Welcome to Springfield, Illinois
If you’re driving the Mother Road through Illinois, there’s one city that perfectly captures both America’s political past and its vintage road trip spirit: Springfield, Illinois. As the state capital and the longtime home of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield is a city where history and nostalgia collide. Add in its prime location along historic Route 66, and you’ve got a must-stop destination brimming with museums, classic diners, neon-lit motels, and all-American charm.
A Brief History of Springfield
Founded in the early 19th century and named the state capital in 1837, Springfield rose to prominence through its association with Abraham Lincoln, who lived and worked here before becoming the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln practiced law, debated politics, and raised his family in this city, and his presence is still deeply felt across Springfield’s landscape—through preserved homes, monuments, and museums.
Beyond Lincoln, Springfield developed as a central hub for government, transportation, and commerce in Illinois. Its strategic location would eventually earn it a spot on one of the most iconic highways in American history—Route 66.
Weather in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield enjoys four distinct seasons, making it a dynamic destination year-round. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild, with temperatures in the 50s–70s °F and blooming wildflowers. Occasional rain showers.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and humid, averaging in the 80s °F—great for road trips and long strolls downtown.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Cool and colorful, with crisp air and temps in the 60s °F. One of the best times to visit.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, with highs in the 30s–40s °F. Snowfall is common, adding a picturesque charm.
Pro Tip: Visit in late spring or early fall for ideal driving conditions and beautiful seasonal scenery.
Route 66 in Springfield: A Highway Through History
Springfield was included in the original 1926 alignment of U.S. Route 66, which ran from Chicago to Santa Monica. The Mother Road brought a steady flow of travelers through the city, and Springfield quickly adapted to serve the needs of motorists with gas stations, motor courts, roadside diners, and unique roadside attractions.
The original route entered Springfield from the north via Peoria Road, then turned south on 6th Street (with 5th Street serving as the northbound return). Over time, newer alignments and bypasses shifted the traffic flow, but many of the original stretches and landmarks still remain.
Today, Springfield is one of the best-preserved Route 66 cities in Illinois, where visitors can still walk, drive, and dine along the historic road.
Birth of Route 66 and Springfield’s Early Role
When U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926, Springfield was already a well-traveled crossroads. The highway originally followed existing roads, threading through towns and cities in a way that prioritized access to local businesses and services. Springfield’s location along the Chicago-to-St. Louis corridor made it a natural fit for the original alignment.
Route 66 brought with it an influx of automobile travelers, and Springfield’s motels, diners, service stations, and roadside attractions flourished. The city’s deep historical connections—including its association with Abraham Lincoln—further enhanced its appeal to tourists.
The Original (1926-1930) Route 66 Alignment Through Springfield
The first alignment of Route 66 through Springfield used existing city streets and state highways:
- Entering from the north, Route 66 came in on Peoria Road (Old Route 66/Business Loop 55), a historic corridor lined with gas stations and auto courts.
- It moved south into town along N. 9th Street, crossed Carpenter Street, and passed just east of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
- Through downtown Springfield, the route used Jefferson Street (westbound) and Madison Street (eastbound), forming a one-way pair still in use today.
- Leaving downtown, Route 66 followed 6th Street and South Grand Avenue, then continued south out of the city along what is now Illinois Route 4, eventually rejoining the main path to Litchfield.
This early routing was relatively indirect and passed through dense urban areas, offering travelers a close-up view of Springfield’s civic and commercial heart.
The 1930s Realignment: Streamlining the Route
By 1930, Route 66 was realigned to ease congestion and simplify travel:
- The new alignment entered Springfield from the northeast on Peoria Road, but instead of turning into the city center, it continued onto Dirksen Parkway, bypassing much of downtown.
- It curved southwest along what is now South 6th Street Frontage Road, rejoining the old route south of Springfield near Toronto Road.
This version prioritized faster travel while still allowing access to Springfield’s urban attractions. This was part of a larger trend across the U.S., as Route 66 was gradually modernized with safety and speed in mind.
1940s–1950s: Four-Lane Expansions and the Expressway Era
As automobile travel exploded after World War II, Route 66 through Springfield underwent further enhancements:
- Much of the highway was widened to four lanes.
- Businesses clustered along the highway’s south side, including classic motels like the Route 66 Motor Court and vintage neon-lit diners like the Cozy Dog Drive-In, which opened in 1949 and claims to have invented the corn dog.
During this time, Route 66 fostered a car-centric culture, with Springfield thriving as a midpoint destination for vacationers heading west.
The Interstate and the Bypass: Route 66 Declines
The final alignment of Route 66 in Springfield followed Interstate 55, constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This bypass:
- Diverted through traffic away from city streets, reducing congestion but also drawing business away from older alignments.
- Incorporated limited-access highway design, with interchanges instead of stoplights or intersections.
By 1977, Route 66 was officially decommissioned in Illinois, replaced entirely by I-55. However, the legacy of Route 66 remained deeply rooted in Springfield’s landscape.
Preservation and Modern Legacy
Springfield has taken great strides to preserve its Route 66 heritage:
- Cozy Dog Drive-In still serves up nostalgic fare on S. 6th Street and has become a pilgrimage site for Route 66 enthusiasts.
- The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds includes interpretive displays, murals, and restored gas pumps.
- A number of murals, historic plaques, and neon signs along the route pay tribute to the city’s place in the Mother Road’s story.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway program helps maintain and promote the remaining alignments, encouraging travelers to explore historic towns like Springfield.
Top Route 66 Attractions in Springfield
There’s no shortage of things to see in Springfield for the classic road tripper. Here are the must-see Route 66 stops:
Cozy Dog Drive In
The birthplace of the original corn dog on a stick! This Route 66 icon has been serving travelers since 1946. Founded by Ed Waldmire, Cozy Dog is kitschy, fun, and absolutely essential.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum
While no longer open daily, this preserved gas station on Peoria Road is a gem for vintage signage, pumps, and road memorabilia.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
Located just outside the city, this is part diner, part muscle car museum, and all-out tribute to Route 66 nostalgia.
Route 66 Experience at the Visitors Center
Located in Union Station across from the Lincoln Presidential Library, this center offers Route 66 maps, photos, and information panels.
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (Drive-Thru Window)
One of the first drive-thru restaurants in America, this location features quirky wall signatures and vintage vibes.
Lodging on Route 66 in Springfield
Springfield offers a wide variety of accommodations for the tired road warrior:
Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center
A retro-themed hotel with classic Route 66 memorabilia, murals, and a large lobby filled with vintage displays.
The State House Inn
A modern boutique hotel with mid-century decor just steps from both Route 66 and the state Capitol.
Carpenter Street Hotel
Conveniently located near the Lincoln Museum, this clean and comfortable hotel is a good option for travelers looking to stay close to downtown and Route 66 attractions.
Where to Eat on Route 66 in Springfield
You can’t drive Route 66 on an empty stomach—and Springfield doesn’t disappoint:
Cozy Dog Drive In
The definitive stop for a Cozy Dog and fries. Pair it with a root beer and take in the retro decor.
Charlie Parker’s Diner
Famous for its massive pancakes and housed in a World War II-era Quonset hut. It’s a favorite with locals and travelers alike.
Motorheads Bar & Grill
Ideal for Route 66 fans and gearheads, this place offers a hearty menu and a mini museum of Route 66 relics and vintage cars.
D&J Café
A classic no-frills breakfast and lunch diner, beloved for home-style cooking and welcoming service.
Tips for Visiting Springfield, Illinois
- Start at the Route 66 Visitors Center for maps, tips, and an overview of the attractions.
- Walk downtown Springfield—many Lincoln sites and Route 66 stops are within walking distance.
- Catch golden hour photos of the neon signs and historic buildings for that perfect throwback shot.
- Check local event calendars—Springfield hosts Route 66 festivals, car shows, and Lincoln-themed events.
- Travel the original alignment on Peoria Road, 6th Street, and 5th Street to truly follow in the tire tracks of the past.
Final Thoughts on Springfield
Springfield, Illinois is a highlight of any Route 66 road trip. It offers the best of both worlds: rich historical landmarks that shaped the nation and a preserved stretch of America’s most iconic road. Whether you’re in town for a few hours or a few days, Springfield invites you to slow down, savor the past, and experience the heart of Route 66 and the legacy of Lincoln in one unforgettable stop.
