Must See

History Museum on the Square

Springfield, Missouri

MissouriMuseum

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 museum as part of a hosted trip with Visit Springfield, Missouri.

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The History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri, has been preserving and sharing local stories since 1975. In August 2019, it found its permanent home on Park Central Square in downtown Springfield in the reimagined former Barth’s department store building. The 18,000-square-foot museum is committed to engaging, educating, and inspiring visitors through a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, with six permanent galleries spread across multiple floors telling the interconnected stories of Springfield, Greene County, and the crossroads of American history that run right through it.

The experience begins with Native Crossroads at the Spring, which traces the Native American heritage of the Ozarks, including the Osage, Delaware, and Kickapoo tribes. From there, the Trains, Trolleys and Transportation gallery features a replica trolley car housing a time machine with more than 40 video vignettes of famous Springfieldians and significant local events. The Civil War in Springfield gallery covers the battles that played out in the region, while the Wild Bill Hickok and the American West gallery takes visitors to the 1865 shootout on the square (considered the first documented quick-draw duel of the Wild West era) with an immersive reenactment chamber that lets you step into the past.

For Route 66 travelers, the Birthplace of Route 66 gallery is the main event. It’s one of the largest galleries in the museum and features one of the longest Route 66 timelines and maps in the entire country: 66 feet of history spanning the full length of the Mother Road. Replicas of neon signs from iconic Springfield businesses line the walls, including the Rail Haven Motel, Red’s Giant Hamburg, and the Sunset Drive-In Theatre. A restored Graham’s Bar-B-Q neon sign, a Martin & Schwartz Model 80 Cyclops gas pump, Route 66 paintings, menus, matchbooks, and large-scale postcard replicas from every state along the route fill the space with the sights and spirit of the highway’s heyday. The gallery also includes the John T. Woodruff Theater, where a restored 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible sits front and center and the story of the man who helped give Route 66 its name is told in full. A Steak ‘n Shake Rock and Roll Corner with a restored AMI jukebox rounds out the experience with the sounds of the era.

If you’re serious about understanding what makes Springfield the Birthplace of Route 66, the History Museum on the Square is the place to start.

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Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit with photographs and timeline at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri

History Museum on the Square

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Address:

154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806

Hours:

10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Wednesday – Saturday)
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Sunday)
Closed (Monday – Tuesday)

Cost:

$16 (Adults)
$13 (Seniors, Military & Students)
$10 (Children, Age 4-12)
Free (Children Age 3 and Under)

Phone Number:

(417) 831-1976

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Photos of History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri

Exterior of the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri at night
Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit with photographs and timeline at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
John T. Woodruff Theatre with a '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Birthplace of Route 66 Neon Sign - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Steak 'n Shake Diner Replica - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Standard Oil Sign - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Sunset Drive-In Neon Sign - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Red's Giant Hamburg Neon Sign - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Rail Haven Motel Neon Sign - Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Wild Bill Hickok & the American West exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Shootout map at the Wild Bill Hickok & the American West exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Pioneers & Founders at the Crossroads exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Trains, Trolleys & Transportation exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Native Crossroads at the Spring exhibit at the Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri
Exterior of the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the History Museum on the Square located?

The History Museum on the Square is located at 154 Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri. It sits on the northeast corner of Park Central Square in the heart of downtown Springfield, right on the historic Route 66 alignment.

What are the opening hours?

Wednesday through Saturday the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours are subject to change, so confirm before your visit.

Where can you park for the History Museum on the Square?

Plenty of free street parking, free parking lots, and paid lots are available surrounding the museum. 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.

How much is admission to the museum?

Adult admission is $16. Discounted admission is available for seniors, military, students, children, and groups.

Where to Stay Near History Museum on the Square

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 History Museum on the Square on Route 66

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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!

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