Bearizona to build a large enclosure for three orphaned grizzly bear cubs

Bearizona, a wildlife park situated just off Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, announced this week it will build an elaborate and large enclosure for three grizzly bear cubs that were orphaned in April in Montana. Bearizona will take in the three cubs sometime next month. They were orphaned after their mother was euthanized by the … Continue reading Bearizona to build a large enclosure for three orphaned grizzly bear cubs

Route 66 Road Ahead is conducting a survey about COVID-19’s effects

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced this week is it conducting a survey of businesses, attractions, and sites along Route 66 to gauge the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The partnership wrote in an email: The goal of the survey is to understand the degree to which the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted Route … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead is conducting a survey about COVID-19’s effects

Tourists’ bigger commitment to road trips may help Route 66 in a COVID-19 world

Because the coronavirus has made air travel less attractive, U.S. tourists may turn more to road trips for their vacations in the coming months. The Pontiac Daily Leader, citing tourism officials in Illinois, said travelers are looking more toward driving destinations for vacations instead of far-flung spots by plane. “I think we’re going to see … Continue reading Tourists’ bigger commitment to road trips may help Route 66 in a COVID-19 world

Waynesville marks 30th year of Missouri’s Route 66 declared a historic district

Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission member Jackie Welborn (left) and former Missouri state Rep. Jim Mitchell attended Mayor Luge Hardman’s proclamation signing ceremony Thursday evening. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was represented by Laura Huffman (right). The mayor of Waynesville, Missouri, on Thursday signed a proclamation recognizing the upcoming 30-year anniversary of Missouri’s designation of its … Continue reading Waynesville marks 30th year of Missouri’s Route 66 declared a historic district

Tulsa wants its own Route 66 asset survey to account for city’s older alignment

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office will conduct a survey of historic assets along Route 66, but the Tulsa Route 66 Commission wants to conduct its own survey that includes the city's older alignment near downtown. According to Public Radio Tulsa: The state is taking an inventory of structures like movie theaters, gas stations and … Continue reading Tulsa wants its own Route 66 asset survey to account for city’s older alignment

Part of Fort Courage Trading Post in Arizona damaged by fire; three arrested

Three people were arrested after an arson fire over the weekend destroyed one of the structures for the closed Fort Courage Trading Post complex near Houck, Arizona. Puerco Fire and EMS posted on its Facebook page: Southern Navajo Nation News posted a video from a bystander of the fire in progress: The Apache County arrests … Continue reading Part of Fort Courage Trading Post in Arizona damaged by fire; three arrested

Program features Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan, Round Barn volunteer Mr. Sam

The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, which contains a network of PBS stations across the state, recently aired a 28-minute "Gallery America" segment about Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan and effervescent Arcadia Round Barn volunteer "Mr. Sam" Gillaspy. The program is well-produced. Check it out below: McClanahan's art gallery just off Route 66 in … Continue reading Program features Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan, Round Barn volunteer Mr. Sam

Jack Rabbit Trading Post has an emotional reopening after being closed 46 days

A number of Route 66 businesses have announced current or imminent reopenings after being shut down for weeks during the coronavirus pandemic. But this one, by the Jack Rabbit Trading Post near Joseph City, Arizona, is special. Check out this live video from Monday morning by co-owner Cindy Jaquez. Keep tissues handy: It had to … Continue reading Jack Rabbit Trading Post has an emotional reopening after being closed 46 days

The story behind the buzzard on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

The Springfield News-Leader newspaper in Missouri has a regular feature that serves as an Answer Man column, where Steve Pokin tries to dig into and solve local mysteries -- some serious and some not-so-serious. Pokin was on vacation, so staff writer Wyatt Wheeler took over during the interim. Wheeler received this question in his email: … Continue reading The story behind the buzzard on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

New Route Historical 66 Village neon sign lights the sky in Tulsa

The Route 66 Historical Village in southwest Tulsa lighted its new neon sign a few days ago -- one of at least a dozen new or restored neon signs along the historic highway in that city. Tulsa-area resident Susan Yates shared this short video and another clip of the animated sign on Facebook. Here's a … Continue reading New Route Historical 66 Village neon sign lights the sky in Tulsa