Museum of Route 66 soft opening well received by local residents
[June 02, 2026]
On Monday, June 1st, at 11 a.m. the new Museum of Route 66 in
Lincoln opened its doors to the public for the first time. As opening
time approached a small crowd gathered outside anxious to step inside
and see the work that had been done thus far.
City of Lincoln Director of Tourism greeted guests and talked briefly
about what everyone would see on this first day of opening. He explained
that the museum is still a work in progress with the grand opening
slated for July 11th.
He said that there were portions of the museum that were roped off for
the sake of safety to the visitors, but that there was still an
opportunity to get a good sneak peek at what was going on and what was
yet to come.
The museum, when completed will appear to be a streetscape where guests
can walk a full circle viewing the multiple Route 66 era displays
including a mid-century diner, barber shop, and radio station. There is
also a phone booth that will be a very special part of the record of
Route 66 history in Lincoln and a workshop where “giants’ much like
those located in Logan County are replicated.
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The Ruh train display is not yet set up, but McCoy says that work will
start on Monday, June 8th, and the public is invited to stop by and
watch as the depiction of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles is
erected.
The last stop for visitors will be the gift shop which was open and
stocked with items on the first day of opening, and it was getting the
attention of some of the guests who left with selections of caps, books,
and other Route 66 mementos.
For the special soft opening, guests were given free bags of popcorn,
and Carrie McEntire of McEntire Appliance (and mother of Lincoln Tourism
Assistant Lexi Groves) had donated a lovely cake for the celebration.
While there is yet much to be done, the message is clear. Come in for a
sneak peek and just know that the best is yet to come!
[Nila Smith]
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