For readers of the EZ 66 Guide for Travelers, I have provided free online updates to help keep your Route 66 experience as current as possible. As you might imagine, Route 66 is constantly undergoing changes, some good, others not so. Businesses open and close, roads are re-routed and street names change.
Please check back here just before your trip for the latest info. Entries are dated as to when they were added.
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EZ 66 readers have been helpful in keeping me keep the guidebook updated in between my own road trips, so if you discover something that needs to be addressed while on your journey, please let me know!
EZ Updates as of July 2008 on
Jul 01, 2008 at 8:04:16 pm
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EZ GUIDE UPDATE
Copyright 2008 Jerry McClanahan
NOTE: these updates existed before mcjerry66.com opened, and apply to (almost...see below) all printings PRIOR to the SECOND EDITION. Later updates will be added separately above, singly as they occur, and will apply to ALL editions. There ARE a few entires that could enhance your use of the Second Edition, but all of the important updates are included in print. many of these updates have been rendered "moot" by later changes.
Route 66 is in a constant state of change. Businesses open and close, roads are realigned or deteriorate (and occasionally I make an honest mistake!). Also, many cool things wouldn’t fit in the guide, and I will continue to add worthy items to this list that come to my attention. Check back before your trip for the latest updates (more recent entries are dated). Depending on which printing you have, some of these updates may already be included in your book.
I would appreciate any feedback, corrections or questions about your experience with the EZ66 Guide.
ADVISORY: Recently, (2006) it seems that officers of the Laguna and Acoma reservations in NM have stepped up enforcement of their policies requiring permission to take photos on their land, even at places not in the villages, such as “Owl Rock” and the lava flows west of McCartys. If you wish to take more than a quick snapshot on the fly, I would recommend seeking permission first while on their (or any other tribe’s)lands.
IL page-4: Sadly, the Berghoff Restaurant has closed as of 2-06 (the bar may reopen).
Dave Clark, resident Chicago expert, offers 2 hour tours of the downtown Chicago area, at $10.00 per person. Recommended for lovers of history and architecture! http://www.windycityroadwarrior.com/Tours/Tours.html
(9-26-06)IL page-5 Headed WB: Once on Harlem Ave, the right turn at 41st St is now the SECOND light. (Just watch for 41 St and turn right).
(7-01-08) IL page-6: I am reliably informed that the exit number for Joliet Road (headed west) is now EXIT 268! The directions at this interchange from Joliet Rd to I-55 have changed a bit also. Here are the (simpler!) directions:
WB: Follow I-55 southwest from EXIT 276. Take EXIT 268 (S Joliet Rd). Follow the “Joliet Rd” signs (do NOT rejoin I-55) and curve under I-55 onto Joliet Rd. Hwy 53 joins thru ROMEOVILLE (Joliet Rd becomes Broadway). At the Ruby St stoplight, be in the left lane and turn LEFT with Hwy 53 across the Des Plaines River into JOLIET
EB: From JOLIET, turn RIGHT at the light onto Broadway (Hwy 53) and continue (becomes Joliet Rd) thru ROMEOVILLE. When Hwy 53 turns, stay AHEAD with Joliet Rd. Nearing I-55, follow the signs “To Chicago” and merge onto I-55 EB. Nearing EXIT 276AB, move to the LEFT LANE. At EXIT 276C, take the LEFT EXIT onto Joliet Rd.
IL page-7: Joliet has a brochure detailing their “Community Public Art Tour” with many great murals, statues, etc. This pamphlet is put out by the Friends of Community Public Art, at 310 N Ottawa St (815) 722-4140. Look for my new Route 66 Mural at the Rte 66 Welcome Center!
(8-1-07) IL page-7: They have modified the intersection of the OPTION route with IL-53 (shown on map). The street doesn’t connect directly across anymore at the light.
(7-31-07) IL page-9 You might try the Braidwood Motel.
