Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

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...

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

The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

The Kidzeum of Health and Science •  Jul 19 – Dec 28 @ 9AM

Families can explore America's most iconic highway at The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 exhibit at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Read more about The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

You might also be interested...

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

Governor's Mansion

Springfield

The Mansion serves as the official residence of the First Family, a working office for staff, a museum for visitors, and a venue for educational, professional,…

Read more about Governor's Mansion

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.