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
Category: Attractions
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
Owner of Gearhead Curios plans gas station-themed motor court in Galena
The owner of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, soon will break ground on a project to build a gas-station-themed, 10-unit motor court called Petrol Motor Quart in Galena. Aaron Perry announced on Facebook the groundbreaking for the project, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 11. The motor court will be at 317 S. … Continue reading Owner of Gearhead Curios plans gas station-themed motor court in Galena
Entrepreneuer Mary Beth Babcock planning another 20-foot-tall Cowboy Bob in Tulsa
Entrepreneur and Route 66 booster Mary Beth Babcock is planning a fourth, 20-foot-tall Muffler Man giant named Cowboy Bob at one of her businesses in Tulsa. The Tulsa World had the details: The newest giant, Cowboy Bob, will be the mascot for Buck’s Vintage on 66 that is moving into the 66 Collective with other … Continue reading Entrepreneuer Mary Beth Babcock planning another 20-foot-tall Cowboy Bob in Tulsa
Grant for Kendall Whittier neighborhood in Tulsa includes making a neon Route 66 shield
The Kendall Whittier neighborhood in Tulsa will receive a $130,000 grant from the state's Main Street program to create a neon Route 66 shield and other neon accents. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced the grants earlier this month. Nearby Sapulpa also received one. The Tulsa World reported on the Kendall-Whittier award: The Kendall Whittier Main … Continue reading Grant for Kendall Whittier neighborhood in Tulsa includes making a neon Route 66 shield
Forthcoming “Welcome to Tulsa” signs contain a subtle nod to Route 66
The Tulsa Planning Commission recently released renderings of signs the city plans to place in several areas before Route 66's centennial in 2026, including the largest that contain a subtle reference to the highway. The signs incorporate the city's flag design, but that's not all, according to the commission: The largest concept (Gateway Triangle) features … Continue reading Forthcoming “Welcome to Tulsa” signs contain a subtle nod to Route 66
Elmer Long’s son says he’ll “continue legacy” of Bottle Tree Ranch
Ellsworth Hayes, son of deceased Bottle Tree Ranch founder Elmer Long, a few days ago popped in at the Historic Route 66 group on Facebook to announce he would "continue his legacy" as the Route 66 landmark approaches its 25th anniversary. Hayes wrote: After he passed away from lung cancer In 2019, I basically went … Continue reading Elmer Long’s son says he’ll “continue legacy” of Bottle Tree Ranch
Historic tax credits rejected to convert Gold Dome in OKC into a music venue
A developer wants to convert the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City into a music concert site, but he'll have to do it without historic tax credits or grants from the state's Route 66 commission. Instead, Mike Brown, president of Tulsa-based Kismet Koncerts, will seek $3 million in local tax increment financing to renovate the site, … Continue reading Historic tax credits rejected to convert Gold Dome in OKC into a music venue