(9-26-06) IL Page-10: On both the WB and EB directions, it should read “5 and a half” miles instead of “5 and a _ miles”. Also, the phone for the Dwight info is: 815 584 1166
(6-29-07) IL page-10 Some copies of the guide have scrambled directions hmmmm…sounds yummy) on this page. Here are the WB and EB directions just in case:
WB: Take Dwight Rd into DWIGHT. Curve RIGHT to Hwy 47, then LEFT to continue along the RR on Macnamara. After Hwy 47 branches off, curve RIGHT onto Waupansie, then LEFT to Hwy-17(Mazon Ave). Stay AHEAD on “Old Route 66.” At Bypass 66, turn LEFT. Go about 5 and a half miles, then jog LEFT on Odell Rd (becomes West St). Curve thru ODELL, leaving on Odell Rd. Turn LEFT at Bypass 66 (Frontage Rd). Go about 8 miles to Pontiac Rd. Jog LEFT then RIGHT along the RR towards PONTIAC
EB: Follow the Frontage Rd about 8 miles, then jog RIGHT on Odell Rd into ODELL. Veer LEFT with West St. Curve thru town on West St and then along the RR (becomes Odell Rd again). Turn RIGHT on Bypass 66 (Frontage Rd). Go about 5 and a half miles, and jog RIGHT onto “Old Route 66” in DWIGHT. At the “Y” with Odell Rd, veer LEFT with “Old Route 66” to the JCT with Hwy 17 (Mazon Ave). Stay AHEAD on Waupansie St, which curves RIGHT, then LEFT onto Macnamara, along the RR. Join Hwy 47 AHEAD and follow as it curves LEFT towards I-55, but quickly turn RIGHT to stay on Dwight Rd. At the Frontage Rd, turn RIGHT.
IL page-11: The North Creek Bridge in Pontiac was rebuilt, but the original end rails were incorporated.
(9-13-07) IL Page-11. Reports are that the phone poles are being REMOVED from along the RR between Lexington and Normal. Should make the car game easier.
IL page-14: On I-55 between Shirley (exit 154) and McLean (exit 145) is a Route 66 Display at the Funks Grove Rest Area (both North and southbound). You’ll have to double back from 66 to see this (you BETTER be driving Route 66 and not the interstate!).
(7-01-08) Il page-14 Can you believe I misspelled the mispelling of Funks Grove SIRUP!!!??? And that no one caught it until now?????
IL page-15: The clock in the tower at the Atlanta library is wound every couple of days (not “every 8 days”) by a dedicated group called the “Keepers of the Clock.” The Grain Elevator Museum is usually only open on Sunday, but they love to give tours, so call the number in the guide!
IL page-16: A replica of the 1841 Postville Courthouse can be visited on 5th St.
The Tropics Dining Room has closed.
It appears that the giant Lincoln statue won’t happen. shucks.
(3-6-07) BAD NEWS: The Pig Hip Museum in Broadwell has BURNED DOWN!!! UPDATE: Ernie has passed away.
IL page-19: Check out the new Abe Lincoln Museum in Springfield.
The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center and its Filling Station restaurant have gotten good reviews.EXCEPT for smoky rooms!
(5-05-07) IL page-20 Check out the Virden town square for the Battle of Virden Monument, a series of bronze, bas-relief sculptures memorializing a bloody struggle between coal miners and mine owners back in 1898.
(9-26-06)IL page-21 The turkey tracks are highlited in white, and are on Donaldson Rd, 0.4 miles north of Allen Rd (thanks to John Trevney for these directions)
(6-29-08) The Carlin Villa Motel still gets good reports. They have a website at www.carlinvillaon66.com A quote from a reviewer: “it's a great motel and a really great family owns it now.” They are happy to let you check the rooms out first. I stayed there and liked it.
(3-15-07) IL page-23: The GIANT Abe Lincoln and wagon has moved up to Lincoln, Illinois
(9-26-06) ILpage-27: Debbies Frozen Custard is closed. Also the actual exit designation for the EB JCT with IL 3 is EXIT 3A
MO page-3:
(11-25-06) MO page-8: The Big Chief Dakota Steakhouse has been closed for a while, but should reopen as B. Donovan's Steakhouse Grill in December
(8-1-07) MO page-9: The Indian Harvest Indian trading post near St. Clair, MO is now reportedly charging a $2.00 cover charge just to park or enter the gift shop. Other complaints have come to light.
NOTE: Most gift shops on 66 won’t charge a “cover” and most places are friendly to tourists.
(8-19-07) MO Page-9: A GIANT DUCK is reported opposite the trading post.
(4-14-08) MO page-12: a GIANT ROCKING CHAIR (46 ft tall) sits at the US 66 Outpost in FANNING!
(8-19-07) MO page-13: GIANT ALERT! Big Hillbilly at Mule Trading Post!
Also Memoryville USA is CLOSED.
(4-10-08) MO page-13 The A&W Family has moved a bit east to beside Rte 66 motors and Gift Shop NOW GONE!
MO page-14: The rerouting of I-44 from Exit 176 to the bridges at Arlington has bypassed Vernelle’s Motel and Johns Modern Cabins, and the old lanes of I-44 are gone. You can still access the area via the frontage rd from exit 176.
(8-19-07) MO page-14: EastBound: You will know you are at EXIT 172 when you see the JCT with HWY D (which goes to Jerome). Don’t follow D, but DO cross I-44 and join it EB here.
(7-20-07) MO page-15 Money has been obtained to repair the historic Devils Elbow Bridge, which is reported to be closed now to Tour Bus traffic. The time table for repair work is not yet known, but expect a detour via 4-lane 66 when work starts.
MO page-17: Witmore Farms appears to be closed...the GIANT CATFISH is gone.
(8-19-07) MO page-18: The gift shop in the Route 66 Museum is reported to be closed. As is the Barrels of Fun.
(8-19-07) MO page-19: The Exotic Animal Paradise has a new number: 417 859 5300
(1-20-08) MO page-22: MO 266 will be relocated for a one mile stretch west of Springfield and I-44 (EXIT 72). The existing section of old 66 will become a city street, with 2 access roads north to the new 4-lane section. Changes will be made to the current I-44/Mo 266 interchange. Completion date estimated at December 08. Expect changes in the routing and construction delays throughout 2008. The directions to follow MO 266 WB from town, and EB into town, will remain basically the same. EXCEPT: it is reported (7-01-08) that the road now goes OVER, not under I-44.
MO page-25: There are several ways to reach Red Oak II. Signs painted on a vintage delivery truck on the north side of MO 96 point out one way.
MO page-26 (7-31-07) While in CARTERVILLE, check out the “SuperTAM on 66” Ice cream Parlor, with its 30 year collection of Superman stuff (he had to change the name because of trademark). Also the Carterville Route 66 Diner appears to have closed.
(12-14-07) The Route 66 Visitors Welcome Center has closed.
(8-19-97) KS page-1 In downtown Galena check out “4 Women on the Route” (as of 2013 it is "CARS on the ROUTE" with gift shop (plus they have the truck that inspired Tow Mater of CARS!) Its at the corner of Main and Front, where 66 makes a 90 degree turn. A great PHOTO OP and friendly folks!!
(9-26-06) KS page-2 Murphey’s is closed and reportedly for sale.
OK page-5: The GIANT PENGUIN is now in residence at Afton Station
Due to Laurel Kane’s health, hours of operation vary, so please call ahead.
(8-1-07) For now, Laurel can only open on Sundays…but that hopefully will change
(9-11-06) OK PAGE 5 The Lewis Motel in Vinita is being torn down this fall for an auto parts store, and the neon sign auctioned off.
Ok page-8: The GIANT BOOT in Claremore has apparently stomped off.
OK page-9: Near Verdigris, the Nut House has a sign stating “For Lease.”
OK page-10: A new Route 66 museum has opened (as of December 2005) at the Route 66 Harley-Davidson Dealership in Tulsa. Ph. 918 622 1340: Website www.route66hd.com Located at the inter section of the Broken Arrow Expressway and Memorial Dr (south of 11th Street). They have seven large display cabinets, one dedicated to Michael Wallis (with his mementos) and six to the eight states on route 66.
(11-29-06) Unfortunately the Metro Diner has closed.
OK-page 13:
(8-19-07): Statue of Liberty at corner of OK 66 and Mission in Sapulpa (not as big as original though). There’s one in EDMOND also.
(9-22-06) OK page-16: Due to recent reports, I recommend asking to check your room first at the Lincoln Motel. Different people have varying expectations about motel rooms, so remember that these beloved Mom and Pop motels ARE pretty old.
(10-30-07) OK page-16: Seaba Station has been sold. It is now an antique motorcycle musuem.
SPRING OF 2008: OK page-16 ART ALERT! EZ Guide Author/Artist Jerry McClanahan opened his ROUTE 66 GALLERY at 306 Manvel in CHANDLER (just off OK 66 north of downtown). “McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery”.
I welcome visitors . Get your EZ Guide autographed! Call ahead or try your luck! Cell: (903) 467-6384 Home: (405) 258 0130. mcjerry66.com is my gallery website
Go north from OK 66 on OK 18 (watch for the sign that directs traffic towards I-44).
EB: About a block or so past the last stop light, use the left turn lane at the JCT where 66 curves right, then stay straight downhill on Manvel/Hwy 18.
WB: Curve past the Armory and over the RR overpass, then, when 66 begins to straighten out towards the south, take the first sharp right north onto HWY 18/Manvel.
After renovations, the gallery will be at 306 Manvel (next door to 310 Manvel...306 does NOT show on GPS!
Hope to see you on 66!
(6-27-07) OK page-18 Two COOL sites to add to the Guide! On the east side of ARCADIA (on the tour route, between the two access points for the 1926-1952 option) look closely on the north for the residence/upholstery business of John Hargrove, who has created a nifty homebrew museum of replica Route 66 Icons, plus a neat gas station replica and half of a VW sticking out of the second story! If the gate’s open go on in.
On the WEST side of ARCADIA , look for POPS. You can’t miss the 66 foot tall illuminated soda pop bottle (GIANT ALERT!). Opening in July of 07, this will be a must-stop gas/food/gift shop!
(6-27-07) OK page-21 WB DIRECTIONS: Either they’ve added a new crossover, or I can’t count! You now need to take the THIRD crossover after Council Road to join N Overholser Drive and cross the bridge!
(8-19-07) The Route 66 park off W Overholser has pavement showing Rte 66 and some plaques, plus a nice play area for the kids and BBQ area.
OK page-22: In Yukon, some repaving has altered the orginal character of the pre-1949 Route 66 frontage street. In El Reno, Jobe’s Drive In is up for sale but still serving up food.
(6-27-07) Well, the Surplus store is closed, and the fake flying tiger is gone. Shucks. Look for the Eat More Beef sign about a mile west of Shell Creek (WB).
(8-19-07) OK page-25: My Aussie reporters say that the new Lucille’s Roadhouse /Bar and Grille is a must stop.
(8-19-07) OK page-27: The Trade Winds Restaurant across from the Museum has reopened with “very nice” Italian food. Also, try the Del Rancho nearby…it has great food too.
(Fall 2007) TX Page 4: The Rattlesnake sign blew down in a tornado, but is being re-erected in a city park on WB 66 on the east side of McLean.
(9-26-06) TX page 11: The side trip uses Loop 335 (typo alert!).
TX page-15: As of March 2006, the Vega Motel was closed due to illness.
(12-12-06) TX-page-15 Unfortunately Dot Leavett of “Dot’s Mini Museum” has passed away. Her daughter hopefully plans to keep it open.
(9-26-06) Take Hwy 385 north to see the restored gas station, etc (typo!)
NM page-3: The remains of the TL2 Motel and Cafe have been bulldozed.UPDATE: 2012...now Russels travel center and free auto museum is here!
(3-15-07) The Bard exit in the WB direction box should be 361, not 261.
2007: The La Cita restaurant is open.Not sure of their menu...a flower shop also shares the building.
2007: The Tucumcari Historical Museum on Adams Street (a few
blocks north of Route 66 has a Route 66 exhibit with vintage images
NM page-5: In addition to the RV ALERT and Low Water Crossing ADVISORY on this page, be advised that the narrow tunnel under I-40 between EXIT 321 and 311 gets very MUDDY after a rain. Since it is hard to turn a large vehicle or heavy motorbike around at the tight curve into the tunnel, you are advised to skip this section if it has recently rained. As the guide says, “if raining, stay on I-40”. UPDATE: This section is now an OPTION, Stay on I-40 between the Palomas and Montoya exits.
NM page 7: The derelict Frontier Bar and Museum has burned down…a few walls are left.
(2-28-08) NM page-8 TYPO ALERT! The ruins of the “Hitchin Post” are actually west of EXIT 203! If you detour along the north frontage road to visit this haunting ruin, you either have to detour back to EXIT 203 to continue west to EXIT 197 (Moriarty), or go all the way west to Hwy 41 to rejoin 66 at the middle Moriarty exit. Respect the ruins, please!
NM page 10: The OIL CAN house in Moriarty has been torn down!
NM PAGE 14: The Western View Diner at 6411 Central Ave, (just west of the Neon Rte 66 archway that spans the road) is an authentic old time roadside restaurant, with great food and colorful neon.
(12-14-07) NM page-17: Don’t take photos on the Acoma reservation (McCarty’s to Exit 89). If you stop for the Scavenger Hunt at the bridge, stay along the highway. Don’t tresspass. I removed this scavenger hunt item from later versions of the guide.
(4-26-07)NM Page-18: The Uranium Café is evidently CLOSED once again! Try the Grants Café. Later update: Now another restaurant is open here.
(7-12-07) The Sands Motel has gotten good reports.The Southwest motel is good. Both have neon.
