The landmark Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on Tuesday closed down temporarily for a months-long renovation project. The Blue Whale of Catoosa page on Facebook stated the closure was prompted by safety concerns regarding the construction. In the meantime, Blue Whale's gift shop is being relocated to the D.W. Correll Museum, located at 19934 E. … Continue reading Blue Whale site in Catoosa shuts down for renovation project
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
“Bozo” Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, dies
James "Bozo" Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and a longtime mechanic in that city, died on Saturday. He was 77. According to his obituary, Cordova, as a youth, began working at various gas stations along Route 66 in Santa Rosa. After graduating from high school, he attended … Continue reading “Bozo” Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, dies
Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman lands new owners who vow to revive it
The troubled Arcadia Lodge in Kingman, Arizona, recently gained new owners who plan to bring the Route 66 motel back to life. According to the Kingman Daily Miner, Ninette and Douglas DaSilva purchased the property, who have plans to bring the lodge back to life with a face lift and some significant additions." In March, … Continue reading Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman lands new owners who vow to revive it
Route 66 Centennial Arch erected in Galena
A few days ago, a 100-foot-wide Centennial Arch was raised along Front Street (aka old Route 66) in Galena, Kansas, though it's not completely finished. Former Galena mayor Dale Oglesby came up with the idea for Route 66's centennial in 2026 almost 15 years ago, reported KSNF-TV in nearby Joplin, Missouri. In fact, some of … Continue reading Route 66 Centennial Arch erected in Galena
Sounds on 66 features live music from Edmond to Wellston next month
The first annual Sounds on 66 live music collaboration will highlight musicians and bands at four cities along the Midpoint Corridor of Oklahoma -- Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and Wellston -- from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21. The event will feature 12 live music events and 24 musicians and bands. “Main Street America is Route 66,” … Continue reading Sounds on 66 features live music from Edmond to Wellston next month
County commissioner pledges $250,000 to operations of Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque
Bernalillo County Commissioner Frank Baca recently pledged $250,000 from his District Directed Funding account towards operations of the yet-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque. The county operated the $13 million facility until April 2024, then donated it to the City of Albuquerque. The city formed a Route 66 Visitor Center Commission to determine how … Continue reading County commissioner pledges $250,000 to operations of Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque
Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
The 90-year-old Hudson Service Station in Miami, Oklahoma, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The station at 218 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) landed the designation on Aug. 18, according to an email from the National Park Service. The Oklahoma Historical Society also announced it. According to Sooner State News: Built … Continue reading Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
The Rolla Chamber of Commerce presided last week over the ribbon-cutting and dedication of a new Route 66 Memorial at Buehler Park in Rolla, Missouri. According to the chamber, the memorial was paid for with a grant from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission. Aimee Campbell, the city's tourism director, shepherded the project. According to … Continue reading New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
The historic Rod's Steak House in Williams, Arizona, reopened Saturday under new ownership after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago. Kennelly Concepts spent months remodeling and restoring the Route 66 landmark, which dates to 1946. Williams Mayor Don Dent, former Rod's owner Lawrence Sanchez and Tom Kennelly celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony … Continue reading Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
Up to $42,500 in grants available for Route 66 businesses and attractions
Up to $42,500 in grants are available for Route 66 businesses and attractions through the Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program this year. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with its Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program, an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. Up to 20 grants … Continue reading Up to $42,500 in grants available for Route 66 businesses and attractions