Floodwaters inundate Route 66 village of Devils Elbow

Floodwaters have inundated the old Route 66 village of Devils Elbow, Missouri, for a second time this decade. Jax Welborn, a Route 66 advocate who lives nearby, posted these shocking photos of floodwaters from the swollen Big Piney River soaking numerous structures there, including the closed Elbow Inn and the historic bridge. The flooding has … Continue reading Floodwaters inundate Route 66 village of Devils Elbow

Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

The City of Springfield, Missouri, is considering ending its involvement with the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival or halting it entirely. The Springfield News-Leader, following up on an initial report from the Springfield Daily Citizen of about 25 businesses complaining about the festival, reported the city is considering options for the event. The Citizen … Continue reading Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

CORE of McLean officially takes possession of village’s historic water tower

A historic preservation group based in the Route 66 town of McLean, Illinois, announced it has assumed ownership of the village's historic water tower after saving it from the wrecking ball. CORE of McLean stated on a Facebook post last week it officially took ownership of the water tower on Sept. 10. The organization stated … Continue reading CORE of McLean officially takes possession of village’s historic water tower

New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects

The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects

Train added to Red Oak II complex near Carthage

Fulfilling the dreams of its late founder, a small train recently was added near the replica railroad depot at the famed Red Oak II complex near Carthage, Missouri. According to the Joplin Globe, Larry Sernyk, who owns several buildings in Red Oak II and also lives there, worked with a crew to install the train … Continue reading Train added to Red Oak II complex near Carthage

CNN Travel names Flagstaff one of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024

CNN Travel named the Route 66 town of Flagstaff, Arizona, one of the 10 America's Best Towns to Visit in 2024. Eschewing large metros, it looked at "smaller cities that aren’t already at the top of everyone’s travel list — places where you’ll often find small-town vibes and loads of personality as well as plenty … Continue reading CNN Travel names Flagstaff one of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024

Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

The Public Art Committee of Baxter Springs, Kansas, announced a forthcoming public mural emphasizing the town's history, including Route 66. According to the Spring River Current and KSNF-TV, the mural will be funded by a $7,500 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Rural Development, with matching funds from the Ronald … Continue reading Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Several towns along the Mother Road for years have claimed to be the "Capital of Route 66." But the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Route 66 Commission ensured it isn't just an idle boast. After a lengthy process, Tulsa officially secured a federal copyright for "Capital of Route 66." According to KJRH-TV and other … Continue reading Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

Study: Flagstaff is the most dog-friendly city in the U.S.

If you're traveling Route 66 and need a pet-friendly destination, you won't do better than Flagstaff, Arizona. The venerable Route 66 town not only is the best on the Mother Road, but in the entire country, according to a Blueprint study with USA Today. The study reviewed the per capita number of dog-friendly lodging establishments, … Continue reading Study: Flagstaff is the most dog-friendly city in the U.S.