Great Rivers & Routes

St. Louis native Lee Hendrix is the author of the new book, “Peep Light: Stories of a Mississippi River Boat Captain.” He discusses the dangerous work of starting as a deckhand and how he ascended to the pilothouse.

The biggest project for the 2026 anniversary currently funded will be in downtown Granite City. The Metro East town will revive its old neon Route 66 signs, create a music band stand and put in electric vehicle charging stations.

Grafton’s mayor said the city has raised about $130,000 so far. If the city meets its goals, it will finish the new memorial, museum and plaza in the next four years.

Along with the rest of the state, southwest Illinois’ tourism industry continues to see a solid bounce back following a pandemic lull, according to the latest figures released for 2022.

A piece of restored Edwardsville history is making its debut Friday. The West End Service Station is reopening as a museum and interpretive center for people to learn about its history as a hub along the Route 66 corridor, in anticipation of the road’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

The project includes a new visitors center for the city and outdoor gathering areas.

Warehousing in the region saw big gains with changing consumer habits, while hospitality and tourism-related businesses are struggling to increase staffing ahead of a likely busy tourist season.