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...

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

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

Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum •  Sep 26 – Apr 26 @ 9AM

The new exhibit Lincoln: A Life & Legacy that Defined a Nation is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum September 26-April 26th

Read more about Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

You might also be interested...

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

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

Camp Butler National Cemetery

Springfield

Once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, now a national cemetery for veterans and their dependents. There are over 25,000…

Read more about Camp Butler National Cemetery

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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