Things to do on Route 66

Famed frozen custard stand and Route 66 institution since the 1930s.

Historic diner known for breakfast and burgers, now closed.

One of the largest collections of transportation vehicles in the world.

Rustic steakhouse and tavern-style dining in a historic 1920s Route 66 stop.

Artist-created village with restored historic buildings and quirky art.

Quirky roadside sculpture of a woman changing a tire.

Operating roadside motel on East Central Avenue with classic motor-court layout.

Historic Route 66 burger stand serving classics since 1953

Historic Route 66 U-shaped cabin court whose surviving office and sign recall Route 66 lodging history.

Large downtown mural celebrating notable Carthage natives and hometown pride.

Historic neon sign associated with the famous Boots Court Motel.

Small roadside police warning sign on Route 66 known for catching drivers off guard.

Forest preserve museum focusing on fur trade and Native American heritage.

Former penitentiary turned attraction.

Historic Route 66 motor court known for its iconic neon sign.

A 1962 National Register landmark in Springfield serving classic steakburgers on the original Route 66 alignment since the Mother Road's golden age.

Historic multi-story downtown building

Classic restored theater in downtown Springfield.

European-inspired café and bakery in downtown Springfield.

Former motor court, now closed.

A faithfully restored 1930 Sinclair station preserving the nostalgia, history, and welcoming spirit of classic Route 66.

Retro-themed car wash on Route 66.

Historic Route 66 motel sign in Villa Ridge.

Another abandoned Route 66 motel—sun-faded signage and overgrown lots echo its former glory.

Deserted but iconic roadside motel—now a ghostly marker of Route 66's golden era.

Once a motor court for Route 66 travelers, now a crumbling relic of mid-century roadside stays.

Small local motel offering convenient overnight lodging for Route 66 travelers.

Roadside burger spot near the I-44 exit serving smashburgers and quick bites.

Casual diner-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner just off Route 66 in Cuba.

Cuba's welcome center with maps, brochures, and Route 66 info.

Local museum featuring mining history, Route 66 exhibits, and sports memorabilia.

Site of the 1933 Bonnie and Clyde shootout in Joplin.

Scenic waterfall and natural swimming hole on Shoal Creek.

Display of scorched locomotive from the 2011 fire, popular Route 66 photo stop.

The surviving boots of Galena’s famous “Frecs the Miner,â€

Route 66 themed eatery inspired by the Pixar Cars character Tow Tater located in historic Galena.

Rusty tow truck that inspired the Pixar Cars character Mater, located outside Gearhead Curios.

Historic garage featured in local lore and Route 66 tales.

Iconic signpost marking distances to cities and attractions.

Fast‑food and ice cream chain serving burgers, soft serve and frozen treats in Galena.

A Route 66 antique shop in Galena, offering unique finds and hidden gems.

Popular Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes and combo plates in Galena.

Charming Route 66 vacation rental offering travelers a comfortable stay along the historic Mother Road in the heart of Galena.

Small community park with benches, shade, and Route 66 charm.

A towering 21-foot fiberglass Texaco attendant known as “Big A,â€

Collection of murals celebrating Galena's mining history and Route 66.

Route 66 themed mural located in downtown Galena popular for traveler photos.

A historic shotgun tied to the Bonnie and Clyde era, displayed inside Liberty Pawn as a relic from one of America’s most infamous outlaw stories.

Route 66 themed bar and grill serving casual food and drinks in historic downtown Galena.

Museum highlighting Galena’s mining past with exhibits on local and Route 66 history.

Classic diner and bakery serving homestyle breakfast and comfort food in Galena.

Classic American drive‑in chain known for burgers, shakes and carhop service in Galena.

Local cafe and coffee spot serving breakfast, lunch and espresso drinks near Route 66 in Galena.

Natural area with hiking trails, a historic cave, and a local nature center.

Historic 1923 rainbow arch bridge.

Local eatery serving burgers and comfort food.

Historical museum covering the Civil War, Route 66, and Baxter’s boomtown era.

Welcome center with exhibits and brochures on Route 66 attractions.

Route 66–themed clothing and apparel.

In-person Route 66 guessing contest with cash prizes — currently a pie flavor challenge.