Route 66 News

Running for ALS trek designated as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project The Running for ALS initiative, where a Spaniard will run the length of Route 66, was recently designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Enric Casacuberta, of Catalonia, Spain, who lost a friend to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, will run the length of Route 66 over five months starting on Aug.

Running for ALS trek designated as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project

The Running for ALS initiative, where a Spaniard will run the length of Route 66, was recently designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Enric Casacuberta, of Catalonia,…

City of Tulsa rewriting rules for its Route 66 neon sign grant program The City of Tulsa is amending rules for its Route 66 neon sign grant program after several were fabricated and installed without neon tubing. According to News on 6 in Tulsa, those without neon were The Capital of Route 66, Big Dipper Creamery and Anybody’s Guest signs. The signs were made with a newer manufacturing practice of molded embossed material lit from behind, that mimics tubing, while traditional neon uses glass tubes lit from within, mounted above the surface of the sign.

City of Tulsa rewriting rules for its Route 66 neon sign grant program

The City of Tulsa is amending rules for its Route 66 neon sign grant program after several were fabricated and installed without neon tubing. According to News on 6 in Tulsa, those without neon were The Capital of Route 66, Big…

Michael Wallis among the grand marshals in Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise Michael Wallis, the author of the bestselling book "Route 66: The Mother Road" and the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the movie "Cars," was named one of four grand marshals for the massive Route 66 Capital Cruise parade set for May 30 in Tulsa. The other grand marshals will be Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols and Vice Grip Garage founder Derek Bieri.

Michael Wallis among the grand marshals in Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise

Michael Wallis, the author of the bestselling book "Route 66: The Mother Road" and the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the movie "Cars," was named one of four grand marshals for the massive Route 66 Capital…

Renovated Dobson Museum in Miami will reopen on April 9 After several years of renovations, the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma, will reopen at 10 a.m. on April 9, the facility's 54th anniversary. On April 11, officials will host a reopening party, “Decades of Dobson,” featuring activities, food trucks, and booths from organizations and museums in the region, according to the Joplin Globe. More about the changes from museum director Jordan Boyd:

Renovated Dobson Museum in Miami will reopen on April 9

After several years of renovations, the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma, will reopen at 10 a.m. on April 9, the facility's 54th anniversary. On April 11, officials will host a reopening party, “Decades of Dobson,” featuring…

Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute will have a relighting event on March 21 The long-dark neon sign for the closed Cotton Boll Motel in Canute, Oklahoma, will glow again during an event on March 21. Dusk on that day will be approximately 8:15 p.m., though it could come earlier if cloudy skies occur. Several people on social media reported the relighting date, and one even snapped a recent photo of workers testing the new neon tubing in the sign.

Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute will have a relighting event on March 21

The long-dark neon sign for the closed Cotton Boll Motel in Canute, Oklahoma, will glow again during an event on March 21. Dusk on that day will be approximately 8:15 p.m., though it could come earlier if cloudy skies occur.…

10 World War II-era buildings at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri slated for demolition A total of 10 buildings dating to the start of World War II at Ford Leonard Wood in Missouri are scheduled to be demolished this month. The U.S. Army stated in a news release that the buildings, constructed in 1941 as temporary structures, must be razed as the military branch "continues to evolve and transform to meet today’s mission." “They no longer have a designated use, don't meet today's building standards and are too expensive to renovate and maintain.

10 World War II-era buildings at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri slated for demolition

A total of 10 buildings dating to the start of World War II at Ford Leonard Wood in Missouri are scheduled to be demolished this month. The U.S. Army stated in a news release that the buildings, constructed in…

Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City Four people have been arrested after being accused of breaking into and vandalizing the historic but closed Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City, Oklahoma, that is being renovated. According to a news release from the Elk City Police Department: During the course of this heinous act, numerous historical artifacts were taken and the property sustained an extensive amount of damage. The loss of these items and the damage done to this historic landmark is significant to our community.

Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City

Four people have been arrested after being accused of breaking into and vandalizing the historic but closed Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City, Oklahoma, that is being renovated. According to a news release from the Elk City…

Go now to see wildflower “superbloom” at Death Valley National Park Death Valley National Park in Southern California is experiencing a "superbloom" of wildflowers rarely seen. According to the Orange County Register, the notoriously arid park is experiencing its "biggest bloom" of wildflowers in a decade. Desert sunflowers, yellow cups, brittlebush, gravel ghosts and desert five-spot are just some of the wildflowers now in bloom in the lowest regions of the park, including the Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level.

