The Complete Story
The building that is now Route 66 Motorheads was originally built in 1970-1971 as a Stuckey's roadside restaurant, a favorite stop for travelers on the Illinois Route 66 final alignment (1940-1977). After Stuckey's closed, the building sat dormant for years until Ron and Pat Metzger saved it from demolition in 2016.
The Metzgers renovated and reimagined the property, transforming it into a restaurant, bar, and entertainment center that opened its doors in June 2018. They named it Motorheads because of the close ties to the Illinois State Fairgrounds' world-famous mile dirt track, home to some of the fastest dirt track racing in America.
Today, the 7,000-square-foot building features 18 beer taps mounted from the rear ends of vintage cars, a 100-foot-long bar, and Ron's personally customized 1969 Chevy Camaro parked in the rafters. Every aspect of the bar, restaurant, and museum was designed with car and racing enthusiasts in mind. In 2024, a custom 30-foot tall muffler man statue named 'Big Ron' was installed, joining the world's largest Route 66 shield to make Motorheads an unmissable landmark.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The building was saved from demolition in 2016 after sitting abandoned for years
→ 18 beer taps are mounted in the rear ends of vintage automobiles
→ Owner Ron Metzger's personal 1969 Chevy Camaro is parked in the restaurant rafters
→ The 30-foot 'Big Ron' muffler man statue was unveiled in August 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: undefined, Springfield, IL 62711
What's There Now: Active restaurant, bar, and museum complex featuring automotive memorabilia, vintage neon signs, and retro gas pumps. Home to the world's largest Route 66 shield. Open Mon-Sat 11am, Sun 9am. Features live entertainment venue 'The Motordome.'
GPS Coordinates: 39.7129834, -89.6474113
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
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