Historic Jefferson Highway
Broadcasting every 4th Thursday, this Big Blend Radio podcast focuses on the historic Jefferson Highway, an international highway that runs from Winnipeg, Canada down through Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana. There are some parts of Arkansas that were also part of the historic route. It was created by the Jefferson Highway Association, which was originally founded in 1915. The Jefferson Highway, also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway,” is a historic vacation route that is going through a tourism rebirth and it’s exciting for travelers and destinations alike!
Episodes
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History Podcast, we explore the powerful story of the Amazon Army March of 1921 in Southeast Kansas. Thousands of women — armed not with weapons, but with pots, pans, and unshakable courage — marched to support miners demanding fair working conditions. This occurred on the historic Jefferson Highway.
Featured guests are: - Phyllis Bitner – Chair, Miners Hall Museum Foundation Boa...
Celebrate the end of American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we travel to Greenville, Texas, a vibrant community located along the historic Jefferson Highway. Featured guests Stacy Foley (Tourism Manager) and Micah McBay (Community Engagement Director) from Greenville Tourism share what makes this destination a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the “Pines to Palms Hi...
This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly’s is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City’s nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway.
Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly’s Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of g...
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show highlights the vibrant and welcoming community of Bunkie, Louisiana, which has been recognized as the Jefferson Highway Community of 2025. The conversation showcases Bunkie’s deep historical roots, growing tourism efforts, and the pride residents take in their culture and heritage.
Featured Guests: - Roger Bell – Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Ass...
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.
Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions a...
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features a lively recap of the 2025 Jefferson Highway Conference held in McAlester, Oklahoma. The event brought together historians, community leaders, and heritage travelers to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Jefferson Highway, and included a special pre-conference Sociability Caravan.
In this episode of Big Blend Radio's JEFFERSON HIGHWAY Show, we chat with Jordan Boyd, Executive Director of the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma — a must-visit destination located along both the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66.
Discover how the Dobson Museum serves as a vibrant cultural hub, preserving the history of Ottawa County and honoring the vision of Nellie Dobson, who aimed to create a lasting memorial to ...
Celebrate National Road Trip Day (May 23) with this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show. We’re hitting the road with Charlotte Knotek to explore the scenic and historic treasures of DeSoto Parish, located just south of Shreveport in northwest Louisiana.
From the natural beauty of Toledo Bend Lake to immersive Civil War battlefield reenactments, charming small-town Main Streets, and delicious Southern cuisine...
Happy National Road Trip Day! 🎉 Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show, as we celebrate May 23rd with Aaron Perry and Cassandra Ringel, the passionate owners behind Gearhead Curios and the highly anticipated Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas.
Situated on both the historic Jefferson Highway and iconic Route 66, Gearhead Curios is more than just a souvenir shop – it's a vibrant visitor center an...
Celebrate National Road Trip Day (May 23) with us on a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show! Our guest, Janna Conklin, provides an insightful overview of what to experience at the renowned and historic Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center, located in charming Carthage, Missouri.
Experience the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort at this beautifully restored boutique gem, nestled along historic...
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’...
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.
...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'...
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 - BIL...
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, Kan...
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 m...
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 ...
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 organize...
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show begs you to answer, "What is Your Historic Jefferson Highway Experience?"
After all, so many people live in and travel through this historic corridor from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, USA, but don't realize they are experiencing it! So many memories have been made and now a new era of travel emerges on the highway. Join us in the Revival and Remembrance of thi...
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on Fall Events and Activities including the October Military Vehicle Preservation Association's Convoy.
FEATURED GUESTS: * Roger Bell - President of the Jefferson Highway Association * Allison Zacharias of Travel Manitoba discusses Fall in Winnipeg, Canada. More: https://www.travelmanitoba.com/ * Billy Sumner of McAlester Tourism discusses Fall in McAles...
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