The mayor of Wilmington, Illinois, announced the landmark Gemini Giant will remain in the city for at least the next 20 years. Mayor Ben Dietz stated in a Facebook post that the loan of the Gemini Giant from the Joliet Area Historical Museum has been extended through 2045. The city council approved the loan pact … Continue reading Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
Oak Street Bridge, aka Whee Bridge, in Carthage may have only one year left before it’s closed
The historic Oak Street Bridge that carries Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri, badly needs repairs and may have to close within a year if it fails a state inspection. The bridge is also known as the Whee Bridge or Tickle Tummy Hill because of its steep apex. The Joplin Globe reported: Carthage Public Works Director … Continue reading Oak Street Bridge, aka Whee Bridge, in Carthage may have only one year left before it’s closed
New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side
The City of Albuquerque is planning a new park along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Louisiana Boulevard in the International District, with a new emphasis on public safety in the area. The $3.5 million park will break ground later this summer, before Route 66's centennial in 2026, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. “In addition to … Continue reading New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side
Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant
Friends of the Orphan Signs, a nonprofit organization that repurposes abandoned signs into art along Route 66 in Albuquerque, recently received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which reported on the award, said it was one of 19 organizations in New Mexico that received the … Continue reading Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City sold to out-of-state buyer
The iconic Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City's oldest restaurant, was recently sold to an out-of-state entity. The Oklahoman newspaper reports the previous owner, Dick Stubbs, wanted to retire. The restaurant's longtime operating partner, Dick Egan, told the newspaper the new owner won't make big changes. The transaction with the out-of-state buyer came with a very specific … Continue reading Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City sold to out-of-state buyer
Someone built a big revolver northwest of Amarillo
I missed this the first time this was announced, but someone built a 20-foot-tall revolver on the northwestern edge of Amarillo, Texas. Texas-based ESTN-FM mentioned the non-functional firearm Thursday in a post: It was constructed by Darrel Podzemny, who shared pictures of it on his Facebook page and described it as "a new landmark for Amarillo … Continue reading Someone built a big revolver northwest of Amarillo
West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
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
Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
The principals behind the Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas, held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project on Tuesday. Aaron Perry, owner and operator of Gearhead Curios in Galena, presided over the brief event and the overturning of the earth at the site in the 300 block of South Main St. (aka Route 66). Here's … Continue reading Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
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