The City of Albuquerque unveiled a new website last week that counts down to Route 66's centennial in 2026 and events related to it. The $34,000 website -- at visitalbuquerque.org/route-66-centennial -- was announced on Tuesday at the still-not-open, $13 million Route 66 Visitors Center on the city's west side. The Albuquerque Journal reported an opening … Continue reading Albuquerque unveils website to count down to Route 66’s centennial, related events
Category: Attractions
Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
The mayor of Wilmington, Illinois, announced the landmark Gemini Giant will remain in the city for at least the next 20 years. Mayor Ben Dietz stated in a Facebook post that the loan of the Gemini Giant from the Joliet Area Historical Museum has been extended through 2045. The city council approved the loan pact … Continue reading Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side
The City of Albuquerque is planning a new park along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Louisiana Boulevard in the International District, with a new emphasis on public safety in the area. The $3.5 million park will break ground later this summer, before Route 66's centennial in 2026, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. “In addition to … Continue reading New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side
Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant
Friends of the Orphan Signs, a nonprofit organization that repurposes abandoned signs into art along Route 66 in Albuquerque, recently received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which reported on the award, said it was one of 19 organizations in New Mexico that received the … Continue reading Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant
Someone built a big revolver northwest of Amarillo
I missed this the first time this was announced, but someone built a 20-foot-tall revolver on the northwestern edge of Amarillo, Texas. Texas-based ESTN-FM mentioned the non-functional firearm Thursday in a post: It was constructed by Darrel Podzemny, who shared pictures of it on his Facebook page and described it as "a new landmark for Amarillo … Continue reading Someone built a big revolver northwest of Amarillo
Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
The principals behind the Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas, held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project on Tuesday. Aaron Perry, owner and operator of Gearhead Curios in Galena, presided over the brief event and the overturning of the earth at the site in the 300 block of South Main St. (aka Route 66). Here's … Continue reading Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
A state lawmaker in Illinois has filed a resolution that would celebrate Route 66's centennial next year. State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) filed the resolution that would officially designate 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year, reported WCIA-TV. Route 66 goes through Balkema's 53rd Senate District, including the towns of Dwight, Odell, Pontiac and Chenoa. Balkema touted the … Continue reading Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument
The chamber of commerce of Hydro, Oklahoma, recently announced a groundbreaking for the Route 66 Bridge Monument project. The event will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6, where old Route 66 intersects with Highway 58 on the south side of town. The town will relocate and restore a decommissioned Route 66 bridge at the … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument
Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission recently awarded the City of Lebanon a sponsorship worth up to $15,000 for an interactive Missouri Route 66 shield sign that will be 12 feet tall. Nearly a half-dozen others will be installed across the Show-Me State. Lebanon tourism director Rebecca Rupard announced the sponsorship during the annual meeting … Continue reading Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1
After a two-year hiatus, Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, will hold its grand reopening at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1. The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting, followed by presentations by Grand Canyon Caverns representatives, according to a news release. Starting with the 1 p.m. tour that day at the caverns, it is offering … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1