Santa Rosa, N.M., is applying for a grant from the National Scenic Byways Program so it can renovate the historic Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse near downtown and eventually house what would be the state's only Route 66 museum. On Dec. 15, Santa Rosa tourism director Richard Delgado announced the intent during a mass email to about 30 Route … Continue reading Santa Rosa applying for byways grant for Route 66 museum
Category: Museums
Springfield continues to negotiate for Bel-Aire Motel
The City of Springfield, Ill., is continuing negotiations with the owners of the historic Bel-Aire Motel, with the hope to eventually convert it into a Route 66 museum and visitors center or some other use, reported the State Journal-Register. The owners are Gopal and Nimal Motwani, based in Florida. The motel, on the Sixth Street alignment … Continue reading Springfield continues to negotiate for Bel-Aire Motel
Pontiac’s impressive tourism surge
Today's story in the Pontiac Daily Leader gave many details about a tourism summit Monday in the Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., and how local officials and businesses will handle travelers in the future. It'd been previously reported that Pontiac was seeing a 30 percent increase in tourists in 2011. But City Administrator Bob … Continue reading Pontiac’s impressive tourism surge
History Channel may include Route 66 on program
A film crew from the History Channel filmed segments Friday along Route 66 in Southern California that may be included in a program titled "101 Objects That Changed the World," reported 66-to-Cali owner Dan Rice in Santa Monica. The crew spent time shooting near the "End of the Trail" Route 66 sign on the Santa … Continue reading History Channel may include Route 66 on program
More about the Litchfield museum
In recent weeks, several media reports have emerged about a Route 66 and area history museum planned in Litchfield, Ill. This one from the State Journal-Register in Springfield contained a lot of information. However, the reports left a few things out, including an artist's rendering of the proposed building. Thanks to Litchfield Tourism director Carol … Continue reading More about the Litchfield museum
A good problem to have
City Hall in Pontiac, Ill., is hosting a meeting Monday at 7 p.m. to discuss tourists -- not necessarily to just draw them, but to better handle the influx of them the city has experienced in the past year. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports: Pontiac Tourism Director Ellie Alexander said the number of visitors is up … Continue reading A good problem to have
Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame seeks 2012 nominations
The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations of people, attractions, businesses, and events for its Class of 2012, according to a recent news release. The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, based in Pontiac, will be accepting applications for the honors between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28. The release says: To … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame seeks 2012 nominations
Site approved for Route 66 museum in Litchfield
Organizers for a Route 66 museum in Litchfield, Ill., have approved a site and building design, and plan on starting construction in the spring, reports The Journal-News in nearby Hillsboro. According to the newspaper: The 4,600 square foot building will be located on historic Route 66 across from Jubelts and the Ariston. The museum will … Continue reading Site approved for Route 66 museum in Litchfield
Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year
The Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., is seeing a 30 percent increase in tourists over a year ago, according to a report in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Tourism director Ellie Alexander keeps a regular tally of visitor numbers. So the boost in tourism isn't anecdotal. An increase in the number of tour groups is mostly … Continue reading Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year
Two Route 66 projects will begin construction by 2013
The Route 66 Experience museum near downtown Tulsa and a new Route 66 gateway in west Tulsa should begin construction by 2013, according to a report in the print edition of the Tulsa County News. Quoting city planner Dennis Whitaker, the report says: There are firm plans in place for the Route 66 Experience "and … Continue reading Two Route 66 projects will begin construction by 2013