Grand Canyon closes after resident tests positive for coronavirus

Grand Canyon National Park closed indefinitely Wednesday after a resident there tested positive for coronavirus as part of a pandemic that has infected more than 216,000 people in the U.S. as of that evening. The national park in northern Arizona was under pressure for days from local and federal health officials to close. It gave … Continue reading Grand Canyon closes after resident tests positive for coronavirus

Route 66 roadside park coming behind welcome center in Baxter Springs

A Route 66 roadside park soon will be installed behind the Baxter Springs 66 Welcome Center in Baxter Springs, Kansas. According to an op-ed by resident Duane Lyon in the Cherokee County News-Advocate: This includes a mural wall, LongHorn Statue plaza, a green space, sitting areas at the sitting wall, focal point sitting area and … Continue reading Route 66 roadside park coming behind welcome center in Baxter Springs

County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

The San Bernardino County board of supervisors approved a plan that would allow the redevelopment of the long-abandoned Lake Dolores waterpark north of Newberry Springs, California. The Victor Valley News reported: According to a newsletter from Robert Lovingood’s office, “the Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a general plan amendment and conditional use permit to establish … Continue reading County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

Albuquerque will spend $500,000 to publicize its Route 66 corridor, ART

The City of Albuquerque will spend $500,000 to publicize its stretch of Route 66 and its troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit system. The city has issued a request for proposals that will be due April 28. It stated: The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department is seeking a qualified marketing firm to develop and implement a … Continue reading Albuquerque will spend $500,000 to publicize its Route 66 corridor, ART

Coronavirus pandemic prompts closure of many Route 66 museums

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has prompted the closing of many Route 66-related museums or visitors centers in the past day or so. Here are the museums or visitors centers that are closed through at least late March or early April that we know about: Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in PontiacPontiac-Oakland Automobile … Continue reading Coronavirus pandemic prompts closure of many Route 66 museums

Latest RoadTripOK video focuses on El Reno, Yukon

The latest RoadTripOK video for Oklahoma Tourism focuses on attractions in the Route 66 towns of El Reno and Yukon. Here's where the crew went: Downtown El RenoSid's Diner in El RenoExpress Clydesdales in Yukon Here's the video: https://youtu.be/k-XlxxUG9U8 Last fall, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and Broken Arrow-based Retrospec Films announced they would launch a year-long series … Continue reading Latest RoadTripOK video focuses on El Reno, Yukon

Improvements coming to Andy Payne Park in Foyil

The town of Foyil, Oklahoma, soon will embark on improvements to Andy Payne Park -- best-known for its statue of Payne running -- off old Route 66 in the village. According to the Claremore Daily Progress newspaper in nearby Claremore: The improvements, budgeted at $11,000, will include three new picnic tables covered by a large … Continue reading Improvements coming to Andy Payne Park in Foyil

Latest RoadTripOK video focuses on Weatherford, Hinton

The gang behind the RoadTripOK video series uploaded its latest offering Wednesday that concentrates on three attractions in Hinton or the Route 66 town of Weatherford. The three places shown are: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, HintonGloria's Kitchen, HintonStafford Air and Space Museum, Weatherford Here's the video: https://youtu.be/5LYQVg4FQpU Oklahoma Tourism and Broken Arrow-based Retrospec Films … Continue reading Latest RoadTripOK video focuses on Weatherford, Hinton

Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67

Bob Mullen, who parlayed his massive collection of gas-station and other old-time memorabilia into Bob's Gasoline Alley for about 20 years near Cuba, Missouri, died suddenly at his home Sunday night. He was 67. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 7057 Old 66, in Cuba. The funeral will … Continue reading Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67

RoadTripOK video series focuses on Clinton

The latest RoadTripOK video this week features two restaurants and Route 66 museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. Here's the video: https://youtu.be/n5ZcR4Z3jRw Here are the three places in Clinton the video covers: Strayhouse Kitchen & CoffeeOklahoma Route 66 MuseumWhite Dog Hill restaurant Oklahoma Tourism and Broken Arrow-based Retrospec Films announced last fall they would launch a year-long … Continue reading RoadTripOK video series focuses on Clinton