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...
History Comes Alive: Spring Break Edition
Downtown Springfield • Mar 21 – Apr 04 @ 10AM
History Comes Alive just in time for Spring Break. Look for the Lincolns as you enjoy a trip back in time. March 21 - April…
Read more about History Comes Alive: Spring Break Edition
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 Season
Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Washington Park Botanical Garden • Mar 21 – Apr 12 @ 12noon
Spring has sprung at the Washington Park Botanical Garden for the Spring Floral Show March 22 - April 12.
Read more about Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical GardensYou might also be interested...
Lincoln Tomb
Springfield
Within this breathtaking monument lie the remains of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons.
Read more about Lincoln Tomb
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