(2006) NM PAGE 28: Permission is NOW required to access the lower portion of La Bajada Hill thru the Cochiti Pueblo Lands. Contact (I’d advise well in advance):
Natural Resources Manager
Pueblo de Cochiti
P.O. Box 70
Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072
Ph: 505-4652244 MON - FRI, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m
(9-26-06) NM page 30: This is minor, but you cross OVER I-25 instead of under!
(7-12-07)AZ Page-5 the “International Petrified Forest Dinosaur Park” at exit 292 is now CLOSED. Guess you’ll have to go to the REAL park after all!
(9-26-06) AZ page-16: Exit 145 has become EXIT 144
(8-19-07) AZ page-22: Kingman: The City Cafe is gone. Thanks, Walgreens!
AZ page-24: Watch for LIVESTOCK and other animals on this stretch between Kingman and Topock (a good idea ANYWHERE out west).
(8-05-07) CA-page-4: Unfortunately, an unsatisfactory report indicates that you really should INSPECT the rooms at Fender’s in person BEFORE committing. It’s an interesting place, and “your mileage may differ.” I DID have to sweep the ever-present river sand out of the room (with the supplied broom). Maybe that was the complaint?
(2-18-08) TYPO ALERT! The PHOTO OP! is actually on the EAST side of Needles!
CA page-5: Gas prices at FENNER were over a DOLLAR a gallon HIGHER than Needles in August 2005! This is usually the case. Remember to gas up at Kingman or Barstow!
(3-27-07) CA page-7:The AMBOY Post Office is open for services (including the restrooms).”Roys” gas station is scheduled to be open the 2nd week of April. Roy's usually has gas and snacks (2012)
Look carefully on the south side of the road (a few miles east of Cadiz Summit) for a recently restored roadside "rest area" pullout. Stop to read the tablets that describe the history, geology, etc of the area.
(2-18-08) CA-8: Reader report: There has been a major road improvement around the Ludlow railroad crossing. There is a brand new smooth road surface from approximately one mile west of the railroad crossing to approximately 3 miles east of the crossing. There is no longer any reason not to drive old 66 between Ludlow and Amboy. (Thanks, Phil!)
The remainder of the road between AMBOY and LUDLOW is not too bad for most of its length (some broken pavement and rough spots, especially at bridges). MOTORCYCLES should use a bit of care on the non-repaired sections.
Notice the ADVISORY for the road between Newberry Springs and Ludlow…this still applies (especially to motorbikes). 2012 UPDATE: This is now EXTREMELY ROUGH! I have removed this 27 mile section (from the Ludlow exit to the Ft Cady Rd Exit) from the Third edition until it is repaved (hopefully).
CA page-10: The “folk art” locomotive appears to have steamed away, and the “Minneola CA” marked building appears to be gone!
(12-24-07) CA page-10: WHOOPS! How did I manage to mislocate Poe’s? It was actually EAST of Newberry Springs! Kinda a moot point, since nothing remains of it, but I do want to be honest with everyone!
CA page-11: The Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow has a new website:www.route66museum.org
(9-12-07) CA page-12: The picturesque ruins of Popatov’s have been DEMOLISHED! Why???????
CA page-17: ADVISORY: WB: The transitions from I-15 to I-215, and the exit onto Devore Road, come QUICKLY, and heavy traffic may thwart your maneuvers! IF you miss this exit, you can take the Palm Ave exit, and turn right to join Cajon Blvd into San Bernardino. OR, from that same exit, join Kendall Dr (which was once "City 66") into town, past the McDonalds Museum. Follow 5th St west to rejoin the main tour. 2013 UPDATE: This entire section thru Devore into San Bernardino is due to be changed. Expect construction (see later updates). The thrid edition now uses the Palm Ave exit.
CA page-17: ADVISORY: WB: The curve to join Mt Vernon from Cajon Blvd is a bit tricky. There's a STOP sign on Cajon, then a right curve to the stoplight at Mt Vernon (with only room for about one car to wait for the green). Don’t act too much like a tourist in these urban areas.
CA page-18: I spent 4 GREAT nights at the WigWam Motel in 2005. Clean, comfy and safe, fenced, well-lighted grounds.
(9-22-06) CA page-24: Those naughty highway folk have changed the Sunset Blvd Exit number to EXIT 24B (it HAD been 24A). Make sure as soon as you see the sign for Sunset Blvd to be ready to exit!
Many thanks for using the EZ Guide! Check back later for more updates.
Jerry