Rainbow Bridge near Baxter Springs rededicated after repainting, other improvements

Local and Route 66 officials attended the rededication of the century-old Marsh Arch Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas. State and county officials, plus members of the Route 66 Association of Kansas and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, representatives from Galena and Baxter Springs and local business owners attended the … Continue reading Rainbow Bridge near Baxter Springs rededicated after repainting, other improvements

More details emerge about Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert

We've known for a while that the lighting ceremony for the new Route 66 Neon Park at George M. Reed Roadside Park in St. Robert, Missouri, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday. But a news release from the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau provides more details about the orphaned signs from Route 66 businesses in … Continue reading More details emerge about Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert

Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque may have inched closer to opening

The much-delayed Route 66 Visitor Center on Albuquerque's west side may have inched closer to holding a grand opening after the county approved a $250,000 appropriation for it. But, according to an Albuquerque Journal report, doubts about the project persist: However, during the April 22 meeting, the board raised questions about the project’s future and … Continue reading Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque may have inched closer to opening

Plans revealed for new Hiway Hotel in Albuquerque

A new hotel soon will rise from the rubble of the Hiway House Motel in Albuquerque. A developer told KRQE-TV of his plans for a Hiway Hotel that will be built where the Hiway House Motel once stood. “Mid-century modern-esque design and a little bit of space-aginess to it. We wanted to embrace the car … Continue reading Plans revealed for new Hiway Hotel in Albuquerque

Meramec Caverns barns among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

Meramec Caverns barns, a few of which still stand along Route 66, were included on Landmarks Illinois' annual list of its Most Endangered Historic Places. This is what the nonprofit organization said about Meramec Caverns barns: Meramec Caverns is a cave network and tourist attraction located on Route 66 near Stanton, Missouri. In 1933, amateur … Continue reading Meramec Caverns barns among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced the third round of Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization grants totaling more than $5.5 million from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Several grant recipients were already reported here, including to the town of Canute and the Bristow Historic Society. This is a complete list. "With the centennial fast approaching, more … Continue reading Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced

Oklahoma Route 66 Association issues its free trip guide

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced it has published its free trip guide for 2025 and 2026. The guide, which has been published for almost 30 years, contains maps of Route 66 alignments and listings of businesses and attractions. The association stated in its weekly newsletter that the 120-page guides will be distributed to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association issues its free trip guide

Barc-ee’s announces temporary closure, will change name after Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit

The Barc-ee's near Route 66 in Marshfield, Missouri, recently announced its temporary closure and a forthcoming name change weeks after Buc-ee's sued it for trademark infringement. Barc-ee's announced the closing on Facebook and added: "We’ll be announcing our brand new name, fresh new look, and our next location as we step into this new chapter … Continue reading Barc-ee’s announces temporary closure, will change name after Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit

“Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield

City leaders in Springfield, Missouri, recently announced "a major sculpture" honoring Route 66 would be installed near the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven hotel. According to KSPR-TV in Springfield, the $1 million project will commemorate the city being the so-called "birthplace of Route 66" in 1926. Cora Scott of the city said it would … Continue reading “Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield

Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign

The town of Canute, Oklahoma, has landed a $695,000 grant through the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, state officials confirmed last week to KECO radio in nearby Elk City. Among the projects for the grant is the restoration of the iconic Cotton Boll Motel neon sign and repainting of the Washita Motel sign. Funds … Continue reading Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign