The Joplin (Missouri) Convention and Visitors Bureau expanded and re-released its Joplin History Guide -- the first update to that free publication in 15 years. According to the Joplin Globe newspaper: The guide is is not entirely new but is an enlarged version of one that was printed for the convention bureau in 2003. "It's … Continue reading Joplin History Guide re-released and expanded
Category: Attractions
Big Brutus named to National Register of Historic Places
Big Brutus, a gigantic electric coal shovel that's become a side trip for Route 66 travelers in Kansas, was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. According to an email from the National Park Service, the designation became effective Jan. 5. Big Brutus sits at 6509 NW 60th St. in West Mineral, Kansas, about … Continue reading Big Brutus named to National Register of Historic Places
Kingman considers gateway arch designs; budget concerns remain
Kingman, Arizona, is considering five designs of a gateway arch that would welcome visitors to its downtown, but all the options would cost more than what's been budgeted. A report in the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper provided details behind the arch options: Across Andy Devine Avenue (aka Route 66) at Locomotive Park. Cost: $170,000. Several … Continue reading Kingman considers gateway arch designs; budget concerns remain
Moving on to the Land of Enchantment
A note to readers: Stories here might be sparse in the next few days because, as of this writing, I'm moving west to the classic Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. I'll approve comments periodically through my phone, but story-writing probably will take a back seat for a while. Cross-country moves tend to eat … Continue reading Moving on to the Land of Enchantment
Route 66 projects included in Springfield capital-improvements plan
The city of Springfield, Missouri, will undertake more than 100 capital-improvement projects worth more than $80 million in fiscal year 2018, including a few Route 66 plans. The Springfield News-Leader reports the city council needs to approve the list next month, and the fiscal year begins in July. So it probably will be late summer … Continue reading Route 66 projects included in Springfield capital-improvements plan
Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center
The city of Strafford, Missouri, is constructing a Route 66 Historical Park next to city hall along with a visitors center. KY3 in nearby Springfield got the details: When completed, it will feature reconstructed versions of local 66 icons -- the Bumgardner (sic) General Store and Delp Hotel. "We do not have a lot of … Continue reading Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center
Tucumcari’s Five Mile Park may be redeveloped
Officials from the National Park Service and city of Tucumcari, New Mexico, met recently to discuss ideas on how to redevelop Five Mile Park, located off old Route 66 west of town. Five Mile Park once was known for a large and elaborate swimming-pool complex, but the pool hasn't been used for 40 years, and … Continue reading Tucumcari’s Five Mile Park may be redeveloped
The little-known Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp
Roger Naylor, who's written a book about Route 66 in Arizona, hikes about 1,000 miles a year, and he wrote in an article for the Arizona Republic one of his favorite places to hike in the state is Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp between Kingman and Oatman. Part of the reason few people know … Continue reading The little-known Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp
City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
The city council of Joliet, Illinois, this week entered into a five-year lease to take some responsibility for the historic but long-closed and deteriorating Joliet Correctional Center. The Herald News reported about the deal for the prison, which has been closed by the state of Illinois since 2002: The state retains ownership, while city officials … Continue reading City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
Nob Hill visitors center in Albuquerque opens
The historic Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque over the weekend opened a visitors center to tell tourists about the area's history through photos and interactive maps. The Nob Hill visitors center is in the Re-Max Select building on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) just west of Carlisle Boulevard. According to KOB-TV: Mayor Tim Keller said … Continue reading Nob Hill visitors center in Albuquerque opens