Historic Jefferson Highway

A Southern Minnesota Minne-Roadtrip Adventure

Get ready to hit the open road in celebration of National Road Trip Day (May 23)! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show, we take you on a Southern Minnesota adventure along the historic Jefferson Highway, spotlighting the charming Minne-Roadtrip destinations of Owatonna, Faribault, and Northfield.
Our featured guests—Glenda Smith, Devin Winjum, and Rachel Trnka—share insider tips, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences across these three scenic towns. From historic museums and art centers to hand-rolled candies, cave-aged cheeses, and scenic trails, this episode is your guide to small-town charm, rich history, unique shopping, and delicious dining in Southern Minnesota.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your next great American road trip, you'll see why this stretch of the “Pines to Palms” Jefferson Highway is a must-visit.
🎧 Listen now and start planning your perfect road trip!
🛣️ Learn More & Start Planning- Minne-RoadTrip: https://www.minneroadtrip.com/ - Visit Owatonna: https://visitowatonna.org/  - Faribault Area Chamber & Tourism: https://visitfaribault.com/ - Visit Northfield: https://www.visitnorthfield.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel - Classic Road Trip Destinations in Vinita, Oklahoma

Get ready to hit the open road! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Jefferson Highway Show, we're gearing up for National Road Trip Day (May 23) with guest Beth Hilburn, co-owner of the retro-charming Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. Nestled on both the historic Jefferson Highway and legendary Route 66, these roadside gems are must-stops for travelers seeking nostalgia, great food, and unique attractions.
From the towering 24-ft “Big Bill” Muffler Man and the iconic Mohawk Trail “Big Indian” statue, to their famous Guinness World Record-holding car, Beth shares the story behind these beloved landmarks and how they keep the spirit of American road trips alive. Hear what makes Hi-Way Cafe a family-friendly destination with hearty meals and retro flair, and why the newly renovated Western Motel is a top choice for a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay.
Explore the charm of Vinita, Oklahoma, and discover why this community is a shining stop along the "Pines to Palms" Jefferson Highway—stretching from Winnipeg to New Orleans.
🎧 Listen now and start planning your next great American road trip!
🛣️ Learn More:* Hi-Way Cafe: https://hi-waycafe.com/ * Western Motel: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/western-motel-in-vinita-oklahoma/ * Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas

On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.
Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.
We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.
🔗 Learn more:- Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the upcoming Annual Jefferson Highway Conference 2025 happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma, with the Sociability Caravan running June 2-4.  Plus, hear about the formation of the Jefferson Highway, as well as some of the McAlester's fascinating history.
FEATURED GUESTS:- ROGER BELL - Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association- BILLY SUMNER - Tourism Manager of City of McAlester. Visit: https://travelmcalester.com/ - ADELINE WHISENHUNT - Conference Organizer and Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway Association.
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  
Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  

Unique Lodgings and Historic Sites on the Jefferson Highway

Celebrate National Retro Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show takes focuses on unique lodgings, historic sites and exciting projects in Kansas and Iowa.
FEATURED GUESTS:- ROGER BELL: Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association.
- AARON PERRY & CASSANDRA RINGEL- Gearhead Curios (home to the first Jefferson Highway Information Center), and Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas. Follow them on Facebook: * https://www.facebook.com/GearheadCurios * https://www.facebook.com/PetrolMotorQuart 
- JULIE VERRY, STEVE HANSON & MARY REYERSON LOW - The Historic Winifred Hotel (circa 1913) in Northwood, Iowa. Visit https://hotelwinifred.com/ 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  
Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  

Roger Bell's Must-Visit Experiences on the Jefferson Highway

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares some of his favorite experiences on the Jefferson Highway.
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  
Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

The Jefferson Highway Travel Guide is Starting Production!

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the new digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide being produced in partnership between Big Blend Magazines and the Jefferson Highway Association.
Featured guests are Roger Bell - President of the Jefferson Highway Association, and Nancy Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter travel team who have owned and run Big Blend Magazines since 1997. Learn more about this exciting project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  
This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s Convoy on the Jefferson Highway

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the Military Vehicle Preservation Association's recent convoy on the historic Jefferson Highway. Held October 1-31, 2024, the convoy will traveled from Minnesota to Louisiana. Learn more: https://www.mvpa.org/convoys 
Featured guests are Roger Bell - President of the Jefferson Highway Association, MVPA Convoy Commander Dan McCluske, and Oklahoma organizer Adeline Whisenhunt. 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/