On April 30, 1926, a telegram from the Colonial Hotel in Springfield to federal authorities stated that they would accept the designation “66.” This dated moment gives Route 66’s history in Springfield a specific point of reference. Museums, historic sites, trails by the water, and experiences centered on wildlife and food offer other highlights.
Route 66 and Springfield’s History
The History Museum on the Square is in downtown Springfield along historic Route 66 and is easily accessible from I-44, MO-13, MO-65 and MO-60. Its permanent interactive galleries cover Springfield’s Indigenous past, transportation history, the Civil War, the Wild West and Route 66. Specific exhibits may change. The museum brings several historical topics together under one roof, while the 1926 telegram remains a distinct, precisely dated part of the city’s history.
Springfield’s African American history is also part of the city’s story: Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ was built in 1932 and served Springfield’s African American community for more than 80 years.
The Birthplace of Route 66 Passport lets visitors check in at participating businesses and well-known stops. Participation and rewards may change; check the current terms in advance if you’d like to include this offer in your plans.
Waterways and Outdoor Trails
At Lake Springfield, Lake Springfield Boathouse offers seasonal canoe and kayak rentals, subject to weather conditions. If you’d like paddling to be part of your stay, check in advance whether rentals are scheduled for your dates. The James River Water Trail runs for approximately 4.5 miles one way along Lake Springfield and the James River.
Springfield’s Ozark Greenways system is on a different scale: it includes a 140-mile network of shared-use trails. The figures describe different things—the approximate one-way length of a named route and the extent of a trail network. Since the network’s length may vary as it expands, check the current figure if you’re basing your plans on it.
Wildlife and Cave Tours
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium combines immersive wildlife galleries with a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium. It features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The attraction also includes more than 1.5 miles of paths through immersive exhibits and displays. The operator may update figures and exhibit details; check them in advance if they’re important to your choice.
Fantastic Caverns offers a 55-minute cave tour in a vehicle pulled by a Jeep. This is a specific tour duration, whereas at Wonders of Wildlife, the size of the trail and exhibit areas offers a different point of reference. Confirm the tour format and duration before you arrive.
Cashew Chicken as a Local Flavor
Springfield-style Cashew Chicken is presented as a local variation on a Chinese-American dish. Participating restaurants offer different versions. Anyone interested in the local food connection can also follow the Springfield Cashew Chicken Trail: visitors can check in at participating locations using GPS and earn points. Participation and completion dates are time-sensitive; check them in advance if you’re planning to follow the trail.
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