Welcome to
Springfield
Springfield is the Birthplace of Route 66 — it was here, on April 30, 1926, that Cyrus Avery's telegram from the Colonial Hotel formally christened the highway 'U.S. 66.' Springfield's official Route 66 visitor center features the giant 8,200 sq ft 'Birthplace of Route 66' mural.
The town is also home to the 1865 Wild Bill Hickok–Davis Tutt shootout site, the original 1934 Steak 'n Shake, and Johnny Morris's flagship Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife museum.
exploreThings to See & Do
Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center
The starting point for any Route 66 pilgrimage — where the Mother Road was officially named in 1926
Fantastic Caverns
The only ride-through cave in North America — a 55-minute Jeep-drawn tram tour through Ozark limestone
History Museum on the Square
Springfield's downtown history museum — Wild West, Civil War, and the birth of Route 66
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Johnny Morris's 350,000-square-foot wildlife museum and aquarium — one of the largest in the world
Bass Pro Shops Original Store
The 1971 flagship store that became one of America's largest outdoor retailers — a destination attraction in its own right
Tips for Visiting Springfield
The Birthplace of Route 66 visitor center has the giant 8,200 sq ft mural — free, open daily.
Steak 'n Shake at College & Glenstone is the chain's original 1934 location — Route 66 traditional stop.
Wonders of Wildlife at Bass Pro is one of the largest aquariums in the country — allow 3-4 hours.