Park Central Square

Springfield, Missouri

MissouriOutdoor Activities

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.

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Park Central Square is the heart of downtown Springfield, Missouri, standing as a central hub to dining, shopping, nightlife, community, and the heart of Route 66 in the Birthplace of Route 66.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2010, the square sits at the intersection of several significant chapters in American history. Long before it became a public gathering space, this ground was part of the Butterfield Overland Stage Route and the Trail of Tears. In 1865, it was the site of the famous shootout between “Wild Bill” Hickok and Dave Tutt. And Route 66 ran right through it.

The space itself was designed in the early 1970s by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, with the intention of creating “an active space for public assembly, devoted to pedestrians and their needs and comforts.” That spirit holds today. As you walk the square, look for the fountain inspired by the area’s natural limestone ledges, the 1971 Tumbler sculpture, and the gazebo, built as a formal entry point and sheltered seating area. A plaque placed by the Route 66 Association of Missouri in 1992 commemorates the 66th anniversary of Route 66 and Springfield’s designation as its official birthplace. You’ll also find Battle of Springfield displays; a historical marker remembering the 1906 lynchings of Horace Duncan, Fred Coker, and William Allen; murals; Sculpture Walk Springfield pieces; and a collection of historic buildings including the Fox Theater and the History Museum on the Square.

Events are held on the square throughout the year, from festivals and farmers markets to community gatherings, so there’s a good chance something is happening when you pass through.

It’s also a natural base for exploring Springfield’s best dining and nightlife. Grab breakfast at The European, dinner at Civil Kitchen, and end the night with a cocktail at The Golden Girl Rum Club. Or, just find a spot to sit down in the park to relax and enjoy the local vibes.

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Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri

Park Central Square

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Address:

Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806

Hours:

5:30 am – 1:30 am (Daily)

Cost:

Free

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Photos of Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri

Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Borders figure sculpture of a man at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
66th Anniversary of Route 66 Plaque at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Borders figure sculpture of a man at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Map of downtown Springfield, Missouri at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Make Something Where You Are mural at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri at night
Lynching historical marker at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Battle of Springfield Markers at Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri
Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri setting up for an event
Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri

Know Before You Go

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

Where is Park Central Square located on Route 66?

Park Central Square sits at the intersection of St. Louis Street, South Avenue, College Street, and Boonville Avenue in downtown Springfield, Missouri.

What are the hours?

Park Central Square is an outdoor public space. The surrounding streets are always accessible, but the park area is closed between 1:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., daily. The surrounding businesses and attractions have their own hours.

Where can you park?

Plenty of free street parking, free parking lots, and paid lots are available surrounding the area. 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 to Stay Near Park Central 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 Park Central 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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