Route 66 Turns 100: A Springfield, Illinois Guide for the Centennial and Beyond
In 2026, the Mother Road turns 100 — and nowhere in Illinois wears that history better than Springfield. Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, and a century later, Springfield still sits right in the middle of it: the city has roughly 60 Route 66–related attractions within its limits, more than any other stop along the Illinois stretch of the highway. With the national centennial kickoff already underway and celebrations continuing across the state throughout the year — including the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway's statewide Centennial Conference and Awards Gala, landing right here in Springfield on November 11, 2026 — 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year for Mother Road tourism in a generation. And because the centennial has put Route 66 back on so many travelers' bucket lists, the momentum won't stop when the calendar turns to 2027. Illinois' tourism office and local byway groups are already building multi-year itineraries around it, which means Springfield has a rare, extended window to turn centennial curiosity into repeat visitors — and repeat customers for the small businesses that call the Mother Road home.
That's exactly where Illinois Local members come in. Whether you're planning your own Route 66 pilgrimage or just curious what's changed on the road that runs through your own backyard, here's a guide to Springfield's place in Route 66 history, the stops you shouldn't skip, the local businesses worth a detour, and the seasonal markets that make shopping small a year-round Springfield tradition.
Abraham Lincoln next to the Route 66 sign in front of the Illinois State Capitol. Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield.
A Century of the Mother Road Through Springfield
Route 66 didn't run through Springfield just once — it ran through several times, in several different places, as the city and the highway both grew up. The original 1926 alignment entered town along Peoria Road after crossing the Sangamon River, then jogged through a sharp turn on old Sandhill Road before the state straightened that stretch out in 1936. You can still walk a quarter-mile of that very first pavement today: a surviving segment of 1926-vintage roadbed sits inside Carpenter Park on the north side of town, laid with the original expansion joints and gravel shoulders, now protected as part of an Illinois Nature Preserve.
Downtown, the route shifted more than once as Springfield modernized. Between 1926 and 1930, traffic ran along West Capitol Avenue and South 2nd Street before continuing west on South Grand Avenue. By the early 1930s, the road had moved to South 6th Street, and by the 1960s the city had split it into a proper one-way pair — southbound traffic on 5th Street, northbound on 6th — a pattern still visible in Springfield's downtown grid today. When postwar traffic outgrew downtown entirely, a 1940s bypass routed through-travelers around the city's east and south sides along what are now Dirksen Parkway and Stevenson Drive. And just southwest of the city, one of the oldest and most scenic stretches of the whole Illinois route survives largely intact, winding through Chatham, Auburn, Thayer, Virden, and Girard on its way toward Staunton — including a still-driveable brick section of original roadbed in Auburn. Few cities on Route 66 offer that many distinct, still-visible chapters of the highway's story in one place.
Route 66 Must-Dos in Springfield
For travelers making the trip this centennial year — or any year after — a few Springfield stops are essential:
● Cozy Dog Drive-In. The birthplace of the corn dog on a stick, serving the same recipe since the 1940s. No Route 66 trip through Springfield is complete without one.
● Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill. Home to the World's Largest Route 66 Shield sign and a new Muffler Man out front, plus neon memorabilia, classic cars, and the regional specialty horseshoe sandwich — a Springfield original invented at the Leland Hotel in 1928, built on Texas toast, meat, and french fries, and smothered in a Welsh rarebit-style cheese sauce (cheddar, milk, butter, and a splash of beer). Try the original recipe once, and you'll find yourself looking for it at every stop after that. It's also the site of the statewide Route 66 Centennial Conference and Awards Gala this November — see below for details.
Carpenter Park Original Route 66 Pavement. Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield, Illinois.
● Carpenter Park Route 66 Alignment. A quarter-mile walk on genuine 1926 pavement, tucked inside a 322-acre nature preserve on the Sangamon River.
● Shea's Gas Station. A restored, century-old filling station and longtime Route 66 Hall of Fame landmark, with its interior slated to open to the public for the centennial.
Legends Neon Sign Park -Illinois State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield, Illinois.
● Ace Sign Co. Sign Museum. Housed in a converted 60,000-square-foot former Sears warehouse (2540 S 1st Street), this working sign company has been rescuing and restoring landmark neon since 1940 — including signs from Route 66-era businesses — and now displays nearly 100 of them, from a 12-foot neon Pepsi bottle cap to a hand-lettered 1930s Chevy taxicab. Free guided tours run weekdays at 10 am and 2 pm (call ahead to confirm). Ace Sign Co. is also the team behind Legends Neon Sign Park at the fairgrounds — they imagined, designed, engineered, and fabricated every element of it, with all the neon hand-crafted in-house, and took home a 2023 "Best of Show" award for the work.
● The Route 66 Experience. A free exhibit at the Illinois State Fairgrounds featuring vintage billboards, a drive-in movie screen, and "muffler men" tributes, self-guided through businesses from 92 communities along the Illinois stretch of Route 66 — now also home to a brand-new 25-foot neon Cozy Dog (condiments included) installed in 2026 near the fairgrounds' southeast entrance, lit up nightly year-round and quickly becoming one of the best photo ops on the whole Illinois route. Springfield's own Ace Sign Co. designed, fabricated, and installed the whole exhibit, neon included.
● The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space. Home to a Bob Waldmire art exhibit, running through the end of the centennial year.
Lauterbach Muffler Man. Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield, Illinois
● Lauterbach Giant. One of the state's classic Muffler Man roadside icons, standing watch over South 6th Street.
● Abraham Lincoln's Home, Tomb, and Presidential Library & Museum. Not Route 66 sites in the strictest sense, but no road-tripper passing through the Route 66 capital of Illinois should skip them — the Lincoln Home National Historic Site downtown, Lincoln's Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (212 N 6th Street) are among Springfield's most-visited stops, and a natural pairing with a Mother Road day in town. The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway itself even lists the Presidential Library and Museum among its official Central Illinois attractions.
● Illinois State Museum. A block from the State Capitol (502 S Spring Street), covering Illinois's natural history, anthropology, and art — fossils, Native American dioramas and artifacts, and a notable glass paperweight collection. Another easy add to a downtown day.
Cozy Dog Springfield Illinois. Photo courtesy of Visit Springfield, Illinois
Illinois Local Members Along the Mother Road
Springfield's Route 66 corridor isn't just a museum piece — it's lined with the same kind of independent, locally owned businesses Illinois Local was built to champion.
Right on the alignment, in Springfield
● Alive! on 66 (600 Toronto Road) — a boutique plant shop and plantscape design company on Springfield's south side, right next door to Route 66 Motorheads. That makes it an easy stop after you've taken your photo with the World's Largest Route 66 Shield. Inside, it's a home goods and garden shop packed with unusual houseplants and some of the coolest gifts in town. Owner Becky Metzger and her team also design plantscapes for homes and businesses, so if you've ever admired the greenery in a local office or restaurant lobby, there's a chance it came from here. The shop changes with the seasons: around the holidays it fills up with fresh evergreen wreaths and holiday plants, and its annual holiday open house has become a local tradition. Travelers, keep in mind that plants don't always travel well. The gift side of the shop has plenty that fits in a suitcase, and the Route 66 name on the sign makes it a natural souvenir stop. Open Tuesday through Sunday; follow @aliveon66 on Instagram and Facebook to see what's new.
● The Railyard on 66 (2242 S 6th Street) — a community gathering spot on the historic S 6th Street alignment, known for hosting local vendor markets, food pop-ups, and live music.
● Living Well Chiropractic (2746 S 6th Street) — for when those hours on the road get to be a bit too much, chiropractic care on the same S 6th Street stretch.
● True Colors Floral (3 W Old State Capitol Plaza) — a full-service florist that has been part of downtown Springfield for more than 30 years, set right on the Old State Capitol Plaza along the original 1926–1930 Route 66 alignment. Owner Jamie Patarozzi took over the shop in 2019 because, in her words, "flowers are fun and always make people happy," and that spirit shows in the work. The team makes fresh arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, and sympathy, carries blooming and green houseplants (orchids and tropicals included), and handles flowers for weddings, proms, fundraisers, and corporate events of every size. They offer same-day delivery to more than a dozen surrounding communities, which is handy if you're road-tripping in for a family occasion or want flowers waiting at the hotel for an anniversary stop on the Mother Road.
