Touch Media, the company that developed the Route 66 Navigation app, launched the Mother Road Route 66 Passport in June.
Passport holders collect unique stamps at 28 locations on their adventure along Route 66, as well as free souvenirs or discounts. The passport includes illustrated maps, trivia, information about unique destinations and pages to collect autographs or jot down notes.
Mother Road Antiques & Uniques, located at 1031 W. College along Springfield’s stretch of Route 66, was chosen as the passport’s stamp location for Springfield. “For me, being featured in the passport has been huge,” said Mother Road Antiques owner Mark Cockrum.
“I’ve had 50 or so visitors stop here for their stamp just in the last few weeks.” He added that most of his visitors are from overseas and are fascinated with the Americana of historic Route 66.
Cockrum opened his shop in 2013 after hearing about the City of Springfield’s efforts to reinvigorate the College Street corridor. He hopes more businesses catering to Route 66 tourists will open in the future.
The passport is available for $9.99 at locations along Route 66 and will be available in the future at route66navigation.com, eBay and Amazon.