Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Renovations of the iconic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis received another boost last week when the federal government announced another $17 million in funding. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the additional funds will pay for work on the courthouse’s upper floors and exterior, including the dome. The repairs … Continue reading Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Old Courthouse in St. Louis undergoing renovations through mid-2025

The landmark Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis is undergoing $27.5 million in renovations through the middle of 2025. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the project will include four new exhibits, more accessibility and structural improvements. The Old Courthouse is part of the nearby Gateway Arch National Park complex. Both are fewer than 10 blocks … Continue reading Old Courthouse in St. Louis undergoing renovations through mid-2025

Visits to Gateway Arch in St. Louis rose by 41% in 2022

The number of people who visited the iconic Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis increased by 41% from 2021 to 2022 but still were below pre-pandemic levels. According to reporting by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 1.62 million people who visited the Arch last year still was 22% below the levels seen in 2019, before … Continue reading Visits to Gateway Arch in St. Louis rose by 41% in 2022

Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, "The Price Is Right" television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop. "The Price Is Right" tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- during … Continue reading Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

U.S. government shutdown affects some national parks

The shutdown of the U.S. government that began Friday night is affecting some, but not all, of the national parks and other sites managed by the National Park Service. The effect the shutdown, if it's short-term, should be low on Route 66 because it's tourism off-season, especially near the Christmas and New Year's holidays. One … Continue reading U.S. government shutdown affects some national parks

Renovated Gateway Arch museum in St. Louis reopens to public

The Gateway Arch Museum and Visitor Center in St. Louis reopened to the public Tuesday after a $380 million renovation of the grounds using public and private funding. The 630-foot-tall, stainless steel monument, completed in 1965, remains essentially unchanged. But the grounds surrounding it underwent a makeover in a four-year period -- namely to make the … Continue reading Renovated Gateway Arch museum in St. Louis reopens to public

Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66

The ongoing shutdown by the U.S. federal government shuttered National Park Service sites on or near Route 66 this weekend, with no resolution in sight. An exception is Grand Canyon National Park, which remains accessible because of a partnership with the state of Arizona. Businesses there that include lodging, restaurants and retail stay open. Within … Continue reading Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66

Your vote may help the Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of 20 national parks that could receive a grant, but it needs votes to get it. More from the news release: In honor of the National Park Service’s Centennial, we at the National Trust for Historic Preservation have joined with National Geographic and American Express for Partners … Continue reading Your vote may help the Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch marks 50th year

Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch, the best-known symbol for the city of St. Louis. Indeed, it's one of the most famous monuments in the world, and although it isn't on Route 66, it remains a popular destination for tourists who are traveling the Mother Road. Much of the … Continue reading Gateway Arch marks 50th year

Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night that ended the 16-day partial shutdown of the federal government. As a result, parks, campgrounds, historic sites, and services along Route 66 that are maintained by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service reopened Thursday morning. The Grand … Continue reading Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen