As the Mother Road marks its 99th anniversary, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission this week unveiled early plans and programming for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. The yearlong celebration will spotlight Oklahoma’s role in preserving and promoting one of America’s most storied highways. The announcement kicks off … Continue reading Oklahoma announces plans for Route 66 centennial celebration
Tag: Tulsa
Gathering Place in Tulsa to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 next year
The Gathering Place, a huge park along the Arkansas River in Tulsa, is partnering with other groups locally and across the country to honor Route 66's centennial in 2026. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: The park will feature a robust calendar of programs and activities that bring the nostalgia of Route 66 to … Continue reading Gathering Place in Tulsa to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 next year
“Today” show crew explores Route 66 and adjacent sites in Tulsa
The broadcasting team for NBC-TV's "Today" show spent Friday in Tulsa to explore a few of the city's Route 66 sites and adjacent attractions. Here's the third hour of the show that delves into Route 66, where among the places they explore Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66, Mother Road Market and Cain's Ballroom. https://youtu.be/uNBNEY-dZlM?si=5JwKugUIVteUWn5c … Continue reading “Today” show crew explores Route 66 and adjacent sites in Tulsa
Rosie the Riveter fiberglass giant arrives at Meadow Gold District of Tulsa
Rosie the Riveter, a variation on the UniRoyal Gal model of fiberglass giants, arrived in Tulsa on Thursday and was erected along Route 66 in the Meadow Gold District. Local entrepreneur Mary Beth Babcock, who shepherded the creation of Rosie and other Muffler Men in the area, was there with her camera: Local photographer Mike … Continue reading Rosie the Riveter fiberglass giant arrives at Meadow Gold District of Tulsa
More details released on Route 66 Capital Cruise: World Record Classic Car Parade in Tulsa
City of Tulsa officials provided more details Wednesday about the Route 66 Capital Cruise: World Record Classic Car Parade, set for May 30, 2026, during the Route 66 centennial. The Tulsa World reported: Cars will stage at Expo Square, with the official 5.5-mile spectator's route beginning at Yale Avenue and 11th Street. Cars will travel … Continue reading More details released on Route 66 Capital Cruise: World Record Classic Car Parade in Tulsa
Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
Several eateries along Route 66 will receive $50,000 each from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 50 recipients on Monday. Among the Route 66 restaurants are: Rock Cafe, Stroud, Oklahoma (since 1939) Ike's Chili, Tulsa (since 1908) The Barn - Route 66, Newberry Springs, California (since … Continue reading Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
New Muffler Man named Cowboy Bob added to Buck’s Vintage on 66 in Tulsa
Tulsa's Route 66 corridor boasts yet another Muffler Man -- this time, it's Cowboy Bob, erected on Wednesday in front of Buck's Vintage on 66. A celebration of the arrival of the 21-foot-tall fiberglass giant was set for Thursday, but owner Mary Beth Babcock touted its installation the day before. Babcock’s first Muffler Man, named Buck … Continue reading New Muffler Man named Cowboy Bob added to Buck’s Vintage on 66 in Tulsa
Palmera Motor Court project in Tulsa falls through; “Cry Baby Cry” statue will be moved
The Palmera Motor Court hotel will not be built along Route 66, and a nearby "Cry Baby Cry" statue will be moved somewhere else, announced the City of Tulsa. The city also said last week that a Route 66 interactive experience also would not proceed in that area, reported the Tulsa World newspaper. According to … Continue reading Palmera Motor Court project in Tulsa falls through; “Cry Baby Cry” statue will be moved
Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel
The 75-year-old Hawks Dairy Building at 11th Street (aka Route 66) and Lewis Avenue will be converted into part of a 100-room, full-service boutique hotel. Local developer Kimberly Honea, along with her business partner, Daniel Dolins of Chicago, told the Tulsa World newspaper about her plans for the large building located almost directly across from … Continue reading Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel
Church Studio in Tulsa awarded grant to build a giant egg sculpture
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently awarded a grant of nearly $400,000 so that a giant egg sculpture -- symbolizing the logo for Leon Russell's Shelter Records -- can be put near Church Studio in Tulsa. News on 6 in Tulsa reported that the sculpture will be on Third Street, diagonally from the studio. The … Continue reading Church Studio in Tulsa awarded grant to build a giant egg sculpture