● Lincoln Plaza Galleria (4 South Old State Capitol Plaza) — three stops in one, right across the plaza from the Old State Capitol. The main gallery shows work by Springfield-area artists alongside artists from across the country. The gift shop carries made-in-the-USA art and handmade gifts, including plenty of Lincoln-inspired pieces that make a better Land of Lincoln souvenir than a magnet. And the in-house café serves artisan coffee, cocoa, baked goods, and cold drinks. Owner Michael Wiest, an artist with a master's degree in fine arts and architecture, opened the gallery in 2021 in the former Robbie's Restaurant space. He chose downtown for its foot traffic, and it now sits on the original 1926–1930 stretch of Route 66 that ran past the Old State Capitol.
● Wild Rose Artisans (115 N 6th Street) — a gallery and boutique on the historic 6th Street corridor, across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It's stocked with handmade work from more than 20 Central Illinois artists: original art and prints, pottery, stained glass, handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, vintage clothing, skincare, stationery, and gifts for all ages. To keep the selection varied, the shop carries one artisan per type of product, so every visit turns up something different. Next door, a community room hosts classes, workshops, and cultural events. It's an easy stop before or after the Lincoln sites, and a better souvenir than anything from a gift shop chain.
● Ceramics Made by Rosie (412 East Monroe Street) —a two-person pottery studio run by potter Rosie Gale, who came to Springfield by way of the UK and Chicago, and her husband. Rosie makes everyday pieces using both wheel-throwing and slipcasting. The studio also hosts "Paint a Handmade Pot" events at venues around downtown, where you paint one of her pots to take home. That makes it as much a hands-on activity as a shopping stop. The studio is a couple of blocks from the Old State Capitol Plaza and sits on the same Monroe Street block as Dumb Records and Joe Gallina's. You can also find Rosie's work at local markets and fairs around Springfield.
Just off the road, in Girard
● Docs Just Off 66 (133 S 2nd Street, Girard) — one of the best-preserved pieces of small-town history on the Illinois stretch of the Mother Road, and a member of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The building has served Girard since 1884, when pharmacists Wyman and Robert Deck opened a drugstore here. The Decks added a soda fountain in 1929, just three years after Route 66 was commissioned, and it's still the heart of the place today. The original marble countertop, back bar, and stools are still in use, and the walls double as a museum, filled with antique pharmacy pieces, Coca-Cola memorabilia, and Route 66 collectibles, some of which are older than the highway itself. Today Docs is a restaurant, bar, and old-fashioned soda fountain in one. Pull up a stool for a burger or a roast beef sandwich, then order a phosphate or a handcrafted soda made with traditional syrups, or a malt in classic flavors or creative ones like toasted marshmallow. Grown-ups can try a boozy float. With oldies on the speakers and a kids' menu available, it's one of the most fun family stops between Springfield and St. Louis.
In Chatham
● Magelitz Clinic Conservative Medicine — a physical therapy practice offering non-surgical, concierge-style care for sports injuries, pain, and vestibular conditions, with direct access to your own clinician and transparent flat-rate pricing.
● Impressions Design — a custom apparel and DTF-printing shop turning out personalized t-shirts, hoodies, and full apparel runs from concept to delivery, with a mission to match: they employ adults with special needs alongside their support staff.
● New Beginnings Wellness — a direct primary care clinic offering personalized, relationship-based healthcare, plus medically supported weight loss, IV hydration, and men's health services.
In Carlinville -Route 66 town whose historic square is itself worth the stop
● Brave Hazel Boutique — a family-owned boutique right on Carlinville's historic square, with a bohemian style all its own. It was officially welcomed to the byway by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway when it opened. Owner Laura Convey picks every item herself. That includes styled clothing for both women and men, one-of-a-kind home décor, and locally made jewelry, crafts, and art. The shop also houses OOAK Goods, a line of fair-trade accessories, so a souvenir from Brave Hazel supports makers both close to home and around the world. Laura's reach goes beyond the shop, too: she founded Brave Days, a spring and fall celebration that brings more than 20 vendors from across Illinois to Carlinville. If your Route 66 trip lines up with one, plan to stay a while. Open Tuesday through Saturday, with late hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Planning a full day in Carlinville? See our Route 66 day-trip guide.
