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...
Winter Holiday Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Washington Park Botanical Gardens • Dec 06 – Dec 21 @ 12AM
Take a stroll thought a holiday wonderland at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens Winter Holiday Floral Show
Read more about Winter Holiday Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Zoo Lights at The Henson Robinson Zoo
Henson Robinson Zoo • Nov 28 – Dec 21 @ 5PM
The Henson Robinson Zoo lights up for the holiday season. Enjoy some family fun at Zoo Lights.
Read more about Zoo Lights at The Henson Robinson Zoo
Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season
The Nelson Center • Oct 31 – Apr 11 @ 6:30PM
Catch all the action of the 2025-2026 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!
Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey SeasonYou might also be interested...
Illinois State Military Museum
Springfield
Rare artifacts, including the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna, preserve and showcase the diverse military history of Illinois from its earliest citizen soldiers to…
Read more about Illinois State Military Museum
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 DepotWWII Illinois Veterans Memorial
Springfield
This memorial honors the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II.
Read more about WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial