Neonode Celebrates Route 66 Nostalgia with Upcoming Neon Park Opening in 2025
- Route 66 Neon Park opens May 9, 2025, featuring restored neon signs that celebrate the iconic Mother Road.
- The park's development began in 2014, involving partnerships and fundraising to preserve nine historic neon signs.
- Route 66 Neon Park includes storyboards detailing the history of each sign, enriching visitors' understanding of Route 66's significance.
Celebrating Nostalgia: The Inauguration of Route 66 Neon Park
Route 66 Neon Park is set to open its doors on May 9, 2025, in Saint Robert, Missouri, showcasing a unique tribute to the iconic Mother Road. This park, the first of its kind in the state, features nearly a dozen restored neon signs that once lit up businesses along Route 66. The initiative reflects a broader cultural movement to preserve the history of America's highways and the nostalgic roadside attractions that have become synonymous with American travel. Mayor James Breckinridge of Saint Robert expresses pride in the park's opening, emphasizing its significance in honoring the history and culture of Route 66 while inspiring future generations to appreciate this integral part of America’s heritage.
The journey to establish Route 66 Neon Park began in 2014 when Beth Wiles, the Executive Director of the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, partnered with the Missouri Route 66 Association’s Neon Heritage Preservation Committee. Fundraising efforts from various stakeholders, including the Pulaski County Preservation Organization, successfully raised over $12,000 to acquire and refurbish nine neon signs. These signs, which had previously advertised local businesses, serve as relics of a bygone era that once offered travelers a sense of adventure and connection. By October 2020, the City of Saint Robert took over the project, leading to the park's eventual development, which aims to preserve and celebrate the rich narrative of Route 66.
In addition to the neon signs, Route 66 Neon Park will feature storyboards that recount the history of each sign, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of their significance. Contributions from several organizations, including Friends of the Mother Road, Inc., Missouri State Parks, and various private donors, have played an essential role in the park's realization. The park stands as a vibrant embodiment of the spirit of exploration and connection that Route 66 represents, inviting visitors to engage with the past while celebrating the cultural legacy of one of America’s most famous highways.
As the park prepares for its grand opening, it not only highlights the importance of preserving Americana but also reinforces the role of community engagement in revitalizing historical narratives. The Route 66 Neon Park symbolizes a collective effort to honor the past while fostering a sense of pride and identity for current and future generations.