A nonprofit community group has purchased the endangered and historic water tower of McLean, Illinois, for $1. It will repaint the structure and hire an artist to paint a mural on it. The purchase reverses a 4-2 vote by the village board in November to tear the water tower down for almost $34,000. The village … Continue reading Community group buys McLean’s historic water tower for $1, will repaint it
Category: Attractions
Route 66 in New Mexico listed on National Geographic’s top travel experiences in 2024
National Geographic recently listed its "20 of the coolest travel adventures in 2024" as part of its annual Best of the World feature, and Route 66 in New Mexico made the list. The iconic magazine stated the list serves as "a celebration — of travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another." … Continue reading Route 66 in New Mexico listed on National Geographic’s top travel experiences in 2024
Kingman Office of Tourism launches partnership with ListenUp audio app
The tourism office of Kingman, Arizona, earlier this week announced a partnership with an Arizona-based technology startup, ListenUp, to create a free, multilingual private tour guide of Kingman sites for anyone with an iPhone. A news release from the tourism office provides the details: ListenUp's geospatial audio tour transforms destinations like Kingman into captivating museum-like … Continue reading Kingman Office of Tourism launches partnership with ListenUp audio app
Fort Reno officers’ quarters gets $50,000 grant to replace windows
The nearly 90-year-old officers' quarters building at the Fort Reno Visitor’s Center and Museum near El Reno, Oklahoma, recently received a $50,000 grant to replace its old windows. The Yukon Progress, based in nearby Yukon, Oklahoma, reported the officers' quarters at the fort initially was built in 1876, and then rebuilt in 1936. The grant … Continue reading Fort Reno officers’ quarters gets $50,000 grant to replace windows
This is the 100th anniversary when a Pasadena diner reputedly introduced the cheeseburger
This month marks the 100th anniversary when a restaurant along future Route 66 in Pasadena, California, reputedly introduced the cheeseburger. The Rite Spot restaurant in the 1500 block of West Colorado Boulevard offered an "Original Hamburger with Cheese" for 15 cents in January 1924, according to the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau. As the tale … Continue reading This is the 100th anniversary when a Pasadena diner reputedly introduced the cheeseburger
Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago
The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago
Free passport program launched for Horseshoe Trail in Springfield, Illinois
Visit Springfield, the tourism and destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois, announced last week it is launching the Springfield Horseshoe Trail Passport, which aims to heighten awareness of the longstanding dish in the region. The free passport lists 20 local businesses, including several along the Route 66 corridor, For the uninitiated, the … Continue reading Free passport program launched for Horseshoe Trail in Springfield, Illinois
Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis
The Great Rivers Greenway a few days ago announced an April 14 celebration for the new Chain of Rocks Park at the west end of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. The free event from 2 to 4 p.m. will include music, food, fun and community activities. The park is at 10820 … Continue reading Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis
Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project
The Town Square of Bristow, Oklahoma, is being revitalized by the town's historical society as part of a Route 66 Landmark Renovation Project. News on 6 in nearby Tulsa reported the society is building a new roof for the nearby historic depot. So far, all tiles have been removed for new roofing and the structure … Continue reading Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project
1,000 wild burros in Oatman area will be relocated due to overpopulation
About 1,000 wild burros in Arizona's Black Mountain Herd Management Area will be relocated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management -- about half of the herd -- because of overpopulation concerns. The Route 66 village of Oatman is right in the middle of the management area. The wild burros -- for many years a … Continue reading 1,000 wild burros in Oatman area will be relocated due to overpopulation