The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, next month will install a 40-foot-long mural that honors that historic venue and Route 66, both of which will be marking their centennial in 2026. The Herald-News reports the Route 66 Rialto Twin Centennial Mural will be placed on the left side of the theater's entrance. Artist Dante … Continue reading 40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66
Category: Attractions
Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge
A federal court in St. Louis heard the City of Carthage's appeal of a lawsuit ruling involving Union Pacific Railroad for its alleged lack of maintenance of bridges in the city, including the century-old Route 66 Oak Street Bridge, aka the Whee Bridge. According to the Joplin Globe, the city appealed a lower judge's ruling … Continue reading Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge
City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem
The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem
About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield
The Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, is due for $15.1 million in improvements under the state's Rebuild Illinois capital plan. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield: The money will go towards a variety of improvements according to an announcement from the governor's office Friday including replacement of the roof and wooden flooring, … Continue reading About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield
City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements
The City of Albuquerque has requested millions of dollars in state funding for improvements to its Route 66 corridor, including its soon-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center. A report by KRQE-TV in Albuquerque and the city's own priorities list to the New Mexico Legislature provide the details on the requests: -- $15 million to move Unser … Continue reading City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements
New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66
Tulsa-based musician Charlie Redd recently released an animated music video, "Tulsa Hills," described as "a love letter to Tulsa." The video contains images of nearly 150 sites in Tulsa, including quite a few along the city's stretch of Route 66. https://youtu.be/IIhZlo4ZDbA Mort Johnson, a Tulsa native, did the animation. In an article in the Tulsa … Continue reading New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66
City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale
The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, wants to make a series of improvements to the grounds of the iconic Blue Whale site. According to News on 6 in nearby Tulsa, the city's plans include "building trails behind the whale, restrooms, a new gift shop and possibly creating a small R-V park." The city also wants to … Continue reading City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale
Pink Elephant Antique Mall plans changes, including converting Futuro UFO to Airbnb
The new owners of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall along Route 66 in Livingston, Illinois, plan a number of changes, including converting the Future UFO into an overnight Airbnb site. Roy Wayne Pickerell announced on Facebook he and Tonia recently closed on their deal with previous owners Dave and Bernice Hammond to purchase the mall. … Continue reading Pink Elephant Antique Mall plans changes, including converting Futuro UFO to Airbnb
Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month
The Pearl Brothers Hardware Store in downtown Joplin, Missouri, will close for good on Jan. 28 after 117 years. However, the new owner says he'll keep the Pearl Brothers name as part of the building and nominate it to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Joplin Globe. Harold Berger, who's been part … Continue reading Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month
Illinois Office of Tourism to enter first-ever float for Tournament of Roses Parade
The Illinois Office of Tourism is making its first-ever float for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade along Route 66 on Jan. 2 in Pasadena, California. The 24-foot-tall float features nearly 30,000 flowers and took about 22,000 volunteer hours to create, according to a news release. More about the float: The Enjoy Illinois float will … Continue reading Illinois Office of Tourism to enter first-ever float for Tournament of Roses Parade