Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

The landmark Marsh Arch Bridge, aka the Rainbow Bridge or Brush Creek Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, celebrated its 100th birthday this week. According to several online sources, including the well-researched Vintage St. Louis and Route 66 page on Facebook, the bridge opened on Dec. 20, 1923 -- about three years before U.S. 66 was … Continue reading Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

Ground broken on Route 66 roadside park next to Route 66 Welcome Center in Baxter Springs

Members of the Baxter Springs Historical Society in Baxter Springs, Kansas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony on a Route 66 roadside park that will be next to the city's Route 66 Welcome Center. According to a report in the Joplin Globe, the project will offer parking for downtown, a mural and a statue commemorating Baxter Springs' … Continue reading Ground broken on Route 66 roadside park next to Route 66 Welcome Center in Baxter Springs

Longtime Kansas Route 66 advocate Carolyn Pendleton dies

Carolyn Pendleton, a longtime advocate for the 13 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, died last week after being in declining health. She was 80. Pendleton was director of the Route 66 Visitor Center in Baxter Springs, housed in a former Phillips 66 gas station that was renovated about 15 years ago. In 2009, Pendleton … Continue reading Longtime Kansas Route 66 advocate Carolyn Pendleton dies

Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs

A 24-year-old man was in critical condition late Friday after falling from the top of the historic Marsh Arch Bridge, aka Rainbow Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, earlier that day. KOAM-TV reports the local sheriff said the man suffered traumatic injuries after he fell from the Route 66 bridge to the roadway. The accident occurred … Continue reading Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs

Decades of Wheels in Baxter Springs is for sale for $5 million

The Decades of Wheels complex in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, has been placed on the market with a Wichita real-estate firm for $5 million, barely two years after it opened. A local media outlet, the Spring River Current, helped break the story last month. "The hotel will remain open until sold but the rest of … Continue reading Decades of Wheels in Baxter Springs is for sale for $5 million

Historic auto parts store in Baxter Springs to reopen April 22 as Bricks and Brew restaurant

The century-old Bob Page Auto Supply building along Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, will reopen on April 22 as a Bricks and Brews restaurant. KSNF-TV talked to the owner, Doug Puckett, who bought the building at 1531 Military Ave. (aka Route 66) two years ago and has been renovating it since: The neat thing … Continue reading Historic auto parts store in Baxter Springs to reopen April 22 as Bricks and Brew restaurant

Baxter Springs museum holds an exhibit of late local artisan’s Pitt Pets

The Baxter Springs Historical Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas, is holding an exhibit of a deceased local artisan who made unique tiny sculptures from peach pits, called "Pitt Pets." Duane M. Lee, who died at age 65 in 2005, made an estimated 10,000 of his Pitt Pets, according to his son Don, and gave them … Continue reading Baxter Springs museum holds an exhibit of late local artisan’s Pitt Pets

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

Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs holds grand opening

The museum of the Decades of Wheels complex in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, held its grand opening Saturday that included a parade and tours of the complex's Little Brick Inn bed-and-breakfast. According to a story in the Pittsburg Morning Sun, that morning was scheduled to include a car parade and a ribbon-cutting by city officials … Continue reading Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs holds grand opening

Decades of Wheels complex in Baxter Springs should be fully open by May

The half-block-long Decades of Wheels complex in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, should be fully operational by May, according to an event coordinator there. Decades of Wheels held a grand opening celebration in October that included concerts from high-profile music arts, including the final concert of Steppenwolf founder John Kay before his announced retirement. However, many … Continue reading Decades of Wheels complex in Baxter Springs should be fully open by May