Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Oklahoma Tourism earlier in the week announced the launch of its "Imagine That" campaign where Route 66 features prominently in the mix. According to a news release, it is the first television campaign showcasing the new state branding, and it marks the first time since 2015 the agency has released a campaign of this scale … Continue reading Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs

The Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove, Illinois, imposed sudden layoffs and shut down its visitors center last week, shocking volunteers and former staff members. Sugar Grove Nature Center consists of over 1,000 acres of preserved forest, the nature center just off Route 66. It regularly hosted field trips and programs about Illinois history … Continue reading Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs

New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

A long-planned Amarillo Route 66 emblem recently emerged on one of the city's large water towers located just off the Mother Road. Dora Meroney of Texas Ivy Antiques has posted a number of photos of the emblem on the tower, which is undergoing repainting: The Amarillo Route 66 water tower even has its own Facebook … Continue reading New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66

The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, next month will install a 40-foot-long mural that honors that historic venue and Route 66, both of which will be marking their centennial in 2026. The Herald-News reports the Route 66 Rialto Twin Centennial Mural will be placed on the left side of the theater's entrance. Artist Dante … Continue reading 40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66

Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge

A federal court in St. Louis heard the City of Carthage's appeal of a lawsuit ruling involving Union Pacific Railroad for its alleged lack of maintenance of bridges in the city, including the century-old Route 66 Oak Street Bridge, aka the Whee Bridge. According to the Joplin Globe, the city appealed a lower judge's ruling … Continue reading Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge

City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield

The Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, is due for $15.1 million in improvements under the state's Rebuild Illinois capital plan. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield: The money will go towards a variety of improvements according to an announcement from the governor's office Friday including replacement of the roof and wooden flooring, … Continue reading About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield

City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements

The City of Albuquerque has requested millions of dollars in state funding for improvements to its Route 66 corridor, including its soon-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center. A report by KRQE-TV in Albuquerque and the city's own priorities list to the New Mexico Legislature provide the details on the requests:  -- $15 million to move Unser … Continue reading City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements

New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66

Tulsa-based musician Charlie Redd recently released an animated music video, "Tulsa Hills," described as "a love letter to Tulsa." The video contains images of nearly 150 sites in Tulsa, including quite a few along the city's stretch of Route 66. https://youtu.be/IIhZlo4ZDbA Mort Johnson, a Tulsa native, did the animation. In an article in the Tulsa … Continue reading New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66

City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale

The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, wants to make a series of improvements to the grounds of the iconic Blue Whale site. According to News on 6 in nearby Tulsa, the city's plans include "building trails behind the whale, restrooms, a new gift shop and possibly creating a small R-V park." The city also wants to … Continue reading City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale