John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs undergoing extensive repairs, thanks to Route 66 grant

The historic John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs, Arizona, is undergoing extensive repairs after a 2021 windstorm, thanks in part to a $45,000 grant from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. According to a recent newsletter from the association, it awarded the grant to the Hualapai Tribe, which owns the station, to assist … Continue reading John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs undergoing extensive repairs, thanks to Route 66 grant

Arizona Route 66 Association gives grants to Grand Canyon Caverns, Snow Cap Drive-In

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently announced it had awarded a $10,000 grant to Grand Canyon Caverns and a $5,000 grant to the Snow Cap Drive-In. The association stated in its newsletter the grant to Grand Canyon Caverns will help the Peach Springs landmark repair its elevator. The elevator broke down in October, … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association gives grants to Grand Canyon Caverns, Snow Cap Drive-In

Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs makes list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

The nearly century-old Osterman Gas Station along Route 66 in Peach Springs, Arizona, on Tuesday made the annual list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The list spotlights significant sites of American history "that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage." The National Trust for 36 years has … Continue reading Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs makes list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Grand Canyon Caverns fined for safety violations after elevator malfunction last fall

Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn near Peach Springs, Arizona, was fined $6,250 and issued three citations from the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health after an elevator malfunction in October left tourists stranded for hours. The Arizona Republic confirmed the details with ADOSH spokesman Trevor Laky: ADOSH found a steep staircase at the caverns … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns fined for safety violations after elevator malfunction last fall

Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently announced its latest round of grant awards, including to two historic motels. Roger Naylor provided some of the details in the association's quarterly newsletter in January: -- $11,500 to the Route 66 Motel in Kingman to restore its neon sign, including its wiring. The Valmonte family has … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants

Broken elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns strands people 200 feet underground for more than a day

Five people became stranded for more than 24 hours about 200 feet underground after the elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, malfunctioned Sunday evening. According to ABC News: Several people were able to walk up the 21 flights of stairs to get out, but five others were either unable to safely do … Continue reading Broken elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns strands people 200 feet underground for more than a day

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America plans several stops on Route 66 in Arizona next month

The 26th-anniversary edition of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will include three stops on Route 66 in Arizona on May 1. The NASCAR star will cover more than 1,500 miles on a seven-day trek with about 225 participants to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp created by Petty and his family … Continue reading Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America plans several stops on Route 66 in Arizona next month

A Route 66 tale of two cities

A story in The Conversation website, titled "Could New Legislation Lead to a Route 66 Economic Revival?" by Arizona State University historian and grad student Daniel Milowksi has attracted a lot of attention, especially since it was picked up by the Associated Press. In it, Milowski examines the history of Route 66 and how a … Continue reading A Route 66 tale of two cities

Grand Canyon Caverns transformed into multitiered business

Grand Canyon Caverns has become an example of a classic Route 66 business that not only has survived, but thrived amid an expansion of its offerings in the last 15-plus years. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the complex west of Seligman, Arizona, introduced scenic helicopter flights, now offers river-rafting tours and finished a modernization of bathrooms … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns transformed into multitiered business

Grand Canyon Caverns soon will open Grotto underground dining area

Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, in early August will open a Caverns Grotto on an elevated platform as a specialty underground dining area. Frank Kocevar, former owner of Historic Seligman Sundries in nearby Seligman, Arizona, had some details in an email: A winding walkway takes you to the platform. The raised platform will … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns soon will open Grotto underground dining area