Supporters of reopening the 160-year-old Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, as a tourism attraction now are thinking of a grand reopening for August after cleanup efforts at the site accelerated in recent weeks. The Herald-News reported Homer Tree Service was busy last week removing brush inside the prison, which has been closed and neglected … Continue reading Old Joliet prison may reopen to the public by August
Category: Attractions
Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau in Missouri announced this week it expanded its Route 66 Driving Tour brochure for the first time since 2001, including adding an obscure Route 66 alignment of which few people are aware. The bureau stated the brochure offers more than 66 points of interest, 10 detour-worthy side trips and seven roadie-inspired … Continue reading Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
Lincoln Route 66 sites featured in Chicago TV segment
The Loyola University of Chicago men's basketball team made an unlikely march to the NCAA Final Four and play in the semifinals Saturday at the San Antonio Alamodome. To mark the occasion, the big CBS affiliate in Chicago sent reporter Charlie De Mar and a cardboard cutout of Loyola's team chaplain and fan favorite, Sister … Continue reading Lincoln Route 66 sites featured in Chicago TV segment
An update on the Route 66 Neon Park in Missouri
An area television station provided an update on a proposed Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert, Missouri -- including that organizers hope to open at least part of it next spring. Here's the report from KY3 in Springfield, Missouri: Beth Wiles, president of the Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation group, hopes to have three … Continue reading An update on the Route 66 Neon Park in Missouri
Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66
Several towns in the Oklahoma City metro area have pledged to improve the look of Route 66 on the west side. According to a story by KWTV in Oklahoma City: The mayor of Bethany is calling for other cities to assist in fixing the seemingly forgotten highway, Route 66. Oklahoma City, Warr Acres, Bethany and … Continue reading Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66
Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield
A developer proposed building of a giant cashew near downtown Springfield, Missouri. It's not a joke. The Springfield News-Leader reported Mat Burton of the Vecino Group recently made the pitch for the art installation at Idea Commons, an area between downtown, which carried an early alignment of 66, and Chestnut Expressway. Missouri State University, the … Continue reading Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield
Trail of Tears Memorial in Missouri to reopen April 22
The Trail of Tears Memorial and Herbal Garden near Jerome, Missouri, will hold its grand reopening at 1 p.m. April 22, which is Earth Day. The Facebook page for the garden announced the event Tuesday. A ribbon-cutting will occur in front of the grounds' famed entrance arch that day, before the artwork-festooned trail opens to … Continue reading Trail of Tears Memorial in Missouri to reopen April 22
City, state to investigate Albuquerque Rapid Transit
The city of Albuquerque and state of New Mexico this week announced separate investigations into the city's controversial and troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system. The Albuquerque Journal reported late Wednesday the city's inspector general recently began a review of processes, funding and procedures with in the project. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported Thursday the state's auditor … Continue reading City, state to investigate Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Scotland feels the marketing power of Route 66
In February 2015, the North Highland Initiative launched a campaign to lure more tourists to Scotland's North Coast 500, a circular route that begins and ends at Inverness Castle. In early press coverage, the road was called "Scotland's answer to Route 66," and the group -- and dozens of other newspapers -- latched on to … Continue reading Scotland feels the marketing power of Route 66
El Reno soon will have a Route 66 Monument
The city of El Reno, Oklahoma, last week approved a contract with an area metal-fabrication firm to build a large Route 66 Monument near downtown. The city announced on its Facebook page: On Tuesday, February 13, the City Council unanimously agreed to celebrate the history of “America’s Mother Road,” historic Route 66, with a monument … Continue reading El Reno soon will have a Route 66 Monument