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
Category: Attractions
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
New Mother Jones marker dedicated at I-55 rest area
A variety of dignitaries on Monday dedicated a new historical marker for famed union activist Mother Jones and coal-miners' union movement at the southbound Interstate 55 Coalfield rest area south of Springfield, Illinois. In addition, Ireland’s consul general to Chicago and the Midwest participated in a wreath-laying ceremony that day at the Mother Jones Monument, … Continue reading New Mother Jones marker dedicated at I-55 rest area
Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight
For those folks on Route 66 who wish to acquire a genuine, one-of-a-kind Muffler Man, you have the opportunity for a few hours to bid on one in Maine. Joel Baker, a Muffler Man fan and creator of the "American Giants" video series, is helping sell one in Winslow, Maine. As of this writing, the … Continue reading Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight
Mural of Cherokee Nation artisan dedicated in Vinita
Cherokee Nation and city officials on Tuesday dedicated a mural commemorating artisan Anna Belle Sixkiller Mitchell, known as a Cherokee National Treasure, in downtown Vinita, Oklahoma, along Route 66. Mitchell, who lived in Vinita, was designated as a Cherokee National Treasure in 1988 for reviving traditional pottery methods and sharing her skill with others, according to a news … Continue reading Mural of Cherokee Nation artisan dedicated in Vinita
Why historic preservation is important to future tourism
Joplin, Missouri, for years has sought to boost Route 66 tourism to its city. Officials there want more visitors to stay in the city for longer periods, thus generating more tax revenue. However, the Joplin Globe reported a Colorado-based consultant threw cold water on that idea -- mainly because the city doesn't have enough historic … Continue reading Why historic preservation is important to future tourism