Tulsa adding 29 historical markers along Route 66

Tulsa will erect a total of 29 historical markers along Route 66 in the next few weeks, continuing that city's embrace of its Mother Road heritage. The markers first were envisioned back in 2005 as part of the original Vision 2025 sales tax for Route 66 projects. The markers will cost $111,000, which included about … Continue reading Tulsa adding 29 historical markers along Route 66

Report: Route 66 Historic Trail legislation to be introduced this fall

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership on Saturday released its third-quarter report. Among the newsworthy items is the organization expects congressional legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail to be introduced this fall. The measure would be House Bill 801, "tentatively" scheduled to be introduced in the coming weeks. The report stated: … Continue reading Report: Route 66 Historic Trail legislation to be introduced this fall

ABQ city council OKs tourism package that includes money for Route 66 visitor center

The Albuquerque City Council this week approved a $30.5 million sports tourism bond package that includes $2.5 million for a proposed Route 66 visitor center on the city's west side. Coincidentally, designers for the nearly $13 million Route 66 visitors center gave a presentation during the same city council meeting. You can start the video … Continue reading ABQ city council OKs tourism package that includes money for Route 66 visitor center

New mural added to Yukon’s Best Flour mill in Yukon

A Costa Rican immigrant raised in Yukon, Oklahoma, recently completed a terrific-looking mural on the side of one of the buildings at the city's landmark Yukon's Best Flour mill elevator. Channel 9 in nearby Oklahoma City produced a video about the mural and its creator, Carlos Barboza. Here is more from the report: Barboza researched … Continue reading New mural added to Yukon’s Best Flour mill in Yukon

Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams

The Grand Canyon Railway recently marked its 30th anniversary, and it helped revive the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, after it was bypassed by Interstate 40. The Williams News posted an excellent overview of the railway, which carries passengers from Williams to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and its impact on … Continue reading Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams

Cost for Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque keeps rising

The cost of a Route 66 Visitors Center on Albuquerque's west side has risen from $3.4 million to $12.9 million in three years. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque had the story Wednesday night and quoted city councilor Klarissa Pena: Back in 2016, Albuquerque city councilors and Bernalillo County commissioners announced a Route 66 Visitor Center on the … Continue reading Cost for Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque keeps rising

Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios on Route 66 in Tulsa raising money for a new neon sign

Mary Beth Babcock, owner of Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on Route 66, is crowdfunding an effort to build a new neon sign at her Tulsa gift shop. Babcock aims to raise $10,000 through a GoFundMe.com campaign that launched about three days ago. As of Tuesday night, she'd raised more than $1,000. She wrote on Facebook … Continue reading Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios on Route 66 in Tulsa raising money for a new neon sign

Old Joliet Prison draws 14,000 visitors since opening in August 2018

The Old Joliet Prison has drawn a total of 14,181 visitors for tours and events since opening to the public in August 2018, according to the Joliet Historical Museum. The 19th-century prison, known officially as the former Joliet Correctional Center, also generated $407,654 in revenue, a report in The Herald-News stated. The net revenue of … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison draws 14,000 visitors since opening in August 2018

Replica of toll building proposed for Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis

One of several redevelopment proposals for the west side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis contains a replica of the long-gone toll house that stood on that site. The Great Rivers Greenway, which controls the bridge as a vital link over the Mississippi River to a series of pedestrian and cycling … Continue reading Replica of toll building proposed for Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis

Latest Oklahoma Tourism video focuses on Blue Whale, Molly’s Landing in Catoosa

Last month, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and Broken Arrow-based Retrospec Films announced they would launch a year-long series of road-trip films, including Route 66. One of their earliest films featured the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Pops in Arcadia and Living Kitchen in Depew — all along Route 66. This week, they featured the Blue Whale and the Molly's Landing restaurant and taco truck … Continue reading Latest Oklahoma Tourism video focuses on Blue Whale, Molly’s Landing in Catoosa