Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop
737 East Cook Street, Springfield, IL 62703
Historic Sites
At Route History visitors can experience and learn about pioneers that made significant contributions to Illinois, the city of Springfield, the greater society, located along historic Route 66.
Route History is an attraction that is part of the "Living Legends of Route 66" program. Stacy Grundy, Gina Lathan, and Kenneth Lockhart opened Route History in Springfield, Illinois to honor black historical figures and their contributions. They strive to "help share the complete story" of Springfield's history- the untold tales of how Route 66 blends seamlessly with the city's African American influence. Springfield-a place of historical triumph, setback, turbulence, and peace-centralizes the power of state legislation under the dome-like structure of the Capitol Building.
Of the many prominent people that have guided our nation into a more inclusive society, there's a congregation of unknown faces throughout history that used their blood, sweat, and tears to create a better future. Route 66 held an even more dominating role with its many designated "safe zones" (as published in the notorious Green Book) for black Americans traveling across the country. Route History aims to shed light on that history, while honoring the power of the Mother Road.
A definite "must see" for those traveling on America's historic Route 66 road!
Images
More Information
- Mon: 10:00am – 5:00am
- Tue: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Wed: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Thu: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Fri: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Sun: Closed
How to find us?
What's happening nearby...
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball
Robin Roberts Stadium • May 27 – Jul 26 @ 6:30PM
Catch all the excitement of the 2026 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes' baseball season
Read more about Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball
Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown Springfield
The Y Block-Downtown Springfield • May 28 – Jul 30 @ 6PM
The Levitt Amp Concert Series is back for 2026 in downtown Springfield
Read more about Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown Springfield
History Comes Alive
Springfield, IL • Jun 04 – Aug 08 @ 9AM
This summer, History Comes Alive returns for its 17th season as Abraham and Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time.
Read more about History Comes AliveYou might also be interested...
Lincoln Depot
Springfield
Restored 1852 train depot, from which President-Elect Abraham Lincoln departed for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. Lincoln gave one of his most memorable speeches from…
Read more about Lincoln Depot
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum
Springfield
The war that helped shape a country is remembered here in "War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies."
Read more about Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum
Lincoln's Family Pew
Springfield
Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, like many of their neighbors, maintained a family pew in their place of worship.
Read more about Lincoln's Family Pew