Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down

The other half of the Route 66 Twin Bridges that once stood near Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be torn down starting sometime next year. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported the Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded a $7.2 million contract to replace the 1956 bridge on eastbound Route 66. The bridge replacement project is expected to begin … Continue reading Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down

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

Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program

The initial application period for the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program opened Friday, making $6.6 million available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. Oversight for the grants will be by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of Oklahoma residents who live and work on the Mother Road. The application period will close at 5 … Continue reading Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program

Holiday lighting event for Blue Whale adds a new twist

The iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, has been decorated for the Christmas season for nearly 15 years. But on Saturday, the city added a new twist to the annual event. Santa in his sleigh was placed onto the pond, with a long string of Christmas lights leading to the whale, as if the big … Continue reading Holiday lighting event for Blue Whale adds a new twist

City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale

The city council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, earlier this month approved a conceptual development plan for the iconic Blue Whale site, but not without hearing concerns from residents and officials from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. According to a report by the association, several people during the public comments portion of the meeting spoke up about … Continue reading City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale

Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person

Molly's Landing restaurant, a fixture along Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, for nearly 40 years, was severely damaged by fire early Friday that apparently killed one person. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported Friday afternoon that one body was found in an upstairs apartment of the restaurant. Melissa Beasley-Lee, president of the New Mexico Route 66 … Continue reading Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person

More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Now we know better where that proposed $6 million for the Blue Whale would go. The City Council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, last week unveiled a proposed master plan for the iconic Blue Whale site along Route 66 as envisioned by Hampton Creative of Tulsa. Among the additions would be a mini-golf course, a new visitors center, … Continue reading More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Catoosa wants $6 million in upgrades to Blue Whale site before Route 66 centennial

The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, is looking for about $6 million in improvements to its Blue Whale site before Route 66's centennial in 2026. John Blish, the city manager, said he wants to add more amenities to the site to make it more tourist-friendly, according to a report from News on 6 in nearby Tulsa. … Continue reading Catoosa wants $6 million in upgrades to Blue Whale site before Route 66 centennial

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

Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66

A number of Route 66 landmarks recently have been decorated for the Christmas holiday. First, the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, held its annual "lights on" ceremony on Sunday night. As these photos from Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin shows, not only was the whale lighted, but so was the nearby ark. In … Continue reading Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66