There’s no place quite like Springfield, Missouri when it comes to the lore of Route 66. This is the city where the Mother Road got its name, and you can still cruise some of its original alignments right through the heart of town. On this drive, we’ll experience 7 miles of classic Americana as we travel westbound on Historic Route 66, soaking in Springfield’s blend of vintage roadside culture and modern city life.
We kick off our journey on St. Louis Street, just a stone’s throw west of the busy Glenstone Avenue intersection. The first stretch heads into the city’s commercial district, where you’ll find a mix of long-standing local businesses and a few nods to Springfield’s Route 66 heritage. Keep your eyes peeled for restored neon signs and retro gas stations—many of which nod to the golden age of cross-country road trips. As we move closer to downtown, St. Louis Street becomes Park Central East and loops around Springfield’s Park Central Square—the true heart of downtown. The square itself is worth a quick detour; it’s ringed by shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and even a Route 66-themed mural or two. If you have time, Park Central Square is perfect for a quick stroll or a coffee break, and it’s a great spot to snap a few photos with that unmistakable Springfield vibe.
Circling halfway around the square, we veer right onto Park Central West, which soon transitions into College Street. This section is where Route 66’s personality really starts to shine. Heading west along College, we roll through a charming mix of older residential neighborhoods and light commercial spots. You’ll spot everything from classic brick homes to the occasional antique shop, as well as local eateries catering to both regulars and road trippers alike. About a mile down, we reach the busy intersection with MO-13, known locally as Kansas Expressway. For anyone wanting a bite or a quick detour, this area offers plenty of dining options and access to Springfield’s west side.
Continuing our journey west, College Street runs another mile through neighborhoods that still carry echoes of Springfield’s mid-century boom. Before long, we intersect with the Chestnut Expressway—a key artery that now carries the Historic Route 66 designation for Springfield’s westbound travelers. After a quick fuel stop at Casey’s, we hop back on the road for the final three miles. The Chestnut Expressway is wider and a bit more urban, crossing the intersection with U.S. Highway 160 (West Bypass). Here, you’ll find more modern development, but look closely and you’ll still spot fragments of Route 66’s past—whether it’s an old motel sign, a weathered diner, or a vintage car dealership.
Our drive wraps up at the interchange with Interstate 44, just west of town. This spot marks both a transition to the highways of today and a nod to the evolution of cross-country travel. If you’re continuing west on Route 66, this is a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Missouri’s classic roadside attractions—or you can hop on I-44 for a quick dash to your next stop.
Things to See Along the Route:
Park Central Square: Springfield’s historic downtown plaza with public art, shops, and the city’s famous Route 66 murals.
Route 66 Car Museum: Just a quick detour from the Chestnut Expressway, perfect for classic car fans.
Restored Neon and Old Motels: Look for the vintage Route 66 neon and retro signage sprinkled along St. Louis and College streets.
Local Diners and Cafés: Plenty of options for a bite—Springfield’s food scene is a mix of classic comfort food and modern takes on diner favorites.
00:00 – St. Louis St: Glenstone Ave to Park Central Square
4:03 – Park Central Square
4:27 – College St: Park Central Square to Chestnut Expressway
9:23 – Chestnut Expressway: College St to Interstate 44
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