Skip to main content
Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio - Oak Park

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?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

The Nelson Center •  Sep 20 – Apr 05 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the action of the 2024-2025 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!

Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

Holiday Extravaganza at The Orr Building-Illinois State Fairgrounds

Illinois State Fairgrounds - Orr Building •  Nov 24 @ 9AM

Come join us for some unique holiday shopping and fun at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Sunday November 24th.

Read more about Holiday Extravaganza at The Orr Building-Illinois State Fairgrounds

Joe Bonamassa at UIS Performing Arts Center

University of Illinois Performing Arts Center •  Nov 26 @ 8PM

Legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa performs at the UIS Performing Arts Center November 26, 2024.

Read more about Joe Bonamassa at UIS Performing Arts Center

You might also be interested...

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

Mahan's Filling Station

Springfield

Mahan’s Filling Station, a unique example of the earliest of gas stations, is now on display at Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta located across from the Historic…

Read more about Mahan's Filling Station

Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Springfield

Reputed to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest and most elaborate Prairie-style designs, the house has 35 rooms with more than 100 pieces of original…

Read more about Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.