Celebrating Route 66: The Birthplace of the Mother Road

Monday, Jan 13, 2025 0

In 2026, iconic Route 66 will celebrate its centennial, marking 100 years since the historic highway was officially designated. This milestone is a golden opportunity to explore one of the most beloved roads in American history, and Missouri is home to a remarkable stretch of the Mother Road.

Missouri’s 482 kilometers of Route 66 offers travelers a captivating blend of nostalgic roadside attractions, charming small towns and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for fans of the open road. At the heart of Missouri’s Route 66 experience lies Springfield, Missouri, the “Birthplace of Route 66.” This city is where the famous road was named, and it’s the perfect mainstay for any Route 66 adventure.

The Birth of Route 66: A Historic Telegram

Route 66 owes its name to a telegram sent in 1926 from the Colonial Hotel in Springfield, Mo. That fateful message, sent by state highway officials, requested that the Bureau of Public Roads designate the highway that would run from Chicago to Los Angeles “66” as it was catchier than the proposed “62.” Springfield became the official starting point of what would soon be known as the “Main Street of America.”

As the route began to take shape, Springfield saw an influx of travelers eager to explore the new highway. It’s no surprise that the city continues to celebrate its significant role in Route 66 history today.

Explore Springfield’s Route 66 History

Springfield is a living museum of Route 66, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of early travelers and discover the city’s fascinating ties to the highway. A visit to the History Museum on the Square is a must for anyone seeking to understand the rich past of Route 66. The museum’s Route 66 exhibit highlights the impact of the road on Springfield’s development and showcases artifacts from the early days of the highway, including neon signs, maps, and photos. The exhibit also touches on the cultural significance of Route 66, tracing its influence on American road trips, popular culture and even music.

A short drive from the museum is the Route 66 Car Museum, home to one of the largest private collections of classic cars in the world. Here, visitors can admire an array of vintage vehicles, many of which have traveled the famous road. The collection includes iconic cars from the 1920s through the 1960s, providing a glimpse into the automobiles that defined the golden age of road travel.

Stay Where Legends Slept: The Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

For those looking for an authentic Route 66 experience, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven is a must-visit stop. This historic motor court, which opened in 1938, has been welcoming travelers along the Mother Road for decades. The motel was a favorite of celebrities, including Elvis Presley, who stayed here during his visit to Springfield in 1956. Today, the hotel retains much of its retro charm, offering visitors the chance to sleep in the same room once occupied by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The Elvis Suite features memorabilia of the iconic performer, a jacuzzi and a pink Cadillac couch.

The Rail Haven is a true time capsule, providing vintage-style accommodations complete with modern amenities. Staying here is like stepping back in time, as visitors can relive the days when Route 66 was a thriving thoroughfare and motels like the Rail Haven were a symbol of American hospitality.

Dining on Route 66: Local Eats and Hidden Gems

No Route 66 road trip is complete without a stop at some of the classic diners and mom-and-pop restaurants that line the route. Springfield boasts several iconic eateries that have been serving up comfort food for generations.

Red’s Giant Hamburg holds a special place in Route 66 history as the birthplace of the “drive-thru.” Founded in 1947, Red’s was a favorite stop for hungry travelers looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Though the original location closed in the 1980s, the spirit of Red’s lives on in a reconstructed replica of the iconic roadside stand, located just off the historic Route 66 corridor. Visitors can still see the famous sign and enjoy the nostalgia of this legendary stop.

College Street Cafe is a beloved local gem known for its homemade pies, burgers and hearty breakfasts. This charming, no-frills diner serves up an authentic taste of mid-century Americana, where the friendly staff and warm atmosphere make it easy to imagine the days when Route 66 was a bustling highway filled with travelers seeking a good meal and a moment of respite.

Another popular spot is the Casper’s Diner, an old-fashioned establishment that – since 1909 – offers classic American fare on historic Route 66. Known for its world-famous original recipe chili, steak burgers, shakes and malts, Casper’s is a favorite stop for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of nostalgia.

More to Explore Along Missouri’s Route 66

While Springfield is undoubtedly the heart of Missouri’s Route 66 story, the entire 482-kilometer stretch of highway through the Show-Me State provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy the charming small towns that dot the route, each offering unique attractions and historic landmarks.

From the Chain of Rocks Park and Route 66 State Park near St. Louis to Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri’s Route 66 is a road that’s as rich in natural beauty as it is in history. Travelers can enjoy a film under the stars at the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, explore a replica 1930 Sinclair gas station at Gary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove, and snap selfies at the 42-foot-tall Route 66 Rocker in Cuba.

For history buffs, the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center in Pacific and National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis are worth checking out.

Those looking for an authentic Route 66 experience that combines the nostalgia of the road with plenty of local charm will find everything they need along Missouri’s stretch of the Mother Road.

Celebrating the Centennial

The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 promises to be a year-long celebration of one of America’s most famous highways, and Missouri communities are gearing up to host various events.

In Springfield, Mo., the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival is a lively event that celebrates the history and culture of the Mother Road. The festival – which takes place in August – features car shows, live music, historic displays and a parade, bringing together Route 66 enthusiasts from around the world to honor the highway’s lasting legacy.

Nearby Joplin will host its unique World Street Painting Festival, where U.S. and international artists create vibrant, 3D street murals that pay tribute to Route 66. The festival takes place the first week of June through 2027.

St. Louis, in partnership with the Missouri History Museum, will host the Route 66 100^th Anniversary Festival April 30-May 5, 2026, in Forest Park. Set among stunning natural scenery, the festival will feature quirky roadside attractions, concerts, car displays, a 6.6-mile bike ride, documentary screening and family activities.

Discover Route 66 Offerings in the Show-Me State Today

Missouri and its Route 66 attractions offer a truly unforgettable experience for any road tripper. From historical museums and vintage motor courts to classic diners and scenic stops, the Mother Road’s spirit lives on and will leave visitors with memories to last a lifetime. As the Route 66 Centennial approaches, now is the perfect time to explore available itineraries along one of the most iconic roads in America.