Talk about sparking people's curiosity. Right where Route 66 crosses the Missouri-Kansas state line near Galena, Kansas, just below the “Welcome to Galena” sign reads the message: “Home of the Sea Slug King of Kansas." Whaaa? KSNF-TV in nearby Joplin, Missouri, has the explanation: It started as a joke when Dale Oglesby thought he was … Continue reading Sign proclaims Galena as “Home of the Sea Slug King of Kansas”
Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April
Cities along Route 66 are asked to submit proposals to participate in the official Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership will choose six official satellite cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off, starting with a live, online media event combined with celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which is the … Continue reading Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum offers vintage car rides again
Reservations are open for the fourth annual vintage car rides offered at the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Rides originate at the museum and travel to Pretty Water Lake, where riders can opt to have their photo taken before returning. This year’s cars include a 1923 Packard and a 1923 Cadillac. … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum offers vintage car rides again
Route 66 named fifth-best scenic drive in America by USA Today readers
The readers of USA Today recently voted Route 66 as No. 5 of the 10 best scenic drives in the United States in 2025. The newspaper stated it assembled a panel of travel experts to nominate the routes. Readers then voted to decide the winners, all of which were designated scenic byways on a state … Continue reading Route 66 named fifth-best scenic drive in America by USA Today readers
City of Albuquerque acquires historic Unser racing family property
The City of Albuquerque recently purchased the historic Unser auto-racing family's property along Route 66, intending to preserve at least part of it for future generations. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported that the purchase price was $2.2 million for the four-acre tract. The Unser family had offered the property to the city after the death in … Continue reading City of Albuquerque acquires historic Unser racing family property
National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards
The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday announced the latest selections for its Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Program, part of its Preserve Route 66 initiative. Twenty-five grants were awarded in all eight states that Route 66 goes through for a total of $227,323. Here is the list of awarded projects and dollar amounts: … Continue reading National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards
Cattleman’s Club neon sign in Amarillo removed for restoration
The large neon sign for the Cattleman's Club & Cafe along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, was removed a few days ago so it can be restored and relighted for the first time in decades. Neon signs for The Nat and Eastridge Lanes, also on Route 66 in Amarillo, also are due for rejuvenation. NewsChannel10 … Continue reading Cattleman’s Club neon sign in Amarillo removed for restoration
Grants again available from Backing Historic Small Restaurants program
The Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program, presented by American Express in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is back for its fifth round of funding. This year, 50 restaurants across the United States will each have the opportunity to receive a $50,000 grant. These funds can be used for exterior preservation projects … Continue reading Grants again available from Backing Historic Small Restaurants program
Oklahoma Route 66 Association president is keynote speaker for Miles of Possibility Conference
The annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference, scheduled for Oct. 9-11 in Joliet, Illinois, recently announced that Rhys Martin, author, photographer and president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, will be the event's keynote speaker. The conference's main activities will be at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The conference stated in a news release … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association president is keynote speaker for Miles of Possibility Conference
Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction
Red's Giant Hamburg, a re-creation of the original that once stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, sold a few days ago at auction for $575,000. The identity of the restaurant's new owner remains unknown, though KLOR-TV in Springfield reported it is a local investor. No one knows what he or she intends to do … Continue reading Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction