Museum. Founded by local Springfieldian Guy Mace, the museum features 75 sports cars, classic vehicles from 1907 to 1980, and even some movie cars.

For a blast from the past, taking a scenic 23-mile drive to Gary’s Gay Parita is a great plan! This recreated 1930s gas station offers a nostalgic glimpse into Route 66's heyday.

Route 66 Steak n’ Shake is another iconic stop along the Mother Road. Opened in 1962, this location is one of the oldest continuously operating Steak n’ Shakes and proudly embraces its Route 66 heritage. It’s the perfect place to savor a hand-mixed milkshake and a classic steakburger in true retro diner style.

Finally, nobody should miss The Gillioz Theatre on Route 66 in downtown Springfield. This historic venue hosts live performances, concerts and movies, including shows from Springfield’s own Ozarks Lyric Opera. Plus, it’s right across from where “66” was officially designated as the route’s name back in 1926.

Day One: Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 By Exploring the Birthplace’s Historic Highlights

If your clients are looking to connect with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, Springfield is the place! Here are some of the best spots for a nature-filled day. 

They can start their morning at Kingdom Coffee on Lone Pine, a cozy spot right along the scenic Galloway Creek Greenway Trail in southeast Springfield. Whether your clients is craving fresh coffee, a smoothie or a breakfast burrito, Kingdom Coffee has everyone covered, and their outdoor seating offers perfect nature views!

Once your clients have fueled up, they can take a stroll on the Galloway Creek Greenway Trail. Less than a mile in, visitors can reach Sequiota Park, a local gem with caves, a playground where kids can burn off some energy, a charming fishing lake, and more. It’s a great spot to stretch legs and enjoy some fresh air!

Just a half-mile from Sequiota (on the same trail) is The Rock - Food & Friends, known for their fresh, flavorful dishes and great outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place for a quick, tasty bite!

Ready to change things up later that afternoon? Check out one (or two) of these must-visit spots:

• Wonders of Wildlife: Visitors can see over 35,000 animals, discover interactive exhibits, get the chance to pet stingrays, or even dive with sharks at America’s Best Aquarium voted by USA Today six times!
  
  
• Bass Pro Shops: Connected to Wonders of Wildlife, your clients can find the Granddaddy of all outdoor stores stocked with an archery and shooting range, free museums, and much, much more. It’s a nature enthusiast’s dream!
  
  
• Springfield Conservation Nature Center: When visitors walk the miles of beautiful trails at the nature center, they will never believe they are in the middle of the city. Note that because it is a conservation center, dogs are not allowed.
  
  
• Fantastic Caverns: Discover America’s only ride-thru cave, where a jeep-pulled tram takes you through stunning underground formations.
  
  
• Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area: Just south of Springfield is Busiek State Forest, which spans 2,500 acres and 18 miles of trails throughout the beautiful Ozark mountains. If your clients are looking for a little alone time, Busiek is the perfect place.
  
  
• Dickerson Park Zoo: Visitors can take the most exotic 1.2-mile stroll in Springfield through a diverse collection of over 400 animals from five continents. Visitors admission also supports local and international conservation efforts.
  
  
• Nathanael Greene Park & Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden: If your clients want something more casual, they can visit Springfield’s lush botanical gardens! The park includes a tranquil Japanese stroll garden, a butterfly house, and a farmstead. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

To wrap up the day, your clients can enjoy dinner at Hemingway’s inside Bass Pro Shops, a full-service restaurant with a fish tank bar and cozy fireplace. If your clients are craving farm-to-table, Farmers Gastropub offers the freshest food and from-scratch options.

Day Two: Discovering Springfield's Natural Playground

It’s time to take the city by storm! From touring a castle and exploring interactive science exhibits to indulging in local cuisine and catching a game or show, Springfield will help your clients make memories from dawn to dusk. 

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Gailey’s on historic Walnut Street! Whether your client is craving home fry skillets or a signature omelet, they’ve got something to satisfy everyone.

After a delicious meal, why not take a tour of Pythian Castle? Yes, Springfield has a castle! Built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias and later used as a military facility during World War II, this beautiful building is packed with history. Just remember, tours must be booked in advance.

Those looking for something more kid-friendly can head over to the Discovery Center. This interactive science center is perfect for hands-on fun and learning.

When lunchtime rolls around, your clients can drive over to Commercial Street. This historic area is a food lover’s paradise, with various dining options like Gilmore’s, Lindberg’s, Café Cusco, and more.

However, if your clients are more in the mood for a Springfield classic, they should head to Leong’s Asian Diner. Here, everybody can try the original Springfield-style cashew chicken and other delicious dishes.

Visitors can't leave Springfield without checking out the art scene, starting with the Giant Fork! This quirky, 35-foot-tall landmark is the perfect photo-op.

Continue the artistic adventure with Sculpture Walk Springfield, a museum without walls that’s perfect for exploring local art while getting to know the downtown area.

As your clients hunt down sculptures, they can keep an eye out for Springfield’s vibrant murals. From the stunning monarch butterfly wings downtown to the giant galloping horses on the back of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, these beautiful works are scattered throughout the city.

For dinner, your clients can treat themselves to Black Sheep Burgers. Their award-winning burgers, creative spins on classic fries, and famous milkshakes are not to be missed.

If burgers aren’t your clients thing, they can head over to Springfield Brewing Company. Known for their craft beers, they also serve up great food, from specialty mac ‘n cheese to wings and pizza. 

The evening can be wrapped up with a beloved Springfield activity:

Visitors can catch a game at Hammons Field and watch the Springfield Cardinals, the double-A team for the St. Louis Cardinals, play during their season from April through September. It’s a great way to see baseball's future stars in action! Or, if they enjoy the performing arts, they can enjoy a comedy play or a musical masterpiece at Springfield Little Theatre, a historic community theater that never disappoints.

Finally, your clients can end their night with a nightcap or a sweet treat by stopping by Mother’s Brewery, a local favorite for craft beers located right on Route 66, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Andy’s Frozen Custard, a Springfield staple that’s grown to 85 locations across 14 states.

Day Three: Urban Adventures, Springfield Style

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