Must See

Birthplace of Route 66 Monument

Springfield, Missouri

MissouriRoadside Attraction

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links from which we make a commission from your purchases. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided may have changed since initial publication. Route 66 Road Map visited this attraction as part of a hosted trip with Visit Springfield, Missouri.

Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Springfield, Missouri, holds a special place in Route 66 history: it’s recognized as the official Birthplace of Route 66. On April 30, 1926, at the Colonial Hotel, Springfield businessman John T. Woodruff and Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery sent a telegram proposing U.S. 66 as the name for the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. That single message set everything in motion.

The famous road still traces its way through Springfield today, entering along Kearney Street and following Glenstone Avenue to St. Louis Street, passing through Park Central Square before continuing along Olive and College Streets, and heading west on what is now Chestnut Expressway.

To mark your time in the city where it all began, pull over for a photo at the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Jubilee Park, just off Park Central Square. The monument, which was installed during the 2025 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, features a large black-and-white Route 66 shield with cutouts in the two sixes, designed so you can climb in and around for a proper commemorative shot. While the design is similar to other selfie spots across the Mother Road, this one sets itself apart with a bold red banner that stretches across the top, reading “BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66.”

While you’re there, cross the street to take in another photo opportunity: the Birthplace of Route 66 Sign and plaque.

Last Modified:

State:

Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri

Birthplace of Route 66 Monument

Be the first to write a review

Address:

298 S Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Hours:

5:00 am - 11:00 pm

Cost:

Free

Get Directions
Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Photos of the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri

Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri
Large Black and White Route 66 shield with cutouts in the circles of the sixes for photos. Across the top it says "SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI" with a red banner that says "BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66." Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.

When was the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument installed in Springfield, Missouri?

The Birthplace of Route 66 Monument commemorates Springfield’s place on The Mother Road, being the location where the first telegram was sent, sealing U.S. 66 as the official designation. The monument was unveiled in September 2025 during the city’s annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.

What is the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument?

The Birthplace of Route 66 Monument is a large black-and-white Route 66 shield with holes cut out of the circles of the sixes, designed for visitors to sit inside for photos. This monument is similar to other photo ops on the Mother Road, with the addition of a red banner reading, “BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66.”

Where can you park?

Plenty of free street parking, free parking lots, and paid lots are available surrounding the sign. Read street signs when parking, as spots may be closed for special events, restricted, or time-restricted during business hours. Many spots have a two-hour limit weekday mornings and afternoons.

Where is the Birthplace of Route 66 Selfie Spot located?

You will find this popular Route 66 selfie spot in Jubilee Park, 298 S Jefferson Ave in Springfield, Missouri. It is located close to the restaurants, shops, and museums around Park Central Square.

Where to Stay Near the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest on your road trip with a stay at one of these Springfield, Missouri hotels near Route 66.

Hotel Vandivort

Hotel Vandivort is a high-end boutique hotel located in a former Masonic temple just off Park Central Square, making it convenient to dining, shopping, entertainment, and Route 66 attractions. The hotel decor mixes vintage and industrial elements to offer a unique backdrop to your stay. Upgrade your experience to suite with a kitchenette, balcony, or fireplace.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

After a day behind the wheel, stopping at all of the Mother Road’s iconic roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and more, a good shower and a comfy bed is always a welcome sight. Take that and add modern amenities, vintage charm, and a touch of Elvis, and you have the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel in Springfield, Missouri. Book a stay in the iconic Elvis Suite for a unique night!

Rockwood Motor Court

Rockwood Motor Court opened as a Tourist Camp in 1929, just three years after Route 66 was commissioned. Renovated in 2019, you’ll enjoy clean and comfortable rooms themed to eras of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture, and memorabilia.

Attractions Near the Birthplace of Route 66 Monument

Plan Your Missouri Route 66 Road Trip

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning
Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

Be the first to write a review

Leave a Review of Birthplace of Route 66 Monument in Springfield, Missouri

Rate and Leave a Review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.