The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, has added another very tall artifact. This time, it's the Viking Carpet giant, originally hailing from Virginia, that was installed at the Route 66 landmark. It was purchased two years ago and restored. The Viking giant stands alongside the Phillips 66 Cowboy and a Snerd at the museum. … Continue reading Viking Carpet giant installed at American Giants Museum
New Muffler Man installed at O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City
Another Muffler Man stands along the Mother Road when the fiberglass giant named Earl was installed at O'Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City, Illinois. The business announced the arrival of the Muffer Man in late June: The O’Brien Tire shop at 3924 Nameoki Road (aka Route 66) has been operating for nearly 120 … Continue reading New Muffler Man installed at O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City
City of Albuquerque plans to move former Valentine diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
The City of Albuquerque plans to move a former Valentine diner that serves as a police substation to the troubled and yet-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center by next year for the highway's centennial. The police substation currently sits at Girard Boulevard and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), though it was at Eighth Street and Central … Continue reading City of Albuquerque plans to move former Valentine diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
Church Studio in Tulsa awarded grant to build a giant egg sculpture
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently awarded a grant of nearly $400,000 so that a giant egg sculpture -- symbolizing the logo for Leon Russell's Shelter Records -- can be put near Church Studio in Tulsa. News on 6 in Tulsa reported that the sculpture will be on Third Street, diagonally from the studio. The … Continue reading Church Studio in Tulsa awarded grant to build a giant egg sculpture
Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department
The former mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, has been tapped to lead the tourism department of Lincoln, Illinois. Scott McCoy, also known for his Route 66 Ultimate Guide app and helping with tourism initiatives in Atlanta, Illinois, told WICS-TV he was hired for $45,000 a year as an independent contractor to boost Lincoln's visitor numbers. His … Continue reading Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department
Five cities chosen as Official Satellite Cities for Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off
Five communities were designated as Official Satellite Cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026. The five Official Satellite Cities are Joliet, Illinois; St. Louis; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque; and Santa Monica, California. Those cities will join the live, online media event combined with Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which … Continue reading Five cities chosen as Official Satellite Cities for Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off
Missouri governor signs law allowing state money to be used for Route 66 signage
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed and enacted a law allowing the state's Department of Transportation to use its money for Route 66 signs. The measure was part of House Bill 996. The bill contains a lot of interesting aspects, including adding more signs if necessary, markings for historical places and anti-theft measures for the signs. … Continue reading Missouri governor signs law allowing state money to be used for Route 66 signage
Tulsa to attempt world record with Route 66 classic-car parade set for May 30, 2026
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission recently announced the "Tulsa Route 66 Capital Cruise: World-Record Classic Car Centennial Parade," which aims to attract more than 3,000 participants. The commission said the cruise aims to set a world record, which a record-keeping organization would verify. The cruise is scheduled for May 30, 2026, during the highway's centennial … Continue reading Tulsa to attempt world record with Route 66 classic-car parade set for May 30, 2026
West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
The long-closed West Winds Motel along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, was named one of the Most Endangered Places by Preservation Oklahoma. Preservation Oklahoma has presented an annual Endangered Places list that "may increase restoration efforts and possibly ensure their longevity." The nonprofit organization seeks nominations from the public each October, and a team of … Continue reading West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Larry Smith, owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for the past eight years, announced the handing over of the keys to its new proprietor, Rich Havlik. The motel's Facebook page commemorated the change: Havlik, a longtime funeral director in Minnesota, also celebrated his new profession in a Facebook Reel: Havlik said … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners