Skip to main content
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...

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

Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Washington Park Botanical Garden •  Mar 22 – Apr 13 @ 12noon

Spring has sprung at the Washington Park Botanical Garden for the Spring Floral Show March 22 - April 13.

Read more about Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield

Downtown Springfield •  Apr 05 @ 7:30AM

It's time to run where Lincoln walked! The Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon takes place April 5th in downtown Springfield.

Read more about Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield

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

Old State Capitol

Springfield

Within these walls a great man rose to prominence to become the 16th president of the United States. It was here Lincoln spoke the immortal words,…

Read more about Old State Capitol

Lincoln's Family Pew

Springfield

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, like many of their neighbors, maintained a family pew in their place of worship.

Read more about Lincoln's Family Pew

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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