Today Show's Third Hour Heads to Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer to host live episode celebrating the iconic highway

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style depicting the towering skyline of Springfield, Missouri, with the iconic Route 66 highway curving through the foreground, conceptually representing the grand scale and romance of travel along this historic American road.The Today show's third hour celebrates the history and culture of the iconic Route 66 highway with a special live episode taped in Springfield, Missouri.Springfield Today

The third hour of the Today show is taking its program on the road to Springfield, Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66. Hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer will lead a special episode celebrating the history and culture of the iconic American highway, joined by actor and Missouri native John Goodman. Fans can register to attend the live taping at Birthplace Plaza in downtown Springfield.

Why it matters

The Today show's third hour has a history of taking the program on the road for special episodes that highlight different cities and regions across the United States. This trip to Springfield and Route 66 continues that tradition, allowing the show to connect with viewers outside of its New York City studio while showcasing the rich history and local culture of one of America's most famous highways.

The details

The third hour of Today will travel to Springfield, Missouri, to tape a special episode celebrating Route 66. Hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer will lead the program, which will feature a tour of the city's local food, music, and stories that made Route 66 famous. They will also be joined by actor and Missouri State University alum John Goodman during the episode.

  • The special Route 66 episode will air on April 30, 2026.
  • Filming for the episode will take place at Birthplace Plaza in downtown Springfield.

The players

Al Roker

Co-host of the third hour of the Today show.

Craig Melvin

Co-host of the third hour of the Today show.

Dylan Dreyer

Co-host of the third hour of the Today show.

John Goodman

Actor and Missouri State University alum who will join the Today show hosts during the Route 66 episode.

Route 66 Centennial Commission

The organization that helped coordinate the Today show's visit to Springfield and the Route 66 celebration.

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What they’re saying

“That's right. Third hour, heading to the birthplace of Route 66 — Springfield, Missouri — a city that is packed with history and culture.”

— Craig Melvin, Co-host of the third hour of Today

“He was a heck of a football player.”

— Al Roker, Co-host of the third hour of Today

“[The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission] made sure that we cut Craig out of the picture. Just have me and Dylan. Yay! Yay us!”

— Al Roker, Co-host of the third hour of Today

What’s next

Fans can register to attend the live taping of the Route 66 episode via the Today show's official website.

The takeaway

The Today show's third hour continues its tradition of taking the program on the road to highlight different cities and regions across the United States, this time showcasing the rich history and local culture of Springfield, Missouri, and the iconic Route 66 highway.