Rolla Chamber Unveils New Route 66 Sculpture

Rolla (8/19/2025) The Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the installation of a new Route 66 sculpture in Buehler Park, made possible through a fully funded sponsorship program from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission. Only a limited number of these sculptures are being placed across Missouri, and Rolla is honored to be one of the selected communities.

Last year, the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission announced a sponsorship opportunity to build large-scale interactive Route 66 Shields for eligible cities and counties. The Rolla Chamber acted quickly, applying for and securing the grant to bring the project to the community. The goal was to create something special, an attraction that celebrates Rolla’s history along the Mother Road while drawing visitors to the area. After months of planning and preparation, the sculpture now stands as a new landmark for residents and travelers alike.

Buehler Park was selected as the site due to its location along the original alignment of Route 66, and the park also meets the Commission’s sponsorship requirements: a highly visible, easily accessible location where visitors can stop and capture photographs. The site was reviewed and approved by the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission prior to installation.

“We’re excited for this sculpture to become a landmark in Rolla, a place for photos, memories, and another reason for Route 66 travelers to stop and explore our community,” said Aimee Campbell, Tourism Director.

The project came together through the dedication of many partners, including the Rolla Chamber of Commerce, City of Rolla Parks Department and Park Board, City of Rolla Public Works, local business Focus Welding and Fabrication, and a few Route 66 enthusiasts, all of whom contributed to the planning and execution.

In particular, Zach Shepherd and Mark Williams of Focus Welding, and their team played a vital role in the project’s success. From taking the Chamber’s vision and reviewing examples of sculptures from other communities, the team designed and built what many consider a standout piece. “We’re proud to partner with a local business and that this sculpture was fabricated right here in Rolla,” added Campbell. Additional recognition goes to Darin Pryor, Director of Public Works, and his crew, who not only built the foundation for the sculpture but also handled the engineering, preparation, and assisted with installation, ensuring a seamless placement.

The Route 66 sculpture is now a permanent feature in Rolla, offering residents and visitors alike a new way to connect with the spirit of the historic highway and Rolla’s place along it.