● Crowe Boot & Shoe Co. — a family footwear store on Main Street, one block west of Carlinville's historic square, built on what it calls "trusted service, quality brands & small town charm." The selection covers just about any kind of footwear: work boots from Red Wing, Thorogood, Danner, Ariat, and LaCrosse; running shoes from Brooks and New Balance; hiking and outdoor shoes from Merrell and Keen; comfort favorites like Birkenstock, Skechers, and Hey Dudes; and kids' shoes for the whole family. What sets it apart from buying shoes online is the fitting. Crowe offers sit-and-fit service, so someone measures your feet and finds the right shoe before you buy. They also run a work boot program for local employers. For Route 66 travelers, it's the perfect stop if your shoes aren't holding up to all the walking at roadside stops and festivals. Pick up a pair of Darn Tough socks while you're there. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
● Main Street Bridal — a family-run bridal boutique that has been dressing brides in Carlinville for more than 25 years. Owner Debbie opened the shop in May 2000 after running a flower shop. She started with just five dresses, inspired by a disappointing shopping trip when her own daughter got married, and set out to do it better. Her approach still shapes the shop today: no commissions, no pressure, and in her words, a focus on "my bride getting the gown she truly loves." The racks have grown well beyond five dresses. You'll find bridal gowns from designers like Stella York, Sincerity Bridal, and Sorella Vita, along with bridesmaids' dresses, mother-of-the-bride formalwear, prom dresses, and tuxedos, so a whole wedding party can shop in one place. Shopping is by appointment, which means your group gets the shop and the staff to yourselves. Plenty of brides from Springfield and St. Louis make the drive, and it pairs perfectly with lunch and shopping on the historic square. Book through mainstreetbridal.com or follow @main_street_bridal on Instagram.
● Main Street Florist & Gifts — an award-winning, locally owned florist right on Carlinville's historic square, with more than 20 years of experience in the floral business. Owner and lead designer Sarah LoBue is known for a fresh, distinctive style, and the shop has earned a reputation as Carlinville's go-to for high-end custom arrangements. Stop in for everyday bouquets, plants, and gifts. For bigger occasions, the team handles weddings and events from start to finish, with free consultations, venue visits, delivery, and setup, in styles from classic and romantic to rustic, glamorous, and vintage. They deliver across the region, from Springfield to St. Louis and the Metro East, so you can send flowers from the Route 66 trip to someone back home. For couples planning a wedding, it's an easy pairing with Main Street Bridal a block away: gown and flowers in one trip to Carlinville. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
● Collected — a home décor boutique for anyone who'd rather their house tell a story than look like a catalog. Owner Marcy Welsh has a lifelong love of "junking" and interior styling. She launched Collected during the pandemic, then grew it into a shop near Carlinville's historic square. The mix is vintage and modern side by side: mirrors, wall art, architectural salvage, wicker, textiles, furniture, and antique books, across vintage, boho, industrial, farmhouse, and cottage styles, plus local goods, everyday provisions, and an exclusive candle collection that regulars come back for. Marcy also offers styling consultations to help customers pull a room together, because as she puts it, "Home decor is unique to everyone. I am passionate about helping style your spaces so that they tell a story." Hours vary week to week, but the shop is usually open afternoons and Saturdays, so check @shop.collected.boutique on Instagram or Facebook before you go. Meet Marcy in our member feature.
In Virden
● DnR Custom Apparel — a full-service custom shop offering embroidery, vinyl lettering, sublimation, DTG printing, signage, and laser engraving, serving individuals, teams, and businesses since 1999.
● O'Dell Insurance Agency — a local Country Financial insurance agency serving the Virden area. Stop by and say hi to Steve while you're in town!
A bit further out, in Bunker Hill
● The Lillian G Boutique — a women's fashion boutique with trendy tops, dresses, activewear, and accessories, available in-store and online.
Keep an Eye Out
Not every Illinois Local member along the Mother Road has a storefront on it — some show up in your hands or your trunk instead.
Skitopel, the all-natural insect repellent made by Bunker Hill's Angel Buck Corporation, is a good travel-bag staple for anyone spending a centennial summer at outdoor Route 66 stops, festivals, and roadside parks across the area — keep an eye out for it on shelves at local retailers as you make your way down the Mother Road.
And if you want more Route 66-area finds like this one, pick up a copy of The Prairie Land Buzz Magazine, published in Farmersville and distributed throughout the Route 66 region of Central Illinois — a good companion for planning your next stop.
Off 66 — But Worth a Visit When You're in the Area
The Mother Road brings people through Springfield — but some of the best reasons to stay a little longer sit just off it.
In nearby Pleasant Plains, Bayleaf & Butterscotch has quickly become a five-star favorite for coffee and baked goods, worth the short drive out IL-125 northwest of the city.
