Cannonball Jail in Carlinville soon will reopen for tours

The historic and uniquely designed Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, Illinois, will host a "Jail House Rock" event on July 29 before it opens regularly for tours in August. The former Macoupin County Jail will host the "Jail House Rock" event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 29, including photo opportunities to show yourself … Continue reading Cannonball Jail in Carlinville soon will reopen for tours

Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including a visitors center in a former Edwardsville gas station, reopening the old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville and a new Muffler Man on a restaurant in Berwyn. According to Riverbender.com and … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66

Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail

A tourism bureau in southwest Illinois has applied for a state grant that would create a new Route 66 visitor center and reopen the Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, among other projects. According to Riverbender.com, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois applied for the grant under the state's Route 66 Grant Program administered … Continue reading Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail

Tips for Route 66 tourism success

The Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat published a comprehensive report about two experts giving a presentation in Gillespie, Illinois, about how to parlay Route 66 into tourism dollars. The experts were Bill Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, and Bill Thomas, economic development director for Logan County, tourism booster for Atlanta, Illinois, and chairman … Continue reading Tips for Route 66 tourism success

Goal: Reopen Macoupin County Cannonball Jail next year

Sensing a likely tourism draw, Macoupin County wants to reopen its circa-1870 county jail near downtown Carlinville, Illinois. However, the interior of the fortress-like structure, often called the Macoupin County Cannonball Jail, remains covered with toxic lead paint. About $13,000 has been raised for lead-paint removal in the jail in the past 18 months. Another $18,000 is needed … Continue reading Goal: Reopen Macoupin County Cannonball Jail next year