New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently launched a new video series that touts the agency's efforts to revitalize Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. In late 2023, the agency launched the Route 66 grants program, allowing communities to apply for funding for municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. To date, 24 projects have … Continue reading New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

The restoration of the neon sign for the closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, is among the $6 million in grants recently awarded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. A list of the funds given from the state's Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program was posted in a document on the commission's website. Several grant … Continue reading Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park

The City of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will receive a $2 million state grant to construct a Route 66-themed park near the historic Rock Creek Bridge on the city's west side. Fox 23 in nearby Tulsa reports the city had been seeking to build such a park for a decade. Plans include benches, walking trails, a water … Continue reading Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park

Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places

The 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa and the Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa were named to Preservation Oklahoma's Most Endangered Places list in 2023. The annual list by the nonprofit organization aims to promote jeopardized historic sites. "Although inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, recognition for these structures may increase restoration … Continue reading Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places

Sapulpa plans a pedestrian-friendly Alley District off Route 66, a Rock Creek Park

The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning a downtown Alley District designed for pedestrians off Route 66 and also a Route 66 Rock Creek Park near the historic bridge. According to an earlier story by the Sapulpa Times, a downtown alley between Dewey, Lee and Hobson streets would be converted into a new pedestrian and … Continue reading Sapulpa plans a pedestrian-friendly Alley District off Route 66, a Rock Creek Park

An eye-catching new mural is finished on a big water tank in Sapulpa

A new mural on the side of a big water tank now will catch the eyes of Route 66 travelers on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. According to the Sapulpa Times (subscription only), the mural shows off the state's official wildflower, the Indian Blanket. The city recently finished tree-trimming around the site. Sapulpa city … Continue reading An eye-catching new mural is finished on a big water tank in Sapulpa

Sapulpa planning a new access road to Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66

The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning to build an extension of an existing highway later this spring so motorists can more easily access the old Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66 west of town. The Sapulpa Times detailed upcoming work regarding Proposition 1, one of a series of bond projects approved by voters in … Continue reading Sapulpa planning a new access road to Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66

New mural in Sapulpa shows several Route 66 sites

A new mural in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, shows historical sites in that town, including several along Route 66. The 1,300-square-foot mural, which was finished earlier this week, stands near Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) and Main Street. More from the Sapulpa Times: The mural is “a gift to the city” from Joni Rogers-Kante and The … Continue reading New mural in Sapulpa shows several Route 66 sites

Sapulpa golf course renamed with Route 66 tagline

A long effort to rebrand the municipal golf course in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently bore fruit when city officials renamed it Rock Creek Golf Course on Historic Route 66. The former Charles C. Hamilton Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course sits along Oklahoma Route 66 (aka old Route 66) on Sapulpa's west side, near the historic Rock Creek … Continue reading Sapulpa golf course renamed with Route 66 tagline

Sapulpa faces 90-day deadline to repair Rock Creek Bridge

Some bad news and good news were reported this week about the historic Rock Creek Bridge on an old alignment of Route 66 west of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. First, the bad news: The city must repair an erosion problem on the bridge's east side within 90 days, or else the bridge will be closed permanently, according … Continue reading Sapulpa faces 90-day deadline to repair Rock Creek Bridge