Closer in, on the city's west side, Meii Tea on West Iles Avenue serves boba, milk teas, and fresh pastries in a cozy, Asian-inspired setting — a nice change of pace after a day of diner food and horseshoe sandwiches.
Out on Chatham Road, a couple of local favorites are worth stacking into one trip. Cafe Moxo (2661 Chatham Road) is a locally owned breakfast-and-lunch café and was named the very first Illinois Local Business of the Year in 2021, recognized for its lasting positive impact on Springfield through exceptional service and local engagement. It's also a comeback story: after a fire in June 2024, owner Mark Forinash rebuilt in a new home on Chatham Road and reopened in March 2025 to lines of regulars who'd been counting the days. The lunch crowd keeps coming back for the chicken pot pie, with its flaky, herb-seasoned crust over a creamy filling loaded with chicken and vegetables, and a chicken noodle soup built on handmade noodles. The sandwiches have devoted fans too, from the Huck Finn tuna to the Tara 2.0 chicken salad. Whatever you order, don't leave without one of Moxo's homemade cookies; trust us on this one. The new space has separate entrances for dine-in and to-go, so it's an easy stop even when you're short on time, and there's a free conference room for groups of up to 24 with catering. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just up the street, James Home Kitchen (2901 Chatham Road) is a home-style, family-run spot known for comfort food and barbecue.
For sushi with a twist, Izumi Rotary and Bar (3061 Wabash Avenue) brings a conveyor-belt sushi experience to Springfield, with dishes circulating past the table and a robot server delivering orders — a fun stop for travelers looking for something different from the road-food classics.
Downtown has its own cluster worth a stop, and one of them isn't even really "off" 66 — it's on it. Schlee's Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop (225 S 6th Street) sits right on the historic S 6th Street alignment, pairing fresh-baked goods with a curated wine and bottle shop. A few blocks over, Joe Gallina's Pizza & Restaurant (432 E Monroe Street) is a longtime downtown institution for Italian food and pizza, and Incredibly Delicious (925 S 7th Street) is a Springfield favorite artisan bakery and café, known well beyond the city for its cakes and pastries. Right around the corner, Dumb Records (418 E Monroe Street) is a vinyl record shop and all-ages show space that also runs Vault 66 Pinball — another small nod to the highway's number hiding in plain sight downtown. If you're on the west side of town instead, look for their second location, Dumber Records, at White Oaks Mall.
And for a taste of Springfield history along with your coffee, Pease's at BUNN Gourmet (2941 Plaza Drive) is run by BUNN — the coffee-brewer maker founded and still headquartered right here in Springfield — serving coffee, chocolates, and gourmet treats out of the company's own store.
Ryan Leake, owner of Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop
Off 66 but worth the stop, Little Lincoln's Toy Shop (3001 W White Oaks Drive) is the kind of toy store that's getting harder to find. It's locally owned, carefully curated, and run by people who call themselves "kids at heart." Owner Ryan Leake opened the shop in 2018, and it has grown so fast that it just moved into a bigger space in the same shopping center, with room for an expanded children's book section and a new "kidult" corner of collectibles and board games for teens and grown-ups. The shelves lean toward quality and educational toys: STEM kits, puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, books, dolls, plush, trains, sensory toys, and baby gear from brands like Magna-Tiles, BRIO, Melissa & Doug, Fat Brain Toys, and Tonies. Every gift gets free wrapping, and the staff will happily play alongside your kids to find the right fit. That makes it a great stop for road-tripping families, or for picking up a thank-you gift for whoever's watching the kids back home. The shop has an ever-growing following on TikTok (@littlelincolnstoyshop), so give it a follow before your visit, and look for them at the Illinois Local Holiday Market each November. Meet Ryan in our member feature.
For elevated dining, off 66 but worth it, Indigo Restaurant (3013 Lindbergh Boulevard) has been one of Springfield's go-to spots for a special night out since 1998. The kitchen follows a "world to table" philosophy, sourcing top ingredients from around the globe for a menu that blends contemporary American, French, and Asian influences. Think filet mignon, sea bass, chops, and sushi, with diners regularly singling out the lamb and the NY strip. The wine list is a draw on its own, with more than 120 wines, over 50 of them by the glass, plus a martini list known around town. Indigo calls its style fine dining "with a groove": upscale food and service in a relaxed, open room with eclectic music, where jeans and a T-shirt fit in just as well as a suit and tie. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only, so plan accordingly, and reserve ahead if you're bringing a group.
