The Rail Haven Motel in Springfield, Missouri, stands as a cherished emblem of America’s golden age of road travel. Situated at the corner of Glenstone Avenue and East St. Louis Street, this historic motel has been welcoming travelers along the iconic Route 66 since 1938.
Humble Beginnings: From Orchard to Oasis
The story of the Rail Haven Motel began when brothers Elwyn and Lawrence Lippman inherited land from their father that was once an apple orchard. Recognizing the surge in automobile travel along the recently designated Route 66, the brothers opened an eight-room sandstone cottage court at the corner of Glenstone Avenue and St. Louis Street in 1938. They named it “Rail Haven” after the split-rail fence that once bordered the property.
At the time, Springfield was gaining prominence as the “Birthplace of Route 66,” and the motel quickly became a popular rest stop for cross-country travelers seeking a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay.
Growth and Affiliation
As post-war travel boomed, so did the Rail Haven. By the mid-1940s, the motel had expanded to 28 units. During the 1950s, it modernized with motor-court style buildings and upgraded amenities to compete with newer establishments.
In 1951, the Rail Haven joined Best Western, a growing cooperative of independently owned motels that ensured quality and consistency for travelers. This affiliation helped cement its reputation as a trustworthy and iconic stop on Route 66.
A Night Fit for a King
One of the motel’s most famous moments came in 1956, when Elvis Presley stayed at the Rail Haven after a performance at Springfield’s Shrine Mosque. Originally booked at the upscale Kentwood Arms Hotel, Presley left after a disagreement and checked into room 409 at the Rail Haven.
Today, that room has been preserved as the Elvis Suite, complete with retro décor, a replica 1957 pink Cadillac bed, and memorabilia honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll—a favorite photo op for guests and fans alike.
Preservation and National Recognition
Despite changes over the decades, the Rail Haven Motel has carefully preserved its mid-century Americana charm. Original stonework, neon signage, and 1950s architectural elements remain part of the experience.
In 2010, the motel was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation honors its role in the development of U.S. highway culture and its architectural significance as a Route 66 motor court.
A Living Landmark on Route 66
Now operating as the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, the motel continues to welcome guests from around the world. Visitors can enjoy amenities like themed rooms, a vintage gas pump display, classic cars on the grounds, and a front office filled with Route 66 memorabilia.
For road trippers, nostalgia seekers, and Route 66 enthusiasts, the Rail Haven isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a time capsule of mid-20th-century America.
Whether you’re exploring the Ozarks or driving the entire Mother Road, a stop at the Rail Haven Motel offers a chance to relive the heyday of Route 66 travel with all the comforts of the present.
Plan your visit:
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Website
