Since 1926, Route 66 has been an intrinsic part of many communities around Central Illinois. Spanning from Lake Michigan in Chicago to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA, the Mother Road, as author John Steinbeck called it, has brought countless cross-country motorists to cities and towns lining the fabled road. In our hometown of Springfield, IL, Route 66 passes through a remarkable collection of sites that represent the history of Illinois and the road itself. As you plan your summer fun at Splash Kingdom, explore the unique and historical experiences lining the most famous highway in America right here in our hometown.
The Main Street of America
Route 66 cuts through the heart of Springfield. This means travelers can experience the many sides of the city, from the North Side to Downtown to the southern edge and Lake Springfield. Traversing so many parts of the city allows motorists to experience the many facets of Springfield, along with its fascinating history, from the blue-collar roots and mid-century nostalgia of the North End to historic Downtown buildings echoing the stories of legendary figures like Abraham Lincoln to recent developments breathing new life into the city’s expanding footprint on the South Side.
New Directions
Springfield is home to three Route 66 alignments, each traveling through different parts of the city. While the 1930 alignment follows Ninth Street, South Grand Avenue, and Sixth Street and the 1940 alignment follows Dirksen Parkway, Stevenson Drive, and Sixth Street, the original 1926 alignment brings travelers right to the doorstep of Knight’s Action Park. This path follows Peoria Road south before turning west onto Taintor Road near the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It then continues south on Fifth Street, west on North Grand Avenue, south on Second Street, west on South Grand Avenue, south on MacArthur Boulevard, west on Wabash Avenue, then continues south on Chatham Road, passing just west of the current Knight’s Action Park location and continuing to Chatham.
A Mother Road Legend
Knight’s Action Park was founded in 1930, just four years after Route 66. Started by golf pro George Knight Sr., the park began as a driving range and moved to its current location in 1976. Over the years, the park has seen a great deal of change, expanding to a thrilling waterpark and family fun park with go-karts, mini golf, and yes, the driving range — a seminal experience for anyone growing up in Central Illinois. In fact, the park is so iconic that Visit Springfield named current owner Doug Knight — grandson of George Knight Sr. — a Route 66 Living Legend, recognizing the Knight family’s legacy of helping families and Route 66 travelers alike create lifelong memories.
A Night Out at the Movies
One of the most unique pastimes of driving the Mother Road is pulling over to enjoy a feature film without even having to leave your car — just pull in, tune the radio, and kick back to some Hollywood magic. Route 66 Drive-in captures the spirit of that nostalgic experience. Originally opening in 1978 as Green Meadows Drive-in Theater and closing just four years later, the Knights purchased and re-opened the theater in 2002, inviting all to munch their favorite snacks and catch the latest films of all genres — on twin screens, no less — just like Route 66 travelers did generations ago.
An Important Part of Springfield’s Heritage
Route 66 is an iconic piece of American history, treasured by every community along the storied highway. In Springfield, residents revel in the opportunity to connect with a wider, global audience, to show them what makes Central Illinois so special and how we not only honor our history but carry its lessons with us to this day. With one of the most concentrated collections of roadside stops and historical attractions along the entire cross-country route, Springfield, IL, continues to draw visitors from around the world to experience the history that lies in plain sight and to become part of that story as well.