For a sit-down meal, Harvest Kitchen + Bar (4241 Conestoga Drive) is known around Springfield for fresh, scratch-made food and a popular weekend brunch — a good option for travelers looking for something more substantial than roadside food.
A little further afield, in Riverton, Dolce Anna Gelateria Italiana (715 North 7th Street) has quickly built a following as the area's first true gelateria, making authentic Italian gelato in small batches. Back in Springfield, Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market (1941 West Iles Avenue) pairs wood-fired pizza with an Italian market counter — a solid stop for travelers craving something other than diner food. And when fall rolls around, Bomke's Patch (605 Country Lake Road) is a Springfield-area tradition for pumpkins, fall activities, and family outings — worth building into a centennial-year visit if the timing lines up.
Two more belong in this section for their history alone. Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (118 N. Pasfield Street) isn't on one of the mapped alignments, but it's not far off, and it's the real deal Route 66-era history: opened in 1921, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984, and often credited as the birthplace of the first drive-thru window in the country — the shop marked its 100th anniversary in 2024. And Mel-O-Cream Donuts, a Springfield institution since 1932, now has several locations around the city — including one that sits right on the S 6th Street alignment (3010 S 6th Street), complete with a Route 66-themed sign travelers stop to photograph — plus locations at 525 N Grand Avenue W, 217 E Laurel Street, and 1953 W Monroe Street.
A little east of the city, Rochester is a quaint small town worth a slight detour of its own, with a cluster of local favorites: Mockingbird Bakery (129 S John Street) for fresh-baked goods and café fare, Cocoa Blue Chocolates (117 E Main Street) for handmade chocolates, and Teal Owl Boutique (215 Sattley Road) for women's clothing, gifts, and home decor, much of it made in-house or sourced from more than 20 local makers.
Further out in Petersburg, off 66 but worth the trip, are two more favorites: Hand of Fate Brewing Company (107 E Douglas Avenue), a local craft brewery, and, when October rolls around, Terror on the Square (119 S 7th Street) — a professional haunted attraction that's been running for over 30 years, set inside an actual 1930s funeral home right on the historic Petersburg Square, complete with Disney-style illusions and a silent-horror-film theater next door.
Where to Get Good Coffee Near 66
No road trip runs on empty, so here's where locals go for a good cup:
● Arrowroot Coffee Co. (625 E Adams Street) — a downtown Springfield roastery and coffee lounge.
● Cafe Moxo (2661 Chatham Road) — the pot pie and soup spot above doubles as a solid coffee stop too.
● Grab-a-Java — drive-thru gourmet coffee with three Springfield locations, including one right on the historic S 6th Street alignment (1702 S 6th Street), plus 300 Chatham Road and 3115 Hedley Road.
● Hawthorn Tree Coffeehouse (242 E Side Square, Carlinville) — coffee, bakery, and boutique shopping together, right on the historic Carlinville square.
● Pease's at BUNN Gourmet (2941 Plaza Drive) — mentioned above, but worth a second look here: BUNN is a genuine piece of coffee history. Founded in Springfield in 1957 by George R. Bunn, the company invented the flat-bottom, fluted pour-over coffee filter still used worldwide, introduced the first automatic drip-brew coffee maker in 1963, and brought that same technology into home kitchens with its first residential drip brewer in 1972. Nearly 70 years later, BUNN is still headquartered and manufacturing right here in Springfield.
● Smart Owl Coffee — a Springfield-based coffee brand without a storefront of its own, so find it for sale locally and buy a bag when you do.
● Sei Lá — a mobile coffee vendor worth keeping an eye out for, serving Smart Owl Coffee on the go.
Mark Your Calendar: Shop Local All Season
Route 66 nostalgia is a great reason to visit Springfield — but Illinois Local gives visitors and locals alike a reason to come back all year long.
Illinois Route 66 Centennial Conference & Awards Gala. The statewide celebration marking Route 66's 100th anniversary lands right in Springfield on November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill — the same neon-covered landmark on our must-do list above. The day includes a conference with sessions on preservation, economic development, and Route 66's future, a celebrity keynote speaker, an Awards Gala Luncheon honoring individuals, businesses, and communities, and an evening Centennial Celebration with live entertainment and classic cars. Tickets are required for both the conference and the celebration, with discounts available for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members.
Brinkerhoff Mansion Markets — Spring and Fall. The historic Brinkerhoff Mansion (1500 N 5th St, Springfield — the mansion's Chatham address is its mailing address) hosts two signature vendor markets each year: a Spring Market each April featuring dozens of curated vendors across the mansion grounds and the neighboring Becker Library, and the Artisan & Antique Market each October, a larger fall event with 120+ artisan, boutique, and vintage vendors, food trucks, and live youth performances.
Robin Roberts Stadium — Home of the Lucky Horseshoes and Women's Pro Baseball. Opened in 1925, Robin Roberts Stadium (1415 N Grand Ave E) has hosted baseball in Springfield for a century, and it's home turf for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, a Prospect League summer collegiate team and Illinois Local member. In 2026, the stadium made national headlines as the site of the inaugural season of the Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) — Springfield was picked in part because it's considered the birthplace of women's pro baseball, tracing back to the first professional women's teams formed here in 1875. The league is already planning to continue play in 2027, so this new tradition is just getting started.
The Illinois State Fair. Held each August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds — right on Route 66 — the fair is one of the biggest draws to Springfield all year, and a natural extension of centennial-year momentum for anyone planning a return trip. The 2027 Illinois State Fair runs August 12–22, 2027.
Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair. A two-day outdoor art fair running for over 60 years, set against the backdrop of the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. Artists from across the country show and sell original work, alongside a children's tent, food and live music, and a community mural project. It's held each May (2026's dates were May 16–17).
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair. Hosted by the Springfield Art Association at its main campus (700 N 4th Street), this fine art fair runs each September — in 2026, Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th — and is one of the Association's flagship annual events.
Illinois Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Downtown Springfield's biggest Route 66 celebration, now in its 25th year, runs September 25–27, 2026 — and with the centennial in full swing, this year carries extra weight. Expect over 1,000 cars competing in the show, celebrity judges, a burnout contest, a Friday night cruise, and a 5K race, all with the community feel the festival has kept since its early years.
Carve for the Carillon. A free, family-friendly pumpkin-carving tradition held mid-October (October 10–11, 2026) at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park. Bring your own tools, carve a pumpkin from the ones provided, and see it lit up the following weekend at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Own a Piece of the Mother Road. The American Business Club of Springfield (AMBUCS) has been a fixture of the community for over 100 years, with a deep connection to the Illinois State Fair — right on Route 66 — where the club has long helped run gate admissions and concessions. Now they're selling a limited run of 1,500 commemorative Route 66 bricks — while they last — as part of its centennial-year fundraising. All proceeds go back into the club's charitable work across Central Illinois, including its AmTryke program, which provides adaptive tricycles to children with disabilities. Sales are in person for now, so catch a club member at one of their events, or reach out directly through the American Business Club of Springfield to find out where to grab one.
Illinois Local Holiday Market — Small Business Saturday. Now an annual Springfield tradition, this year's market lands on Saturday, November 28, 2026, bringing 70+ Illinois-based vendors to the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for handmade goods, gourmet treats, apparel, and holiday shopping, alongside Santa photos, live entertainment, and a kids' craft area. The Fairgrounds themselves sit right on Route 66, which makes the Holiday Market a fitting way to close out a centennial year of celebrating the road — by supporting the small businesses along it. It's also where Illinois Local announces the winners of its annual Illinois Local Business Awards, making the market as much a celebration of the state's best independent businesses as it is a place to shop for the holidays.
Old Capitol Farmers Market (Downtown). Central Illinois' largest producer-only market has run in Downtown Springfield's Old Capitol Plaza (3 W Old State Capitol Plaza) since 1999. It's produced by Downtown Springfield, Inc. — a 501(c)(3), Main Street America–accredited nonprofit that's championed downtown Springfield since 1961 — and presented by HSHS St. John's. Now drawing over 80 vendors (growers, ranchers, bakers, and artisans among them, including names like Gregory's Orchard, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, and Central Illinois Bakehouse) and voted Best Farmers Market and Best Free Entertainment, it's open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., spring through fall, with SNAP customers receiving double points on their SNAP card. Follow along at @oldcapitolfarmersmarket on Instagram.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market at Union Station. When the weather turns, Springfield's longest-running farmers market moves indoors to the historic Union Station (500 E Madison Street) for a run of Saturday markets, 8 a.m. to noon, from late November through late April — though not every Saturday, so check Downtown Springfield, Inc.'s event calendar (downtownspringfield.org) or their Instagram closer to the season for the exact winter dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 2026 significant for Route 66?
Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, making 2026 its 100th anniversary. Illinois — where the highway begins in Chicago — is marking the centennial with new attractions, restorations, and events all year, with Springfield serving as a central hub for the celebration.
What is the best Route 66 stop in Springfield, Illinois?
Cozy Dog Drive-In is the most iconic — it's the birthplace of the corn dog on a stick and has been a Route 66 landmark since the 1940s. For a broader taste of the highway's history, pair it with Route 66 Motorheads and the original 1926 pavement at Carpenter Park.
How many Route 66 attractions are there in Springfield?
Springfield has an estimated 60 Route 66–related attractions and landmarks within the city, more than any other stop along the Illinois route.
Is Route 66 still driveable through Springfield?
Yes. Several historic alignments remain drivable through the city's downtown grid and surrounding towns, and a preserved quarter-mile segment of the original 1926 roadbed can be walked at Carpenter Park.
Is there a self-guided Route 66 tour of Springfield?
Yes. Several historic alignments run through downtown Springfield and the surrounding towns, and the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds offers a free, self-guided exhibit featuring businesses from all 92 Illinois communities along the route.
What's the best time of year to visit Route 66 in Springfield?
The Illinois Route 66 Mother Road Festival, September 25–27, 2026, is downtown Springfield's biggest Route 66 celebration and draws over 1,000 cars for its show — but with the centennial in full swing, events and attractions are drawing visitors to Springfield's Route 66 corridor all year long.
Where can I see Route 66 neon signs in Springfield?
Legends Neon Sign Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is a collection of restored vintage roadside neon best seen after dark, and the Ace Sign Co. Sign Museum displays nearly 100 restored signs, including pieces from Route 66-era businesses, with free guided tours on weekdays.
Is visiting Route 66 attractions in Springfield free?
Many are. Carpenter Park's original 1926 pavement, Legends Neon Sign Park, the Route 66 Experience at the fairgrounds, and roadside icons like the Lauterbach Giant are all free to visit.
Where can I find locally owned businesses along Route 66 in Springfield?
Illinois Local's Member Directory highlights independent, Illinois-owned businesses across the state, including several right on the Route 66 corridor in and around Springfield — like Alive! on 66, The Railyard on 66, and Docs Just Off 66 in Girard.
What is a horseshoe sandwich?
A Springfield, Illinois original, invented at the Leland Hotel in 1928: an open-faced sandwich built on Texas toast, topped with meat and french fries, and smothered in a Welsh rarebit-style cheese sauce made from cheddar, milk, butter, and a splash of beer.
When is the Route 66 Centennial Conference and Awards Gala?
November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield. The statewide event, hosted by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, includes a conference, a celebrity keynote, an Awards Gala Luncheon, and an evening centennial celebration with live entertainment and classic cars.
When is the Illinois Local Holiday Market?
Saturday, November 28, 2026 (Small Business Saturday), at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield — where Illinois Local also announces its annual Business Awards winners.
When is the Illinois State Fair?
The 2027 Illinois State Fair runs August 12–22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, which sits directly on the Route 66 corridor.
Where can I get donuts on Route 66 in Springfield?
Mel-O-Cream Donuts, a Springfield institution since 1932, has a location right on the historic S 6th Street alignment complete with a Route 66-themed photo sign, plus several other locations around the city.
Is there a good photo spot for Route 66 in Springfield?
A few favorites: the 25-foot neon Cozy Dog at the Route 66 Experience on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the Mel-O-Cream sign on S 6th Street, the World's Largest Route 66 Shield at Route 66 Motorheads, and Legends Neon Sign Park at the fairgrounds — best seen after dark.
What other events happen near Route 66 in Springfield throughout the year?
Beyond the centennial celebrations, Springfield's Route 66 corridor stays busy year-round with the Illinois Local Holiday Market each November, the Old Capitol Farmers Market downtown (moving to Union Station for winter), and the Brinkerhoff Mansion's Spring and Fall artisan markets.
Planning a Route 66 trip through Springfield? Explore the Illinois Local Member Directory to find locally owned shops, restaurants, and services along the way — and if you're a Route 66-area business owner, join Illinois Local to be part of guides like this one.