The Payson (Ariz.) Roundup published an interesting article about the history and features of the Grand Canyon Railway. Embarking from the Route 66 town of Williams, Ariz., it's a popular and scenic way to head to the Grand Canyon. A few interesting things about the railway that I didn't know: This year marks its 20th … Continue reading A closer look at the Grand Canyon Railway
Category: Attractions
Oklahoma, Arizona Route 66 awarded new road designations
Oklahoma Route 66 was designated a National Scenic Byway, and Arizona's Route 66 was given All-American Road status in an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation chief Ray LaHood on Friday. LaHood said: “By enriching the National Scenic Byways program with their own unique historical or aesthetic quality, these new additions help our national … Continue reading Oklahoma, Arizona Route 66 awarded new road designations
Dedication of Red Fork Centennial Oil Derrick
I went Friday afternoon to the official dedication of the Red Fork Centennial Oil Derrick, which is an exact-size replica of an important early derrick that stood during the oil-boom days of southwest Tulsa. The 154-foot-tall derrick has been finished for several months. It's part of a Route 66 Station park that's still under development. … Continue reading Dedication of Red Fork Centennial Oil Derrick
A rare and old grain elevator
Bill Kemp, an archivist with the McLean County Museum of History, wrote an interesting article in the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph about the history of grain elevators. In particular, he focuses on the J.W. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill. The Hawes elevator was built in 1903 and is one … Continue reading A rare and old grain elevator
Federal grants awarded for Route 66 tourism
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced several federal grants that will go toward tourism, including Route 66 sites. According to the Belleville News-Democrat, $395,000 will be used to erect "experience hubs" and signs for Route 66 from East St. Louis to Chicago. Also, in New Mexico, the state will receive $365,000 in federal funds to … Continue reading Federal grants awarded for Route 66 tourism
Schoolhouse predates the road
Something that existed for nearly 40 years in Edmond, Okla., before Route 66 was established is still standing today -- the 1889 Territorial School House, which is believed to be the first schoolhouse built and opened after the Oklahoma Land Run. Paul Sanders' family was the longtime owner of the building, which was used as … Continue reading Schoolhouse predates the road
More on the Alliance and museum
This new article in Urban Tulsa neatly encapsulates what's been going on recently with the Route 66 Alliance and a related, still-in-progress project, the Route 66 Experience in Tulsa. Perhaps the most noteworthy item in the article is that the Experience building -- a combination of a museum, restaurant and headquarters for the Alliance -- … Continue reading More on the Alliance and museum
A ghost town … sorta
The Arizona Republic has compiled a short list of ghost towns in the state that tourists might find worth visiting. The Route 66 town of Oatman, famed for its semi-wild burros and Wild West vibe, made the cut. Now ... when I picture a ghost town, I'm thinking of a burg that's nearly deserted and … Continue reading A ghost town … sorta
An Olympic-sized effect
The Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register examines what the draws will be for downstate tourism if Chicago wins its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. In effect, those draws will be Abraham Lincoln and Route 66. “We’ve worked for 10 years to reach international markets through the city of Chicago, and we know most … Continue reading An Olympic-sized effect
Reimagining the Route
This is a well-done video about Route 66 from the Center for Creative Land Recycling. It explains how the Mother Road -- especially in the desert Southwest -- is being revitalized with brownfields remediation, alternative energy, outdoor recreation and historical tourism.