Elijah Iles House Foundation
Elijah Iles House: Springfield's Oldest Residence
Route History: Uncovering Black Stories on Route 66
Explore the untold stories of African Americans along Route 66 at this unique Springfield museum and souvenir shop.
Route History in Springfield, IL, is a unique museum and souvenir shop dedicated to sharing the often-untold stories of African Americans along historic Route 66 and within the city. Through exhibits and virtual reality, visitors explore the significant roles of Black businesses, the Green Book, and the Great Migration.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Route History
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
737 E Cook St, Springfield, Old Aristocracy Hill, Illinois, 62703, US
Monday
10 am-5 pm
Tuesday
10 am-5 pm
Wednesday
10 am-5 pm
Thursday
10 am-5 pm
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Route History
Getting There
Walking
From the Illinois State Capitol, head east on East Monroe Street towards South 5th Street. Turn left onto South 5th Street and continue for about 0.3 miles. Turn right onto East Cook Street. Continue walking for about 0.5 miles; Route History is at 737 E Cook St on your left. Walking is free.
Public Transport
From the Illinois State Capitol, walk to the nearest bus stop at 5th & Monroe. Take the Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) bus number 9 towards the East Side. After about 10 minutes, get off at the Cook & 8th stop. Walk west on East Cook Street for about 2 blocks; Route History will be on your right at 737 E Cook St. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Rideshare
Use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft) and set your destination to Route History, 737 E Cook St, Springfield, IL 62703. The driver will pick you up and take you directly to the museum. The ride is short from most locations in Springfield, typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $8 - $15.
Local tips
✓
Check the museum's hours before visiting, as they are closed on Sundays.
✓
Explore the virtual reality experience to learn about Black history along Route 66.
✓
Consider visiting other Route 66 attractions in Springfield, such as the Cozy Dog Drive In.
Discover more about Route History
Route History is a museum and souvenir shop in Springfield, Illinois, dedicated to highlighting the contributions of Black Americans along Route 66 and within the city. Founded by Stacy Grundy, Gina Lathan, and Kenneth Lockhart, Route History seeks to share the complete story of Springfield's history, emphasizing the blending of Route 66 with the city's African American influence.The museum uses exhibits, storytelling, and a virtual reality experience to educate visitors about the roles of Black businesses, the Negro Motorist Green Book, and the Great Migration along the Illinois stretch of Route 66 during the Civil Rights and Jim Crow eras. Route History also shares local, often unknown, Black history, including the 1908 Springfield Race Riot and the Ambidexter Industrial and Normal Institute.Located in a reused 1930s-era gas station, Route History is near the Historic Route 66 and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The museum aims to be an engaging space where people of all ages can experience the tragedy, resilience, and excellence of Black people along Route 66 and in Springfield.
A brief summary to Route History
Use Route History as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Springfield
Discover Springfield, Illinois: A blend of rich history, vibrant arts, and beautiful nature. Home to Abraham Lincoln and famous for its unique local cuisine and cultural events.
Tell me more about Springfield
