Springfield Illinois - Home of Honest Abe

Springfield, Illinois

<<Previous 1 2 Next >>

When the Route 66 signs came down in January, 1977, many of these long time businesses died the inevitable death of being bypassed by the super highway. However, many of these old icons still stand in this proud city, and Springfield is dedicated to the memory of its rich history, including the Mother Road.

When you first enter Springfield on the north side of town, you’ll see the Pioneer Motel on the north side of the route at 4321 N Peoria Road. Still open today, the old motel continues to cater to the many travelers of Route 66.

Springfield Illinois Pioneer Motel

Springfield Pioneer Motel, September, 2004,

Kathy Weiser

Next, look for Shea’s Gas Station Museum, which was at one time an original Texaco station. Owner Bill Shea, a Route 66 Hall of Fame Member, will be happy to give you a few stories of the Mother Road. Welcoming visitors from all over the world, the old gas station contains over a half century of gas station memorabilia. The museum is located at 2075 Peoria Road.

Soon, the route will take you through Springfield’s historic downtown. In addition to Springfield’s Route 66 icons, you can’t forget that the city is the capitol of Illinois, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s long time home and burial site. Downtown, the historical district provides many examples of preserved nineteenth century architecture, where you can walk through the very same streets as did Abraham Lincoln. The home he lived for 17 years has been meticulously preserved and is well worth the visit at 8^th and Jackson Streets.

Check out the Old State Capitol Building where Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech. The Old State Capitol Historic Site was the center of Illinois government from 1839 to 1876 and is considered among the most important 19th century public buildings in the United States. After his assassination, President Lincoln’s body lay in state in the second–floor House of Representatives. The Old State Capitol Building is located at 2^nd and Capitol.

State Capitol of Illinois in Springfield, Vintage Postcard

Also, visit the Lincoln Tomb Monument, where Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary and three of their four sons rest in the tomb of this 320-acre cemetery. Standing 117 feet tall, the exterior of the tomb is constructed of dressed granite.

Illinois Capitol Building, October, 2005, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Lincoln Tomb Monument, October, 2005, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

The vintage Coney Island Restaurant at 210 S. 5^th Street is located downtown as well. As you continue on, you’ll pass Sunrise Donuts, long out of business at 1101 S 9th St. The Bel Aire Manor Motel, still catering to weary travelers, is located at 2636 S. 6^th St.

Bel Aire Motel in Springfield, Illinois

The Bel Aire Motel in Springfield, Illinois still caters to

Route 66 Travelers. September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Sunrise Donuts Coffee Bar

The Sunrise Donuts Coffee Bar is long closed in

Springfield, Illinois. September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

When is a corn dog not a corn dog? When you're at the Cozy Dog Drive In along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. This first fast food of the road was introduced by Ed Waldmire at the 1946 Illinois State Fair. In 1950, he opened the Cozy Dog Drive Inn. This Mother Road icon still stands today at 2935 S. 6th Street in Springfield, Illinois, but when you order their "Cozy Dog," don't call it a corn dog, or you might be met with little more than a steely eyed stare.

Cozy Dog Drive In Today

Cozy Dog Drive In Today, September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Cozy Dog Drive In Postcard

Cozy Dog Drive In postcard showing vintage view

of the Cozy Dog.

Across the street and down a little ways, an old motel sits silent and empty with only its long gone memories.

If you travel the older alignment (pre-1930), you will see the Route 66 Drive-in at 1700 Recreation Drive.

As you travel on down the Mother Road you’ll pass over Lake Springfield. A manmade lake in the 1930’s, it now covers parts of the original two lane alignment of Route 66. When the water level is low, glimpses of the old road can still be seen.

You might want to plan your trip to Springfield the last week in September when the enthusiastic Route 66 city holds the International Route 66 festival every year. Join thousands of others to relive the good old days, see dozens of vintage automobiles and celebrate the Rock and Roll era.

Long closed motel in Springfield

Long closed motel in Springfield, September, 2004,

Kathy Weiser.

Or as an alternative, travel through the city in late August when Springfield hosts the Illinois State Fair every year. Regardless of when you visit this historic city, plan on taking your time here, as there is much to see.

As you continue your travels southwest along the Mother Road out of Springfield, you will have to make a choice as there are two alignments, which are both still intact today. The first alignment (1930-1977) begins as a four lane road in Springfield closely following I-55 and will take you to Glenarm, Divernon, Farmersville, and Litchfield. The pre-1930 alignment, a two lane road, will take you through Chatham, Auburn - where you can see a piece of brick alignment, Virden, Carlinville, and numerous other small towns before you the two alignments rejoin near Staunton, Illinois.

Also See: Ghosts of Historic Springfield

<<Previous 1 2 Next >>

To Litchfield

Return to Route 66

To Broadwell

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Route 66 Signs For All Eight States - Collect all the shields of the eight states along the Mother Road. These metal signs are silk screened on solid metal and have hemmed edges. Ready for hanging from pre-drilled holes in the corners. Put it up in your bar, dorm room, game room, kitchen, garage, patio or anywhere you'd like! Makes a GREAT gift for your family and friends! Measures approximately 11"x11" Collect all eight states!!