“Kicks 66” sculpture dedicated near National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City

The 35-foot-tall "Kicks 66" illuminated sculpture near the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City was dedicated on Thursday. The artwork, designed by Cameron Eagle, pays tribute to Bobby Troup's iconic song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and Route 66's centennial this year. Eagle also designed the “Welcome to Luther” neon sign along Route … Continue reading “Kicks 66” sculpture dedicated near National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City

Route 66 Centennial Drone Show to light downtown Joliet’s new City Square

Downtown Joliet, Illinois, will host a Route 66 Centennial Drone Show on Friday as part of the statewide commemoration of Route 66's centennial.  Produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Illinois Office of Tourism, the display will feature 400 drones lighting up the night sky with Route 66 animations and Joliet imagery.   … Continue reading Route 66 Centennial Drone Show to light downtown Joliet’s new City Square

Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies

Blaine Davis, the longtime caretaker of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, during a critical time in its history, has died. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced his death on Wednesday. Many will say Blaine's father built the Blue Whale, which is true. But Blaine was a giant in his own right. He helped … Continue reading Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton goes on the market for $270,000

The property that contains the Henry's Rabbit Ranch complex and an adjoining home in Staunton, Illinois, has been put up for sale after its longtime owner died. The property at 1016 S. Madison St. is listed for $270,000 by Michael Bellovich and Melissa Quinones of RE/MAX Alliance. An alignment of Route 66 runs on the … Continue reading Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton goes on the market for $270,000

Meteor Crater’s new floor tour offers visitors a chance to walk in the path of astronauts

Meteor Crater in eastern Arizona is offering a new way to experience the massive landmark. According to the latest edition of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona newsletter, visitors can follow the path taken by training U.S. astronauts to the bottom of the crater. Every Saturday morning, guided hikes will follow the route taken … Continue reading Meteor Crater’s new floor tour offers visitors a chance to walk in the path of astronauts

Hundreds attend grand opening of Blue Whale Visitor Center in Catoosa

As if the Tulsa area wasn't busy enough Saturday with the Route 66 Capital Cruise, the Blue Whale Visitor Center in nearby Catoosa. Oklahoma, held its grand opening after months of construction on the Route 66 landmark. The day at the Blue Whale included a 5K run that drew an estimated 500 runners, vendor markets, … Continue reading Hundreds attend grand opening of Blue Whale Visitor Center in Catoosa

Construction of Centennial Plaza in Pontiac moves into a swifter phase

The mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, reported a few days ago that construction of the Route 66-themed Centennial Plaza near the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is moving into a more rapid stage. Mayor Kelly Eckhoff in a Facebook post stated: The end of the eight week curing time for the steel structure … Continue reading Construction of Centennial Plaza in Pontiac moves into a swifter phase

New “Welcome to Tulsa” neon signs are being installed just before the Route 66 Capital Cruise

Earlier this week, the City of Tulsa erected a large "Welcome to Tulsa" neon sign just before the Tulsa Route 66 Capital Cruise brings in thousands of tourists and classic-car enthusiasts. The sign is at the Route 66 Historical Village in southwest Tulsa. Residents gathered Tuesday night for the lighting ceremony there. Here are images … Continue reading New “Welcome to Tulsa” neon signs are being installed just before the Route 66 Capital Cruise

Son of Bottle Tree Ranch’s founder is struggling to preserve the Route 66 landmark

The son of the founder of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, California, is "miserable" and struggling to maintain the site in the wake of his father's death. Elliott Long became the caretaker of the Route 66 landmark after its creator and his father, Elmer Long, died of cancer at age … Continue reading Son of Bottle Tree Ranch’s founder is struggling to preserve the Route 66 landmark

Firehouse 66 project in Clinton awarded a $650,000 Route 66 grant

The so-called Firehouse 66 project, planned for a historic fire station in Clinton, Oklahoma, recently received $656,928 through the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program. According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required), project architect Andrew Stone described what he wanted to do with the Works Progress Administration building. “It’s basically restoring the service of the … Continue reading Firehouse 66 project in Clinton awarded a $650,000 Route 66 grant