New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently launched a new video series that touts the agency's efforts to revitalize Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. In late 2023, the agency launched the Route 66 grants program, allowing communities to apply for funding for municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. To date, 24 projects have … Continue reading New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

Yukon 66 Pit Stop development inches closer to reality

A proposed Yukon 66 Pit Stop that would include a 100-foot-tall oil derrick, a Muffler Man, a food-truck park, antique vehicles and an entertainment stage in downtown Yukon, Oklahoma, advanced closer to reality last week. According to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City, the city's Planning Commission approved the plans for Yukon 66 Pit Stop if … Continue reading Yukon 66 Pit Stop development inches closer to reality

Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3

The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, announced Joel Baker of American Giants LLC will be the volunteer docent at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 3. Baker, who lives in Colorado and doesn't get to Illinois often, also will speak at the … Continue reading Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3

New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs

City leaders of Baxter Springs, Kansas, on Monday held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the enormous "The Baxter Springs Historical Mural" that features Route 66 and other touchstones of the city's past. A meet-the-artists event for the father-and-son team of A.J. and Jordan Wood also will be held from 10 a.m. to … Continue reading New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City commissioned an economic impact study to help justify a forthcoming $40 million capital investment campaign. It's safe to say the results from the subsequent study from RegionTrack are eye-opening, which initially was reported by The Oklahoman newspaper. Some highlights from the report: The museum drew … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact

Tin Can Alley overnight lodging to open in downtown Kingman in early 2025

Tin Can Alley, an Airbnb site consisting of vintage Airstream trailers, will open in downtown Kingman, Arizona, in early 2025. Proprietor Stephanie Weaver told Route 66 News in an email this week that it will begin taking reservations in four or five weeks and will open it early next year. According to The Standard Newspaper, … Continue reading Tin Can Alley overnight lodging to open in downtown Kingman in early 2025

Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm coming to Tulsa in early November

An art project called the Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm will be open to the public in early November in a long-vacant space in the Red Fork Historic District in southwest Tulsa. The space will consist of hundreds of decorated artificial Christmas trees donated since January, plus a 1951 Ford Deluxe. The project also will … Continue reading Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm coming to Tulsa in early November

Developer chosen for Route 66-inspired hotel-restaurant complex in Tulsa

The City of Tulsa chose a local developer to build a hotel, restaurant, bar and pool near Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and Cry Baby Hill that would "enhance Route 66." According to a news release from the city, Sharp Development was picked to develop the site at 815 Riverside Drive, less than a block from … Continue reading Developer chosen for Route 66-inspired hotel-restaurant complex in Tulsa

Acquaintances seek to keep open Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton

A longtime friend and a family member aim to keep Henry's Rabbit Ranch along old Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois, going through at least the highway's centennial in 2026. Bob Caldieraro, who knew founder Rich Henry for decades, said he and Henry's sister, Michelle, reopened Henry's Rabbit Ranch about two weeks after his death at … Continue reading Acquaintances seek to keep open Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton

Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16

Don't look now, but Louie Keen, owner of the Uranus Missouri complex along Route 66 in St. Robert, Missouri, is getting into the movie biz. Keen and co-executive producer JR Anthony will debut "Uranus Attacks" at B&B Theatres Waynesville Patriot 12 (map here) in nearby Waynesville, Missouri, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16. Based on the trailer, … Continue reading Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16