Go now to see wildflower “superbloom” at Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park in Southern California is experiencing a "superbloom" of wildflowers rarely seen. According to the Orange County Register, the notoriously arid park is experiencing its "biggest bloom" of wildflowers in…

Carthage closes two North Garrison Avenue bridges The Missouri Department of Transportation last week ordered the City of Carthage to permanently close two bridges on North Garrison Avenue that served as a longtime alternate alignment of Route 66. Josiah Bayless, Carthage Public Works director, told the Joplin Globe that they were positioning barricades on both sides of the bridges to keep motorists from crossing them after Feb. 27.

Carthage closes two North Garrison Avenue bridges

The Missouri Department of Transportation last week ordered the City of Carthage to permanently close two bridges on North Garrison Avenue that served as a longtime alternate alignment of Route 66. Josiah Bayless, Carthage Public Works director,…

Updated “Route 66 for Kids” booklet available as a free download Emily Priddy recently announced that her "Route 66 for Kids" travel guide has been updated for the first time in a decade, and it's now available as a free download. The 64-page booklet is available through her blog as a Google document. She wrote in the new book's introduction: Much has changed in the decade since I last updated Route 66 for Kids…

Updated “Route 66 for Kids” booklet available as a free download

Emily Priddy recently announced that her "Route 66 for Kids" travel guide has been updated for the first time in a decade, and it's now available as a free download. The 64-page booklet is available through her blog as a Google…

Restoration begins on Bob Waldmire’s U-Haul truck The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced last week that a painted U-Haul truck once owned by the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire is undergoing restoration. A teacher with the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City approached the association during its January meeting and proposed restoring it as a student project. LD’s Wrecker in Chandler, Oklahoma -- a member of the association since 1990 -- offered to transport the vehicle to the shop.

Restoration begins on Bob Waldmire’s U-Haul truck

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced last week that a painted U-Haul truck once owned by the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire is undergoing restoration. A teacher with the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City approached the…

Crews begin demolishing historic St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler Demolition crews have begun razing the century-old St. Cloud Hotel in downtown Chandler, Oklahoma, in recent weeks. The Lincoln County News in Chandler reported that Midwest Wrecking of Oklahoma City was working on demolishing the facade of the St. Cloud buildings at 1216 Manvel Ave. (aka Route 66). The newspaper stated it would take several additional weeks to finish the job.

Crews begin demolishing historic St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler

Demolition crews have begun razing the century-old St. Cloud Hotel in downtown Chandler, Oklahoma, in recent weeks. The Lincoln County News in Chandler reported that Midwest Wrecking of Oklahoma City was working on demolishing the facade…

New visitors center at Blue Whale of Catoosa to hold grand opening on May 30 The local chamber of commerce announced that a grand opening will be held at the new visitors center at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, on May 30. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day, with events throughout. It includes a Route 66 Blue Whale 5K Run to start the day, crafters and vendors opening their booths at noon, a 2 p.m.

New visitors center at Blue Whale of Catoosa to hold grand opening on May 30

The local chamber of commerce announced that a grand opening will be held at the new visitors center at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, on May 30. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day, with events…

New alternate jersey for Tulsa Drillers baseball team includes a Route 66 patch The Tulsa Drillers minor-league baseball team, a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will play select games in an alternate uniform that includes a Route 66 patch. According to SportsLogos.net: The team’s “Tulsa Connect” uniforms celebrate Oklahoma’s oil industry with a cap logo that features an oil derrick, as well as Route 66, which runs for 28 miles through the city and is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026.

New alternate jersey for Tulsa Drillers baseball team includes a Route 66 patch

The Tulsa Drillers minor-league baseball team, a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will play select games in an alternate uniform that includes a Route 66 patch. According to SportsLogos.net: The team’s…

“Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series Historian and author Cheryl Eichar Jett will talk about "Women's Work on Route 66" on March 10 as part of the ongoing Research Route 66's Centennial Speaker Series. The live webinar will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time or 11 a.m. Pacific. The link to the free registration is here. Her sixth book, "Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66," is set to be released this spring.

“Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series

Historian and author Cheryl Eichar Jett will talk about "Women's Work on Route 66" on March 10 as part of the ongoing Research Route 66's Centennial Speaker Series. The live webinar will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time…

Touch Media announces Centennial Route 66 Passport coming in April Touch Media announced the launch of the Centennial Route 66 Passport, a special edition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. Building on the success of the blue Route 66 Passport, the golden centennial edition is a luxury collector’s item with a limited print run, designed to celebrate the history, culture and communities along Route 66.

Touch Media announces Centennial Route 66 Passport coming in April

Touch Media announced the launch of the Centennial Route 66 Passport, a special edition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. Building on the success of the blue Route…

Bike Across Missouri holding a Route 66 ride in September Bike Across Missouri is hosting a Big BAM event on Route 66 in the Show-Me State to commemorate the highway's centennial on Sept. 4-10. The event will begin in Joplin and end in Eureka, just outside of St. Louis, reported the Joplin Globe. It includes stops in Willard, Lebanon, Wayneville, Rolla and Cuba. This is the the third time it will follow Route 66; that also happened in 2018 and 2022, said Todd White, director.

Bike Across Missouri holding a Route 66 ride in September

Bike Across Missouri is hosting a Big BAM event on Route 66 in the Show-Me State to commemorate the highway's centennial on Sept. 4-10. The event will begin in Joplin and end in Eureka, just outside of St. Louis, reported the Joplin Globe.…

Long-abandoned Fort Courage Trading Post being torn down Several reports from the road indicate that the long-declining Fort Courage Trading Post in Houck, Arizona, was being demolished. Local reports indicate the site was sold and that it will be redeveloped into a truck stop. Other roadies noted that heavy equipment had been moved onto the site in early February -- an ominous sign. Here are images from before the wrecking ball arrived:

Long-abandoned Fort Courage Trading Post being torn down

Several reports from the road indicate that the long-declining Fort Courage Trading Post in Houck, Arizona, was being demolished. Local reports indicate the site was sold and that it will be redeveloped into a truck stop. Other roadies noted…

Route 66 businesses in Springfield, Missouri, offered grants to improve storefronts An organization in Springfield, Missouri, announced a new facade grant program to support Route 66 businesses before the highway's centennial celebrations this year. The West Central Neighborhood Alliance in Springfield announced the Mother Road Business Curb Appeal Program, reported the Springfield News-Leader. Approved businesses can receive up to $500 in matching reimbursement funds for exterior improvements. Eligible projects include painting, signage, murals, landscaping and specialized Route 66 storefront displays for the centennial, according to the announcement.

Route 66 businesses in Springfield, Missouri, offered grants to improve storefronts

An organization in Springfield, Missouri, announced a new facade grant program to support Route 66 businesses before the highway's centennial celebrations this year. The West Central Neighborhood Alliance in…

AAA survey: Over 40% of Americans plan to travel Route 66 during its centennial AAA Texas released the results of a survey that shows promising data for Route 66 this year, which is its centennial. According to the nationwide survey, 41% of U.S. adults plan to visit some part of Route 66, with another 15% expressing interest after learning about the centennial. It's estimated that there are 275 million or so adults in the U.S.

AAA survey: Over 40% of Americans plan to travel Route 66 during its centennial

AAA Texas released the results of a survey that shows promising data for Route 66 this year, which is its centennial. According to the nationwide survey, 41% of U.S. adults plan to visit some part of Route 66, with…

Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May The long-closed Shamrock Court motel along old Route 66 in Sullivan, Missouri, announced on Facebook on Sunday that it will begin taking online reservations in late May. Rich Dinkela, recent past president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, acquired the motel, then spent years making huge -- and costly -- repairs to the building, including its infrastructure. More from the announcement:

Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May

The long-closed Shamrock Court motel along old Route 66 in Sullivan, Missouri, announced on Facebook on Sunday that it will begin taking online reservations in late May. Rich Dinkela, recent past president of the Route 66…

National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March Coinciding with Route 66's centennial, the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis will open a special Route 66-themed exhibit, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” on March 14. The exhibit will "explore the stories, memories, and modes of travel that shaped America’s most iconic highway and the communities connected to it." The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March

Coinciding with Route 66's centennial, the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis will open a special Route 66-themed exhibit, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” on March 14. The exhibit will "explore the…

Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield A fire broke out Friday morning at The Curve Inn, heavily damaging the 90-year-old tavern just off Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The Springfield State-Journal Register, speaking with Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk, reported that crews "encountered heavy fire and smoke in the bar and restaurant beer garden, along with a partial roof collapse." A breezeway connects the beer garden with a more permanent structure.

Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield

A fire broke out Friday morning at The Curve Inn, heavily damaging the 90-year-old tavern just off Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The Springfield State-Journal Register, speaking with Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk, reported that…

Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner The landmark Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, will host a celebration of life on Feb. 28 for the restaurant's longtime owner, Andrea Pruett. The California Historic Route 66 Association reported the event will be from noon to 4 p.m. that day. The public is invited, and the family invites attendees to share their memories of her. Pruett died last month at the age of 85.

Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner

The landmark Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, will host a celebration of life on Feb. 28 for the restaurant's longtime owner, Andrea Pruett. The California Historic Route 66 Association reported the event will be…

Mary Beth Babcock named grand marshal of 100th edition of Tulsa Christmas Parade Prominent Route 66 advocate Mary Beth Babcock last week was named the grand marshal of the centennial edition of the Tulsa Christmas Parade. Organizers sprung the announcement on her at her Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 shop. More from the big surprise: TulsaPeople magazine also covered the reveal. This year's parade will be on Dec. 12 in downtown Tulsa.

Mary Beth Babcock named grand marshal of 100th edition of Tulsa Christmas Parade

Prominent Route 66 advocate Mary Beth Babcock last week was named the grand marshal of the centennial edition of the Tulsa Christmas Parade. Organizers sprung the announcement on her at her Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios…

“Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open its "Will Rogers Highway: Route 66" exhibit on Feb. 27. The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Admission will be free. The Cherokee Phoenix reported: The exhibit launches with the 1880s, illustrating America’s push for better roads beyond rough wagon trails, which spurred the rapid Good Roads Movement. Through Oklahoma’s Cyrus Avery – a Route 66 visionary – visitors trace the highway’s creation in 1925–26, its naming in April 1926, inauguration in November, and final paving by 1938.

“Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open its "Will Rogers Highway: Route 66" exhibit on Feb. 27. The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Admission will be free. The Cherokee Phoenix reported: The exhibit launches…

Visitor center at Blue Whale takes shape; site on track for mid-April reopening The new visitor center at the landmark Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma, is quickly taking shape, and construction there is expected to be finished by April 15. News on 6 in Tulsa reported that the final piece of steel for the revamped visitor center building was raised into place last week. The so-called topping out ceremony was attended by city leaders, project partners, Route 66 fans and officials from the Route 66 Alliance and Route 66 Commission.

Visitor center at Blue Whale takes shape; site on track for mid-April reopening

The new visitor center at the landmark Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma, is quickly taking shape, and construction there is expected to be finished by April 15. News on 6 in Tulsa reported that the final piece of…

Opening of interpretive center at Threatt Filling Station planned in May The owners of the Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, told a local television station they plan to open an interpretive center in May at the Route 66 property. A reporter from News on 66 interviewed Edward Threatt, a descendant of the station's original owner, Allen Threatt, who founded the station more than a century ago. The long-closed gas station underwent extensive renovations several years ago.

Opening of interpretive center at Threatt Filling Station planned in May

The owners of the Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, told a local television station they plan to open an interpretive center in May at the Route 66 property. A reporter from News on 66 interviewed Edward Threatt,…

Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier In celebration of Route 66's centennial, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point of the highway.  The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its role in American history, culture and adventure will take place on March 25, according to a news release. The designation was approved through a resolution introduced by Alderman Brendan Reilly and adopted by the Chicago City Council in recognition of Route 66's centennial and Chicago's historic role as the route's eastern anchor. 

Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier

In celebration of Route 66's centennial, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point of the highway.  The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its role…

Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner In August, two men plan to drive the 2,400-mile length of Route 66 in a restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker in tribute to the car's late owner. The road trip by Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert will be part of an Official Route 66 Centennial event. Jaakkola, a Finnish‑born automotive storyteller and quality engineer, wrote on Detroit's Unforgotten Wheels website: …

Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner

In August, two men plan to drive the 2,400-mile length of Route 66 in a restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker in tribute to the car's late owner. The road trip by Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert will be part of…