The West End Service Station on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois, is hosting a display on local Black history -- including a bit of the city's own -- through the end of this month. The former gas station at 620 St. Louis St. (aka Route 66), converted into a visitor's center in 2023, presents Black … Continue reading West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
Category: History
Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
A new business, Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun, is occupying the formerly closed Mule Trading Post building east of Rolla, Missouri. The business offers a dozen axe-throwing games, a full-size NASCAR simulator, a restaurant, a bar, farm-fresh food and plenty of Route 66 souvenirs, reported the Phelps County Focus. “We are trying to tie into … Continue reading Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
The City of Amarillo's tourism department recently announced the Texas Route 66 Festival, which began last summer, will continue to be an annual event after the highway's centennial in 2026. The decision from Visit Amarillo came after the 2024 event proved to be a success and had a good effect on local businesses, reported KVII-TV … Continue reading Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
A state lawmaker in Illinois has filed a resolution that would celebrate Route 66's centennial next year. State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) filed the resolution that would officially designate 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year, reported WCIA-TV. Route 66 goes through Balkema's 53rd Senate District, including the towns of Dwight, Odell, Pontiac and Chenoa. Balkema touted the … Continue reading Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1
After a two-year hiatus, Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, will hold its grand reopening at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1. The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting, followed by presentations by Grand Canyon Caverns representatives, according to a news release. Starting with the 1 p.m. tour that day at the caverns, it is offering … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1
Fire damages Dazy Courts Apartments in Carthage; injuries reported
A fire on Thursday damaged the Dazy Courts Apartments and Sleeping Rooms, formerly a motel just off Route 66, in Carthage, Missouri. KOAM-TV reported several people were treated for smoke inhalation, and one was taken to a hospital. The fire affected the north side of the complex, which contained six units. The south side was … Continue reading Fire damages Dazy Courts Apartments in Carthage; injuries reported
El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale
The historic El Camino Motor Hotel, located along the older alignment of Route 66 north of Albuquerque, has been placed on the market for $2.5 million. The motel actually is located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a small village north of Albuquerque. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reports the motel went on the market in … Continue reading El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale
Longtime owner of Westside Lilo’s Cafe in Seligman dies
Lilo Russell, a German native who owned the landmark Westside Lilo's Cafe along Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona, for decades, has died. She was 83. Russell's death was announced on Monday on several Route 66 groups on social media, including the restaurant itself: Here's a video made by a traveler a few years ago who … Continue reading Longtime owner of Westside Lilo’s Cafe in Seligman dies
Wildfires destroy Will Rogers’ historic California home
Wildfires on Tuesday night destroyed the historic California home of Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers within the Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. More fires broke out on the northern edge of Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Travel along Route 66 in that region is discouraged, and many motels … Continue reading Wildfires destroy Will Rogers’ historic California home
Jimmy Carter visited Elk City twice
Jimmy Carter twice visited the Route 66 town of Elk City, Oklahoma, during the 1970s, including once when he was U.S. president. Carter, who served one term as U.S. commander-in-chief before embarking on an impactful and dignified post-presidential career, died on Dec. 29 at age 100. News9 in Oklahoma City recently published a story about … Continue reading Jimmy Carter visited Elk City twice