Springfield Museum Celebrates 100 Years of Route 66

The Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill and Museum transforms a former Stuckey's into an international attraction.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill and Museum in Springfield, Illinois is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 highway. The museum and restaurant opened eight years ago, transforming what was once a condemned Stuckey's restaurant into an international attraction that features a collection of historic Route 66 signs and memorabilia, as well as a restaurant serving local favorites.

Why it matters

Route 66 holds a special place in American history and culture, and the Motorheads museum is helping to preserve and celebrate that legacy. In an era where many historic roadside attractions have disappeared, the Motorheads is keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive for travelers and locals alike.

The details

Owner Ron Metzger and his friend Dino began collecting historic Route 66 signs and memorabilia, many of which were rescued just in time from places like chicken coops and condemned buildings. The museum features the famous Sunrise Donuts sign, a Stuckey's highway sign, and dozens of vintage gas, oil, hotel, and motel signs. In addition to the museum, the site also features a restaurant serving local favorites like the horseshoe, as well as live music, special events, and big-game watch parties.

  • The Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill and Museum opened eight years ago.
  • Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Ron Metzger

The owner of the Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill and Museum, who had the idea to transform a condemned Stuckey's restaurant into an international attraction.

Dino

Metzger's friend who helped him collect historic Route 66 signs and memorabilia for the museum.

Len Trumper

A Springfield legend known for bringing major acts like KISS and REO Speedwagon to the city.

Bessie Paoli

The first woman to own a car and race in the Indianapolis 500, who is honored at the Motorheads museum.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what I was thinking. I just had a condemned building and kind of a cool parking lot, and I thought — I'm just going to try it.”

— Ron Metzger, Owner (capitolcitynow.com)

“It amazes me how many interviews I've done — 20 or 30 countries. I watched myself in a Chinese interview on YouTube and I'm talking Chinese.”

— Ron Metzger, Owner (capitolcitynow.com)

What’s next

The museum and restaurant are expected to see a surge in visitors this year as Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The takeaway

The Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill and Museum is a shining example of how a passion for preserving history and a leap of faith can transform a condemned building into an international attraction that celebrates the enduring legacy of one of America's most iconic highways.