June 1, 2024 and we stopped to look around…read more The parking lot is huge. There is a great variety of vehicles (see posted pictures). There is a sign by each vehicle, giving some history about it. In one of the corners you can see and enter the "garage" were working in progress is being performed. The AC works great. When you leave make sure and drive through the neighborhood there are some very interesting old buildings and old businesses also.

***This review is for the exterior of Route 66 Car Museum only***…read more On our way out of Springfield, MO, I wanted to check out Route 66 Car Museum located on the Mother Road Route 66. This establishment is known for its incredible private collection of more than 70 rare classic, sports, and vintage cars. Some of the cars were from the Brass-Era automobiles. Other cars were of celebrity-owned and movie cars. Unfortunately, by the time we got here, they were closed. I did get a chance to walk the exterior premises. Huge parking lot. Cute black and yellow deco color for the building walls. There was an old truck under the biz sign near the street. Other than walking around and taking some photos, we didn't do much. I am still glad we made this stop and got to see a piece of Route 66 history even if it is for its exterior only. As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I don't plan to return to Springfield, MO, anytime soon. For those who are planning to do a Route 66 road trip in the future, check the business hours before heading over there because some of them do close early. Have a fun trip! Note: Part of Route 66 Centennial Celebration road trip with my eldest daughter in June 2026

I adore hands-on museums and STEM/STEAM centers. I've worked at one and hope to get back into the…read morefield after finishing my degree. If it wasn't so far from home, I would absolutely wok at the Discovery Center! The place is amazing. There are so many engaging exhibits that put STEM principles right into your hands. I found myself interacting with an exhibit and going, "Oh! This is just like this idea we went over in physics/chemistry/engineering/science class!" Rather than being put together like a giant playplace, like some museums, the STEM learning areas were thoughtfully constructed with specific leaning outcomes in mind. The place does a LOT with its budget. (which, judging by the catalogue of posters taped up to fill blank wall space, needs some more $$$! Get these guys a grant!) I don't remember the name, but the community role play area was very cute, too. One of the people I visited with works in news and she got a kick out of it. During our visit, this was the area most populated by kids. There were interactives and objects all over the place, from doctor tools to puppets, that were very neatly stored when not in use. But the highlight of our visit had to be the staff. One staff member in particular, a young man named Hunter, noticed my group's interest in the exhibits, and took the time to show us particularly cool uses. He showed us the Tesla coil and told us about the man it was named after; I got to hold a hissing cockroach while my friends made faces; he turned on the Van der Graaf and explained how it worked; and informed us of the amazing grape project growing on the roof. His customer service was OUTSTANDING, all because of our enthusiasm towards learning. If you have a kid who's interested in science, or you're an adult who remembers how to have fun, visit the Discovery Center. At $12 per person, you absolutely will not regret it.

They are not family friendly or community friendly . We came in from St Louis to see our daughter…read more. We parked in an open parking lot adjacent to the discovery center. All visual indications it looks like open public parking . We were told the lot was open for community engagement parking . There is no sign indicating any pay per hr parking or no signs stating no parking after 5 pm . There are no signs indicating anything which are visible at night . Our car was towed within minutes . No one in the adjacent businesses could provide any information . Springfield is a very dangerous city with homeless population abound at night . We felt very unsafe and felt our safety was at risk standing helpless on the street . Do not patronize this establishment. No one answered any of our calls . There was no telephone numbers listed any where for emergencies or questions . Safety is there least priority and taking advantage of out of town visitors.

We highly, highly recommend checking it out if you're in town (or even if you're from town )…read more A wonderful privately owned collection of bicycles starting with the first 1817 strider bikes from Germany through many historically significant bikes such as a New York City Gas Lighter! Very cool, and the proprietor is fabulous and well informed. It's clearly a collection driven by passion. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Really enjoyed touring this unique museum. The owner took his time to detail the history and allure…read moreof many of the antique pieces in his collection. Highly recommend!

The John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center at Bass Pro Shops is absolutely worth…read morevisiting! The exhibits are beautifully designed, educational, and engaging without feeling like a typical museum. I especially enjoyed learning about the history of wildlife conservation, ethical hunting, and the important role organizations like the Boone and Crockett Club have played in protecting America's natural resources. There is so much detail packed into every area that it would be easy to walk past something significant--so take your time! It's an impressive combination of wildlife, American history, and conservation education. A must-see for history lovers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and families visiting Springfield.

Tucked inside Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum feels less like…read morea retail add-on and more like a time machine disguised as a detour. You walk in expecting camouflage and fishing reels and suddenly you're staring at centuries of American history told through craftsmanship, innovation, and survival. This museum quietly traces the evolution of firearms from early colonial America through the frontier, the Civil War, world conflicts, and into modern sporting culture. The collection includes exquisitely engraved pieces, early hunting arms, military firearms, and guns tied to presidents, explorers, and cultural icons. It's not flashy -- it's deliberate, curated, and respectful of the historical weight these objects carry. What stands out most is how the museum frames firearms as tools that shaped exploration, self-reliance, and national identity, rather than as props or politics. You leave with a deeper appreciation for the engineering, artistry, and context behind each era. The interpretive plaques actually explain why these pieces mattered, not just what they are. Best part? Admission is free. The space is clean, well-organized, and quiet considering it sits inside one of the busiest Bass Pro locations in the country. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic, especially if you ask questions. If you're a history buff, a museum lover, or someone who enjoys understanding how America got from point A to point chaos, this place is worth your time. Come for the store, stay for the story.

Had a fun time looking at all the firearms in the museum! The archery displays were amazing so…read moredon't miss that to. Lot of great history in the museum. My son and I had a great time talking about all the firearms.

The Springfield Botanical Gardens are such a peaceful place to explore! We loved walking through…read morethe beautifully landscaped grounds--it honestly felt like we had stepped somewhere completely different from Springfield, Missouri. There are plenty of trees, walking trails, gardens, and a fun fountain to explore. It's a great place to slow down, get outside, and spend an hour or two wandering around. Definitely worth adding to your Springfield itinerary!

What a great botanical garden. Could not believe it was free. This would cost $10-20 in most…read morecities. A lot of standing water on the paths and ground due to heavy overnight rains, but could still avoid most of it. Very nice small butterfly house with some very helpful and eager volunteers and great local butterflies! Just a wonderful botanical garden and park.

My husband and I stayed here for two nights and had a very pleasant experience. It's a small place…read moreand don't expect many amenities (no grills, no pool, etc), but it was clean and safe and a good vibe. The lady who checked us in was absolutely lovely as well. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.

You want to spend time here!! Clean, cute and extremely helpful. David goes above and beyond!!read more

Talk about an absolute gem of Route 66!! This place is beyond awesome. Stood here the night as we…read morewere on our route 66 trip from Chicago to California. Very nostalgic and so much detail in each room. We stood in Room No. 8. Phyllis is a great owner and very communicative. This place is a must if you are traveling Route 66! Its places like this that make that Route 66 experience great plus you keep these mom and pop motels going and up and running.

Let me just start out by saying that if you are expecting anything fancy that compares with…read moremodern-day hotel chains, this place probably isn't for you. This is mostly for those who are wanting to re-live the Route 66 experience by staying in mom-and-pop owned places. The owners were very nice, and showed me around the place. I went with the movie/Hollywood-themed room. Had a TV in there but the signal was very weak. Bathroom was small (apparently big people like me didn't exist back then...) but I had a great experience. Recommended for nostalgia enthusiasts!