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
Category: Attractions
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
Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill
The artist who created a controversial sculpture for Tulsa's Cry Baby Hill has submitted revised concepts of his initial design. According to the Tulsa World and other area media outlets, Ken Kelleher of New Hampshire provided a more bicycle-centric look to his proposed 21-foot-tall "Cry Baby Cry" statue. The new variations show the same figure … Continue reading Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill
Red Oak II owner plans to preserve historic La Grange School near Carthage
The owner of the Red Oak II complex near Carthage, Missouri, acquired the historic La Grange School and said plans to preserve the building that dates to the 1860s. The Joplin Globe reported Red Oak II owner Larry Syrnek bought the school and its one acre of land for $35,000 from a farmer who had … Continue reading Red Oak II owner plans to preserve historic La Grange School near Carthage
Big A the Texaco Giant installed at Gearhead Curios in Galena
Big A the Texaco Giant, a specially commissioned 21-foot-tall fiberglass figure, was successfully installed Sunday at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. The giant, colloquially called a Muffler Man, was installed by ReGiant at the former Texaco station at 520 S. Main St. (Route 66). Here are a bunch of photos or videos from the event: … Continue reading Big A the Texaco Giant installed at Gearhead Curios in Galena
Are Muffler Men undergoing a big revival?
The short answer is yes. The Chicago Tribune a few days ago took a look at what one Route 66 advocate, Bill Thomas, called "a bit of a Renaissance" for the fiberglass giants, colloquially known as Muffler Men. The Muffler Men, made primarily by International Fiberglass in Venice, California, during the 1960s to the mid-1970s, … Continue reading Are Muffler Men undergoing a big revival?
Proposed 21-foot-tall statue near Tulsa’s Route 66 prompts some backlash
A proposed 21-foot-tall statue on Cry Baby Hill near Route 66 in Tulsa has sparked some backlash from residents, ranging from the figure itself to an out-of-state artist being selected for the project. The statue is set to be built before Route 66's centennial in 2026 on the hill at 815 S. Riverside Drive. That's … Continue reading Proposed 21-foot-tall statue near Tulsa’s Route 66 prompts some backlash
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida will add a Pixar “Cars” area
Disney World's Magic Kingdom near Orlando, Florida, will add a Pixar "Cars" area from the 2006 animated movie inspired by Route 66. According to a recent report by CNET: The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom are being repurposed to insert a new area themed around Pixar's Cars movies. This expansion … Continue reading Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida will add a Pixar “Cars” area
New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects