Rediscover the Magic of the Mother Road: Route 66 Roadside Gems

The History Museum on the Square invites visitors to explore the spirit of the roadside
adventure with its newest temporary exhibit, Roadside Gems: Rediscovering Route 66’s Cultural Attractions.
Opening July 2 and on display through September 14, this is the fourth installment in the museum’s five-part
Route 66 exhibit series leading up to the national Centennial Celebration of the historic highway in 2026.

This summer’s exhibit shifts the Route 66 Exhibit Series focus from places where travelers ate, slept, and
filled up their gas tanks to why families piled into their car and turned the American road trip into a cultural
phenomenon. Through captivating photographs, ephemera, and primary sources from the museum’s
extensive collection, Roadside Gems uncovers the vibrant cultural attractions that made Springfield a
must-see stop on Route 66.

Visitors will discover everything from the Jewell Theater and the rise of the nationally televised Ozark
Jubilee, to the thrills of hidden caves, lively public parks, and even the early days of the Springfield Cardinals
baseball team. Together, these stories paint a picture of a city rich in entertainment, natural beauty, and
Americana charm, truly a destination worth the drive.

Thank you Series Sponsors:

O’Reilly Automotive and Ozarks Studies Institute – Missouri State University Libraries