Meramec Caverns barns, a few of which still stand along Route 66, were included on Landmarks Illinois' annual list of its Most Endangered Historic Places. This is what the nonprofit organization said about Meramec Caverns barns: Meramec Caverns is a cave network and tourist attraction located on Route 66 near Stanton, Missouri. In 1933, amateur … Continue reading Meramec Caverns barns among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
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.
Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced the third round of Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization grants totaling more than $5.5 million from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Several grant recipients were already reported here, including to the town of Canute and the Bristow Historic Society. This is a complete list. "With the centennial fast approaching, more … Continue reading Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced
Oklahoma Route 66 Association issues its free trip guide
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced it has published its free trip guide for 2025 and 2026. The guide, which has been published for almost 30 years, contains maps of Route 66 alignments and listings of businesses and attractions. The association stated in its weekly newsletter that the 120-page guides will be distributed to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association issues its free trip guide
Barc-ee’s announces temporary closure, will change name after Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit
The Barc-ee's near Route 66 in Marshfield, Missouri, recently announced its temporary closure and a forthcoming name change weeks after Buc-ee's sued it for trademark infringement. Barc-ee's announced the closing on Facebook and added: "We’ll be announcing our brand new name, fresh new look, and our next location as we step into this new chapter … Continue reading Barc-ee’s announces temporary closure, will change name after Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit
“Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
City leaders in Springfield, Missouri, recently announced "a major sculpture" honoring Route 66 would be installed near the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven hotel. According to KSPR-TV in Springfield, the $1 million project will commemorate the city being the so-called "birthplace of Route 66" in 1926. Cora Scott of the city said it would … Continue reading “Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
The town of Canute, Oklahoma, has landed a $695,000 grant through the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, state officials confirmed last week to KECO radio in nearby Elk City. Among the projects for the grant is the restoration of the iconic Cotton Boll Motel neon sign and repainting of the Washita Motel sign. Funds … Continue reading Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
Bristow Historical Society awarded grant to restore Chrysler Plymouth tower sign
The Bristow Historical Society of Bristow, Oklahoma, announced last week it had been awarded a state grant to restore and relight the Chrysler Plymouth neon tower sign closer to Route 66. More details from the society: The sign is about 100 feet tall, and the society claims it would be the tallest freestanding sign on … Continue reading Bristow Historical Society awarded grant to restore Chrysler Plymouth tower sign
Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8
The years-long quest to restore the long-dark neon sign at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat truck stop near Chambless, California, soon will become a reality. The Facebook account for the site announced a few days ago that it would host a relighting ceremony for the sign on Nov. 8. It stated that more details would … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8
Ribbon-cutting to mark completion of renovations on Rainbow Bridge set for May 2
The Route 66 Association of Kansas recently announced it will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovations to the century-old Marsh Arch Bridge (aka Rainbow Bridge) near Baxter Springs, Kansas. The ceremony will be at 1 p.m. that day. The association uploaded a bunch of before-and-after images of the refurbished bridge. The … Continue reading Ribbon-cutting to mark completion of renovations on Rainbow Bridge set for May 2
New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned
The resurrected version of Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, will be auctioned on May 15 after opening about six years ago. OzarksFirst.com first reported that the property on the south side of Springfield (not on Route 66), along with its fixtures and equipment, will be auctioned starting at 1 p.m. on May 15. The … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned