Springfield, Missouri, is experiencing a boom in hotel business so far in 2016, and it appears one big reason for it is Route 66. According to the KY3 station in town: The Convention and Visitors bureau says the number of visitors so far...and the number of hotel rooms occupied, has surpassed last year. Tracy Kimberlin … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business
Tag: Bloomington
Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail
McLean County, Illinois, is seeking a federal grant to help add seven miles to a Route 66 bicycle trail outside of the Bloomington-Normal metro area. According to WJBC radio: The McLean County Board is expected to apply for federal funds to add a 4-mile stretch of the trail between Lexington and Towanda and a 3.25-mile … Continue reading Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year
The Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, is rapidly approaching the first anniversary of its opening and reports more than 16,000 visitors since that time. The Bloomington-Normal region decided to build the Route 66-themed part of McLean County Museum of History because Route 66 tourists were bypassing the Twin Cities. More Route … Continue reading Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year
Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum
The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, this week received $250,000 donation spread over five years for a capital campaign for the museum, which includes a new and prominent Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66 visitors center, reported WJBC radio. “It’ll go to some very significant upgrades using digital technology, as well … Continue reading Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum
Random stabbings in Bloomington include German tourist
Two people were stabbed Wednesday in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, in what police described as a random attack. One of the victims was a German tourist who was visiting the city's Route 66 visitors center amid a Route 66 trip. According to the Bloomington Pantagraph, the tourist and a Pantagraph employee who happened to be working … Continue reading Random stabbings in Bloomington include German tourist
Bowling alley in Bloomington closes after 55 years
The AMF Circle Lanes bowling center near Route 66 in Bloomington, Illinois, closed Sunday after more than 55 years in business, according the Bloomington Pantagraph. Management didn't explain the closure, but told the newspaper a decision was made to shutter it after "a comprehensive analysis." Translation: The AMF Circle Lanes was another in a long line of … Continue reading Bowling alley in Bloomington closes after 55 years
New Bloomington center already makes big impact
The new Route 66 Visitors Center in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, has been open less than two weeks, but the local convention and visitors bureau says it's already made a big effect on the local economy. According to a report by WJBC radio, the center has drawn 885 visitors in 12 days and has generated $150,000 … Continue reading New Bloomington center already makes big impact
Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center opens
The Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center, a prominent new part of the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, opened to more than 300 guests in just three hours during its debut Saturday, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. Spurred by the success of Pontiac, Illinois, playing up Route 66 tourism, Bloomington embarked on a major renovation … Continue reading Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center opens
Museum’s penny press includes one with a Route 66 logo
The McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, Illinois, recently unveiled a penny press that can make a souvenir coin with Abraham Lincoln and the Route 66 shield. According to the Bloomington Pantagraph, the museum's director of education wanted a penny press for years because it provides a cheap souvenir that children like. The machine … Continue reading Museum’s penny press includes one with a Route 66 logo
Route 66 — a jobs creator
During a formal introduction Wednesday of the logo for the new Route 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois -- which we already reported months ago -- local officials revealed some eyebrow-raising statistics about the economic value of the Mother Road. Bloomington, which long seemed indifferent to Route 66 for years, suddenly has embraced it. And … Continue reading Route 66 — a jobs creator