Oklahoma's Route 66 Guide by Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

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CHICAGO

SANTA MONICA

FLAGSTAFF

SAN BERNARDINO

SANTA FE

TUCUMCARI

ALBUQUERQUE

AMARILLO

ST. LOUIS

JOPLIN OK

SPRINGFIELD TULSA

OKLAHOMA CITY TX

Route 66 starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, California. In between, it stretches through eight states and three time zones, taking travelers straight through the heart of America. For those traveling east to west, Oklahoma is the fourth state on Route 66. The highway enters Oklahoma from Kansas in the state’s far northeast corner, just north of Quapaw. It winds through Oklahoma’s two largest cities — first Tulsa and then the state capital of Oklahoma City —

before exiting into Texas in the middle of the state’s western edge near the tiny town of Texola. Within Oklahoma’s borders are more than 400 drivable miles of Route 66, the most of any state. It’s the only place where you’ll find a giant blue concrete whale, a 66-foot-tall soda pop bottle and an original stretch of one-lane Route 66 pavement. That’s just the start of what there is to explore in the Sooner State, but you’ll just have to come see for yourself. OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

EASTERN

CENTRAL

WESTERN

Quapaw.....................14 Commerce................14 Miami........................15 Afton.........................15 Vinita.........................16 Chelsea....................16 Foyil..........................18 Claremore.................18 Catoosa.....................19 Tulsa..........................20 Sapulpa.....................29 Bristow.....................30 Depew.......................30

Stroud.......................34 Davenport................34 Chandler...................34 Warwick....................35 Wellston...................35 Luther.......................36 Arcadia.....................36 Edmond....................38 Oklahoma City..........38 Warr Acres...............44 Bethany.....................44 Yukon........................44 El Reno.....................45 Calumet....................46 Geary........................46

Hinton.......................50 Hydro........................50 Weatherford.............51 Clinton......................52 Foss..........................54 Canute......................54 Elk City......................55 Erick..........................56 Sayre.........................56

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OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

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EXPLORE THE MOTHER ROAD INTRODUCT ION ....................... 3 EVENTS ................................... 10 EASTERN ................................. 12 CENTR AL .................................32 WESTERN ............................... 48 CI T Y LIST INGS ...................... 59 ADVERT ISER INDEX ................ 62 Welcome to the Oklahoma Route 66 Guide! This book highlights the state’s many Mother Road attractions. It is divided into Eastern, Central and Western sections. The entries are arranged in the way that most like to

drive Route 66: from east to west. Please note that many attractions are not open every day, and some have seasonal hours. We recommend calling ahead to verify that the businesses you plan to visit will be open.

If you’re looking for more in-depth information about Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road, visit TravelOK.com/Route66. You can also download the TravelOK Trip Planner app from the App Store or Google Play Store. OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

In the 1920s, an Oklahoman helped dream up what would become America’s most beloved highway: Route 66. Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery lobbied strongly for a highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles — and for it to pass through Oklahoma. Avery got both his wishes, and U.S. Highway 66 was commissioned in 1926. Avery called it the Main Street of America. It was an apt name for a road that ran through the hearts of small towns and big cities across the United States, including many in Oklahoma. Route 66 fed those towns, bringing in the business of hundreds of thousands of travelers. In turn, the towns fed the travelers. Mom-and-pop diners, service stations and motor lodges popped up along the highway, and already-existing businesses shined up appearances for the new guests. The locals put out neon signs to draw in customers, cooked up chicken-fried steaks and stayed open around the clock to rent rooms and fix flats.

THE ROAD OF DREAMS The journey down Route 66 wasn’t always a cheerful one. The Great Depression hit hard in 1929, and in the early 1930s, Oklahoma and neighboring states fell victim to what would come to be known as the Dust Bowl. A decade-long drought had combined with farming methods to create conditions in which the states’ strong winds blew away topsoil. The resulting dust storms were as damaging as they were terrifying, and much of the states’ farmland was rendered temporarily unusable. Suddenly, Route 66 was flooded with migrant workers heading west, usually to California, with dreams of a better future. Many of these travelers were Oklahomans, a group whose story was told by John Steinbeck in the 1939 novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.” Steinbeck told the fictional tale of the Joad family as they followed Route 66 to California in hopes of finding work. Within the book’s pages, Route 66 found another nickname, one that would stick even better than the first. Steinbeck called it the Mother Road.

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THE YEARS OF PROSPERI T Y Route 66 was officially commissioned in 1926. It was paved

struck the right notes with the American public. Jazz vocalist

throughout the 1920s and 1930s — thanks in part to more urging

Nat King Cole’s version and a later recording by crooner Bing

from Avery. The Mother Road’s heyday, though, came during

Crosby both made the Billboard charts that year.

America’s years of prosperity after World War II ended in 1945. America was changing, though, and the prosperity the America experienced a period of great economic growth, and

highway brought to small towns wouldn’t last.

the mighty U.S. manufacturing industry shifted its focus from war-related items to consumer goods, particularly vehicles. The automobile factories cranked out some beauties during this era — big, chrome-filled cars that were picture perfect and comfortable enough for cross-country travel. It came as no surprise, then, that these golden years gave rise to the family vacation. With 2,400 miles of attractions big and small, Route 66 was a perfect fit for this phenomenon. Travelers could ride through the Fantastic Caverns in Missouri, picnic next to the world’s largest concrete totem pole in Oklahoma, take a quick detour to see the Grand Canyon in Arizona and end up looking out at the Pacific Ocean from California’s Santa Monica Pier. The sense of possibility that Route 66 created was captured in song in 1946, when Bobby Troup wrote “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Opening with the lyrics “If you ever plan to motor west/travel my way, take the highway, that’s the best/get your kicks on Route 66,” the song

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

THE RISE OF THE INTERSTATES President Dwight D. Eisenhower had long admired Germany’s highway system, and during his second term, he signed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. It authorized the construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highways crisscrossing the nation. It would take decades for the interstates to be completed, but by 1970, almost all of the original Route 66 had been bypassed by four-lane highways. Throughout the 1970s and early ’80s, states began to take down their old Route 66 signs. The road was decommissioned in 1985, and maintenance on the old roads tapered off.

A COMEBACK STR A IGHT OUT OF A MOV IE It turned out, though, that Route 66 was too iconic, too

In 2006, Route 66 was blasted back into the nation’s

ingrained in American culture to just fade away. Private

consciousness through an unlikely source: an animated film.

and government organizations worked to preserve the

The Disney/Pixar movie “Cars” tells the story of hero Lightning

road themselves. Many small businesses along the route

McQueen, a sporty red racecar who finds a home and some

persevered, and new ones opened. Museums sprang up that

new friends in the faded Route 66 hamlet of Radiator Springs.

were dedicated to the culture and cars of the Mother Road.

With a little love and a lot of new asphalt, McQueen helps his buddies bring the fictional town back to life. Real-life characters and landmarks inspired many of the people and places from “Cars,” helping spark interest in the legendary personalities and quirky stops along Route 66.

Miami Route 66 Heritage Fest Miami gets downtown rocking as it celebrates the town’s Mother Road heritage over the last weekend of July. Entertainment includes live music, food trucks, vendor booths and a car and motorcycle show. (918) 542-4435 | visitmiamiok.com

ROCK THE ROUTE

Rock the Route On the Thursday night before Labor Day, the folks in Yukon kick up their heels with a free concert featuring red dirt and country artists. (405) 354-1895 | yukonok.gov

El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day Festival On the first Saturday in May, El Reno residents honor their town’s

Cycle 66

heritage in a big way — by cooking and eating an 850-pound onion

The first Sunday of November features an urban and rural cycling

burger. (See page 37 for more on El Reno’s onion burger history.)

tour that starts and ends in downtown Edmond. There are 10-, 33-

(405) 262-8888 | elrenoburgerday.com

and 66-mile routes along with a 1-mile kids’ route. (405) 731-9180 | cycle66ok.com

Bethany 66 Festival Held on the fourth Saturday of May, this Bethany event offers

Williams Route 66 Marathon

family activities, live music and a car, truck and motorcycle show.

Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, this downtown Tulsa

(405) 226-5463 | bethanyimprovementfoundation.com

favorite is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier. (918) 228-0392 | route66marathon.com

AAA Route 66 Road Fest Absorb yourself in the Mother Road’s past, present and future

Route 66 Christmas Chute

at this three-day June event at Tulsa’s Expo Square. You can

During the holiday season, downtown Sapulpa is transformed.

check out an artifact-filled timeline exhibit, classic cars and

Visitors can stroll three blocks decorated with lights and

an T R A V Etheater. LOK.COM/ROUTE66 10 indoor drive-in

Christmas decorations.

(918) 521-6432 | route66roadfest.com

(918) 224-0170 | route66christmaschute.com

THE MOTHER ROAD TODAY These days, a drive down the Mother Road shows off a rich blend of the old and the new, and Oklahoma is no exception. In northeastern Oklahoma, there’s the Woody Guthrie Center, a state-of-the-art, multimedia affair dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1940s folk singer (and folk hero). In central Oklahoma, the quaint, 100-year-old Round Barn in Arcadia resides just half a mile from the futuristic-looking POPS soda ranch with its gleaming, 66-foot pop bottle sign. Out in the western part of the state, Lucille’s Service Station — a relic of the 1920s — is a five-minute drive from Lucille’s Roadhouse, a slick throwback diner built in 2006 to emulate it. And just like when Route 66 was new, the small towns and big cities are filled with friendly locals waiting to serve a chicken-fried steak, fix a flat tire and get visitors back on the road with smiles on their faces. The spirit of the Mother Road lives on in Oklahoma.

SCENIC VIEWS. GOOD FOOD. Official Oklahoma State Parks Restaurant Beavers Bend – Lake Murray – Quartz Mountain Robbers Cave – Roman Nose – Sequoyah www.thelookoutkitchen.com

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

GATHERING PL ACE, TUL SA

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QUAPAW

COMMERCE

MIAMI

COLEMAN THEATRE

OSAGE HILLS STATE PARK

AFTON

Eastern Stretch

GRAND LAKE STATE PARK

VINITA

CHELSEA

ED GALLOWAY’S TOTEM POLE PARK

FOYIL CLAREMORE KEYSTONE STATE PARK GOLDEN DRILLER

CATOOSA

TULSA

VERDIGRIS BLUE WHALE

NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK

HEART OF ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM

KELLYVILLE

SEQUOYAH STATE PARK

SAPULPA SEQUOYAH BAY STATE PARK

BRISTOW

CHEROKEE LANDING STATE PARK

DEPEW GREENLEAF STATE PARK

TENKILLER STATE PARK

LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK

The verdant lands of Eastern Oklahoma provide mile after mile of beautiful Route 66 scenery and ample opportunity for outdoor fun. Along this stretch, you’ll find legendary roadside attractions, iconic art deco architecture and classic diners.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

NOWHERE ON ROUTE 66 BBQ, ATFON

QUAPAW Dallas’ Dairyette 103 E. Main St.

(918) 674-9207

TravelOK.com/DallasDairyette

This little burger joint’s been around since 1969. Visitors can dine in and play tunes on the vintage jukebox or get it to-go at the walk-up window. A taco burger and curly fries are the go-to meal, and BLTs, tacos, footlong chili dogs, malts and shakes are also popular.

Quapaw Tribal Museum 905 Whitebird St.

(918) 674-2619

TravelOK.com/QuapawTribalMuseum

Learn about the rich history of the Quapaw Nation at this fascinating museum. Artifacts include pottery, dance clothing and photos. Outside, you’ll find the anchor from the U.S.S. Quapaw, a Navy tug ship that saw action in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. There’s also a gift shop with jewelry, clothing and other items.

COMMERCE Allen’s Conoco Fillin’ Station 101 S. Main St.

TravelOK.com/AllensConocoFillinStation

This tiny gas station, also known as the Hole in the Wall

Downtown (918) 542-4435 visitmiamiok.com

Conoco Station, was built onto the side of a Main Street

Tiny Commerce has a Big Apple-sized claim to fame as

building back when Route 66 was newly paved.

the hometown of legendary New York Yankee slugger

Dairy King 100 N. Main St. (918) 675-4261 TravelOK.com/DairyKing2

Mickey Mantle. Baseball fans will get a kick out of the town’s pinstripe-painted water tower with Mantle’s No. 7 on the side, and you can drive by Mantle’s boyhood home and see the spot in front of an old barn where he

Stop by this cottage-style former gas station for a burger,

learned to hit. There’s also a 9-foot bronze statue of

soft-serve ice cream and handmade cookies shaped like

Mantle that resides just beyond the center-field wall of

the Route 66 shield. Co-owners Charles Duboise and

Mickey Mantle Field and can be seen from Route 66.

his mother Treva will happily fill you in on the history of Commerce, which includes Bonnie and Clyde shootout. Don’t forget to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards.

Mickey Mantle’s Hometown

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MIAMI

Ribbon Road

The Frozen Elephant Shaved Ice

Also known as the Sidewalk Highway, these two

1931 N. Main St.

South of Miami (918) 961-7014

Started in 2016 by then-15-year-old Eli Chenoweth, this stand has become a popular spot thanks to its soft, fluffy shaved ice treats that come in a variety of flavors. One customer favorite is a little sourer than you might expect; the pickle shaved ice is flavored with pickle juice and has a pickle spear down the middle. Locally roasted coffee is also available.

Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger 915 N. Main St. (918) 542-1696 TravelOK.com/WaylansKuKuBurger With a massive neon sign, cuckoo clock-inspired building and bird mascot bedecked in a chef’s hat, this burger joint is a must-see in Miami. Made-to-order burgers, crispy fried pickle spears and cherry limeades make the last surviving Ku-Ku Burger worth a stop for a meal. The rest of the chain went extinct in the late 1960s.

Coleman Theatre 103 N. Main St. (918) 540-2425 thecolemantheatre.org

visitmiamiok.com

unassuming 3-mile stretches are the only remaining one-lane road left from the original Route 66 alignment. One links Miami and Narcissa, and the second links Narcissa and Afton. Completed in 1922, the pavement actually predates the Mother Road. It’s only 9 feet wide except for areas at two sharp curves where the road banks and widens. These segments of road were part of Route 66 until it was widened and realigned in 1937.

AFTON Nowhere on Route 66 BBQ 300 S.E. First St. (918) 919-4111 TravelOK.com/NowhereOnRoute66 This cozy spot is known for dry-rub ribs, tender pulled pork and yummy potato salad. If you’re not in the mood for barbecue, they also make a mean hamburger. Don’t get so focused on the food that you forget to look around — vintage photos of the town line the walls, and the ceiling features a pattern of bandanas and burlap sacks.

Hear the lush sounds of a Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ as you tour this opulent building. Built in 1929 as a vaudeville theater, it has a Spanish Mission Revival-style exterior with exquisite details carved into the terracotta. The stunning interior décor includes a 2,000-pound restored chandelier and carved, winding staircases. The theater still hosts many events, including concerts, theatrical productions and silent movies with musical accompaniment from the Mighty Wurlitzer.

Dobson Museum & Home 23 N. Main St. (918) 542-5388 dobsonmuseum.com This museum features rotating exhibits on the history of the area. Many of the items on display are pulled from its collections, which include American Indian artifacts and photos of Yankee legend and area native Mickey Mantle. Surrounding it are beautiful gardens filled with perennials and annuals.

WAYL AN’S KU-KU BURGER, MIAMI

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

VINITA Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center 953 E. Illinois Ave. (918) 276-2624 visitcherokeenation.com Named for influential Cherokee pottery artist Anna Mitchell, this center features permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting the art and culture of the Cherokee people. Outside the center sits “A Bundle of Seven Arrows,” by artist Demos Glass. There’s also a grab-and-go café and a gift shop.

Clanton’s Cafe 319 E. Illinois Ave. clantonscafe.com

(918) 256-9053

Since “Sweet Tator” Clanton started serving lunch in 1927, four generations of the Clanton family have kept locals and hungry travelers fed with classic diner food that they’ve perfected over the years. Their chicken-fried steak is the stuff of legend, and these days they crank out 50,000 portions a year.

Eastern Trails Museum 215 W. Illinois Ave. (918) 323-1338 easterntrailsmuseum.com Just a block off Route 66, this free museum recreates the town’s early years with areas set up like a post office and general store. The Street Scenes exhibit contains vintage photos and memorabilia from the Mother Road’s heyday. Vintage saddles, a railroad exhibit and military equipment are also among the museum’s many treasures. CL ANTON’S CAFE, VINITA

Hi-Way Cafe 437918 U.S. Highway 60

(918) 256-5465

This homey diner has been around since 1963, but it’s gotten some fun additions lately. There are now a newly restored neon sign and a Muffler Man out front, and inside, you’ll find a Guinness World Record-setting car. The 1963 Rambler holds the mark for most stickers on a car with 66,066. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, and you’ll find hearty options like burgers, chicken-fried steak and Indian tacos made with fresh frybread.

Pryor Creek Bridge

Walnut St. & W. Sixth St.

TravelOK.com/Route66Underpass

In 2016, Chelsea reopened its restored Route 66 pedestrian underpass with a new mural. Created by Sapulpa artist Kenneth Hollingshead, it features postcard-like images from the town’s history.

Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park

CHELSEA First St.

Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural

TravelOK.com/PryorCreekBridge

21310 State Highway 28A (918) 283-8035 rchs1.org/totem-pole-park With its colorful, 90-foot carved concrete totem pole and a museum of handmade fiddles, this park is one

This 123-foot, steel truss bridge was part of the

of Oklahoma’s quirkiest Route 66 attractions. And

original Route 66 alignment. It carried Mother Road

it’s located just a few miles off the Mother Road. Folk

traffic from 1926 to 1932. It’s the only unaltered bridge

artist Ed Galloway started building the totem pole

with its particular structure — known as the “Pratt

in 1937 as a tribute to Native Americans. Make sure

through truss” design — left in Oklahoma. It’s no

to get an up-close look at the incredible detail on it

longer open to traffic, but you can walk across.

and the smaller totems throughout the park.

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HIT THE MOTHER LODE ON THE

MOTHER ROAD

IN CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA!

DON’T MISS A BEAT ON YOUR ROUTE 66 RETREAT

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OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

FOYIL Andy Payne Statue State Highway 66 (918) 342-9525 TravelOK.com/AndyPayneStatue In 1928, Foyil native Andy Payne won the Great Transcontinental Footrace, a 3,400-mile race from Los Angeles to New York City that closely followed the brandnew Route 66. Nicknamed the Bunion Derby, the race took 84 days — at least for the 55 runners who actually finished. The 20-year-old Payne, a member of the Cherokee tribe, returned to Oklahoma with his $25,000 prize money. He later served for decades as clerk of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

HAMMET T HOUSE RE STAUR ANT, CL AREMORE

His hometown honors Payne with a statue that stands just east of the highway on the south side of town.

1616 W. Will Rogers Blvd. hammetthouse.com

CLAREMORE J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum 330 N. J.M. Davis Blvd thegunmuseum.com

Hammett House Restaurant

(918) 341-5707

During his lifetime, Claremore hotelier J.M. Davis amassed more than 12,000 guns — the largest privately held firearm collection in the world. Today, the collection includes weapons made from 1350 to 2015. Make sure to check out the Gallery of Outlaw Guns to see Jesse James’ Smith & Wesson revolver, a Colt 45 belonging to Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie and

(918) 341-7333

If you’re looking for country cooking, Hammett House Restaurant fits the bill with favorites like pork chops, country fried steak and lamb fries. It’s the desserts, though, that are the stuff of legend. The folks at Hammett House make 14 different pies each day in flavors like coconut cream and peanut butter chocolate chip. These aren’t just any pies, though. They’re crowned with whipped topping that sits roughly 7 inches tall, and the pies often weigh in at more than 10 pounds apiece!

Clyde fame) and four of Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd’s guns.

ED GALLOWAY’S TOTEM POLE PARK, CHELSEA J.M. DAVIS ARMS & HISTORICAL MUSEUM, CLAREMORE

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Will Rogers Memorial Museum 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. willrogers.com

(918) 341-0719

Route 66 Nut House 26677 S. State Highway 66 Unit A (918) 266-1604 | (888) 732-2665 66nuts.com

Cowboy philosopher Will Rogers is an American icon,

If you’re running low on road-trip munchies, make a

and one of Route 66’s nicknames has long been the

stop at this shop. It’s known for fresh, locally grown

Will Rogers Highway. Learn about the beloved humorist’s life

pecans. The small cabin is even made from pecan

at this museum built on land he once intended for his home.

logs, but many other tasty treats are available. The

You can watch Rogers’ movies in the theater, pay respects

shop has every flavor of homemade fudge you can

at his family tomb and see memorabilia from his career.

imagine, along with some (like jalapeño and orange sherbet) that you probably hadn’t imagined.

Belvidere Mansion 121 N. Chickasaw Ave.

(918) 342-1127

Constructed in 1907, this 9,000-square-foot Victorian mansion is stunning — and rumored to still be visited by members of the Bayless family, its original inhabitants. Make an appointment to tour the three-story home. Then enjoy a tasty sandwich, salad or quiche at the mansion’s restaurant, a Claremore favorite known as The Pink House.

(918) 341-2298

Molly’s Landing State Highway 66 & Verdigris River Bridge (918) 266-7853 mollyslanding.net Nestled among the trees just off an old strip of Route 66, the rustic log cabin that houses this restaurant feels cozy and a bit remote. Inside the restaurant, the quaint but cluttered

Swan Brothers Dairy Farm 938 E. Fifth St.

CATOOSA

swandairy.com

Visit this family-owned dairy farm that’s been around 95 years to stock up on raw milk and cheeses made on-site, including the customer favorite cheese curds. There are plenty of other Oklahoma-made goodies available, including local honey and produce.

décor somehow feels romantic instead of crowded, and the menu is made up of perfectly grilled steaks and seafood.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa 2600 N. State Highway 66 TravelOK.com/BlueWhale

(918) 857-0676

When an 80-foot-long concrete whale appeared in a pond along Route 66 in the early 1970s, it quickly drew in visitors who appreciated its toothy grin and the attached swimming hole. Although you can no longer go for a swim, that friendly blue face is still a welcome sight.

D.W. Correll Museum 19934 E. Pine St.

(918) 266-3612

Trace the history of the automobile through antique cars, wagons and surreys dating from the late 1800s to the 1950s. There’s a steam-powered Locomobile from 1898, a purple 1906 Cadillac and an all-aluminum 1922 Franklin. A second building contains fossils, rocks and minerals along with treasures like antique bottles and toys.

THE BLUE WHALE OF CATOOSA , CATOOSA

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Tulsa Zoo

TULSA

6421 E. 36th St. N. tulsazoo.org

Route 66 Rising Mingo Road & Admiral Place Built in 2018, this contemporary sculpture at Avery Traffic Circle celebrates Tulsa’s rich Mother Road history. It’s about 70 feet long and 30 feet high, and it was designed by Eric F. Garcia. The traffic circle is the former site of a tourist court

(918) 669-6600

With more than 400 species and 84 acres of exhibits, the Tulsa Zoo is a perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Make sure to check out the Lost Kingdom Exhibit, an immersive environment inspired by ancient Asian cultures. It’s home to rare species like

that belonged to Cyrus Avery.

Malaysian tigers, snow leopards and binturongs.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

Admiral Twin Drive-In

3624 N. 74 E. Ave. tulsamuseum.org th

(918) 834-9900

Learn about Tulsa’s rich aviation history while exploring a museum filled with interactive exhibits and vintage airplanes. Flight simulators let you feel what it’s like inside the cockpit, and the full dome planetarium will have you seeing the universe in a whole new light.

7355 E. Easton St. (918) 878-8099 admiraltwindrivein.com If you’re traveling during the spring or summer, you can take in a movie at the same place Ponyboy and his friends did in the 1983 movie “The Outsiders.” One of the state’s few remaining drive-in theaters, the Admiral Twin opened in 1951 with one screen, but a second was soon added. A 2010 fire destroyed both screens, but the theater reopened two years later and still shows nightly double features during the warm-weather months.

Tally’s Cafe 1102 S. Yale Ave.

(918) 835-8039

tallyscafe.com

If your time on the road has helped you work up a king-sized appetite, it’s time to head to Tally’s Cafe. This Route 66 stalwart serves heaping portions of classic American food. With more than 100 items on the menu, everyone in the family is sure to find an item that suits their taste. For dessert, you can split one of the icingdrizzled cinnamon rolls, which are as big as the plate and absolutely delicious.

Golden Driller 4145 E. 21st St. (918) 744-1113 exposquare.com Stop for a selfie with Tulsa’s golden boy. The Tulsa Driller became a permanent fixture at the fairgrounds in 1966 after his predecessors drew a crowd at a trade show exhibit. He’s 76 feet tall and weighs nearly 22 tons. But somehow he manages a slim waistline that he shows off with a belt buckle emblazoned with the word “TULSA.” Fair season (late September to early October) is the best time to visit him, of course, but during the summer months you can get a snow cone from the stand just steps away.

GOLDEN DRILLER, TUL SA

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Tulsa is simply a must for any Route 66 trek. Once known as “The Oil Capital of the World,” T-Town is recognized today for countless unique attributes such as a skyline brimming with cherished Art Deco architectural treasures, pivotal art, music, and history museums―and of course―a massive collection of Route 66 landmarks along its 28-mile stretch of the Mother Road. Tulsa really is the city of everything you could ask for...and more. visittulsa.com/route66

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

CIRCLE CINEMA Circle Cinema opened in 1928 on the original alignment of Route 66 (19261932). In 1983, the theatre made its movie debut in the classic film, “The Outsiders.”

CYRUS AVERY PLAZA SW Comprised of three vibrant neon signs representing three eras of Route 66. These 20-foot-tall replica signs include the Tulsa Auto Court, the Will Rogers Motor Court, and the Oil Capital Motel.

DESERT HILLS MOTEL The Desert Hills Motel is an original low-rise motor inn built in 1953. This 50-room motel is easily recognizable by its brightly lit, neon cactus sign.

EL RANCHO GRANDE MEXICAN FOOD

Originally a grocery store in the 1930s, El Rancho Grande Restaurant opened its doors in 1953 and has been serving Tex-Mex cuisine ever since. 22

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ROUTE 66

HISTORICAL VILLAGE

An open air transportation museum and park preserves the history and artifacts of transportation modes and systems that served as the catalysts for change in Tulsa and across the nation.

MEADOW GOLD SIGN

The Meadow Gold sign’s two neon panels originally located at the corner of 11th Street and Lewis Avenue in the 1930s created a marvel for travelers with its east-west views and 6 ft. clock.

OASIS MOTEL

This sign reflects the Mid-Century modern style that was popular during the time that car designs were also making history with models such as the ‘55 Thunderbird and ‘57 Corvette.

TALLY’S GOOD FOOD CAFE Originally a drug store in Tulsa’s early commercial shopping block, it later became a diner. In 1987 it became Tally’s Good Food Café.

Photos Courtesy - Cloudless Lens, Tyler Layne Photography, and Mother Road Market

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

The Church Studio 304 S. Trenton Ave. (918) 894-2965 thechurchstudio.com Get a dose of rock-and-roll history by booking a tour at this recording studio that was once the epicenter of the Tulsa Sound. Built in 1915 to serve as a church, it went on to become the home of Leon Russell’s Shelter Records, with artists like Eric Clapton, The GAP Band, Tom Petty and JJ Cale recording there. The renovated facility is now a top-ofthe-line studio with exhibits filled with music memorabilia.

Ike’s Chili 1503 E. 11th St. ikeschilius.com

(918) 838-9410

Open since 1908, Ike’s Chili serves up dishes beloved by generations of locals, including legendary humorist Will Rogers, who was an early regular of the restaurant and a chili connoisseur. Ike’s has a surprisingly big menu for a chili joint, but most folks prefer the Three-Way. The daunting but delicious concoction features beef chili and beans on a bed of spaghetti noodles with diced onions, shredded cheddar and sliced jalapeños on the side. DECOPOLIS DISCOVITORIUM, TUL SA

1401 E. 11th St. (918) 495-5368 theskygallery.com

Circle Cinema 10 S. Lewis Ave. circlecinema.org

(918) 585-3456

Opened in 1928, this is Tulsa’s only remaining historic movie house. Today, it specializes in independent, documentary and foreign films. On the sidewalk out front, you can check out the Oklahoma Walk of Fame. It honors film legends with Oklahoma ties, including Kristin Chenoweth, Joan Crawford, Sterling Harjo, Ron Howard, Chuck Norris and Brad Pitt.

Mother Road Market 1124 S. Lewis Ave. (918) 984-9001 motherroadmarket.com A historic grocery building has been transformed into Tulsa’s first food hall. In addition to a carefully curated selection of dining options, the complex contains retail shops, a full-service bar and a T-shirt vending machine featuring Oklahoma-themed shirts.

El Rancho Grande 1629 E. 11 St. gettexmex.com th

(918) 584-0816

El Rancho Grande has been a Route 66 staple since 1953. While its iconic neon sign certainly draws in travelers, it’s the tasty Tex-Mex and strong margaritas that keep locals coming back.

The Sky Gallery

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From delicate beadwork to colorful paintings to bronze sculptures, this gallery carries a mix of pieces handcrafted by Oklahoma artists. Locally made soaps, candles and other gift items are also available.

DECOPOLIS Discovitorium 1401 E. 11th St. decopolis.net

(918) 382-7388

You’ll find dinosaurs, wizards and amazing artwork at this enchanting store that celebrates pop culture and Tulsa’s rich art deco history. Inside, owner and artist William Franklin has created a mini art deco museum and a tiny town square with elaborate storefronts that hold themed areas. Shop from a selection of whimsical toys, books and Tulsa and Route 66-themed items, including some featuring Franklin’s designs.

Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 1347 E. 11th St.

buckatomson66.com

Stop for a selfie with Buck Atom, a 21-foot space cowboy. Buck arrived in 2019, but he stands tall in the proud tradition of the Muffler Men statues who began popping up at Route 66 businesses in the 1960s. Next to Buck sits a colorful neon sign, installed in 2020, and a 1950s-era PEMCO gas station that houses a Route 66 souvenir shop filled with apparel, toys, art and more, much of which is locally made.

Meadow Gold Sign 11th St. & Quaker Ave. First installed in the 1930s, this massive neon sign advertising

Philbrook Museum of Art 2727 S. Rockford Rd. philbrook.org

(918) 749-7941

Meadow Gold Dairy has become a Route 66 icon. When the

This unique museum is one of the state’s cultural gems. Its

building it rested on was set to be demolished, the community

permanent collections reside in a grand historical mansion

worked to save and restore the sign. Today, it stands a mile

set on 25 acres of exquisitely manicured, Italian-inspired

west of its original location atop a pavilion built just for it.

gardens. You’ll see items from its extensive collections

The Outsiders House Museum 731 N. St. Louis Ave. (918) 949-1345 theoutsidershouse.com Go behind the scenes of the classic movie “The Outsiders,” which Francis Ford Coppola filmed in Tulsa in 1982, at this

of Native American, modern and contemporary art as you wander the three stories of opulent Villa Philbrook.

Gathering Place 2650 S. John Williams Way E. gatheringplace.org

(918) 779-1000

museum located in a house used in filming. The museum is

Opened in 2018, this visually stunning park has quickly

dedicated to the preservation of the home and memorabilia

become a must-visit stop. You’ll find whimsical play areas,

used in the movie, which was based on the 1967 book,

lush gardens, public art displays and several dining options.

“The Outsiders,” written by Tulsa resident S.E. Hinton.

There’s even a boathouse where you can check out a paddle boat, canoe or kayak for free and explore from the water.

Weber’s Superior Root Beer Restaurant 3817 S. Peoria Ave. webersoftulsa.com

(918) 742-1082

It’d be tough to find a pair of menu items more time-tested than Weber’s burgers and root beer. Both started in the late 1800s with Oscar Weber Bilby, great-grandfather of current owner Rick Bilby. In fact, it is believed that the concoctions Oscar whipped up for his 1891 Fourth of July party might have been the first hamburgers ever. The stand’s burgers are still cooked on that same handmade grill Oscar used, and the resulting old-fashioned burgers are mighty tasty. But it’s the rich, spicy root beer — made by Oscar’s special recipe — that you’ll find irresistible.

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church 1301 S. Boston Ave. bostonavenue.org

(918) 583-5181

Downtown Tulsa is filled with beautiful art deco buildings, and this church is one of its most stunning pieces. Designed by Adah Robinson, the building’s exterior has a soaring, 15-story tower and numerous terracotta sculptures. Inside, the circular sanctuary is just as stunning, featuring a pipe organ along with a dome ceiling with stained glass at the center. Free guided tours are available Sundays at noon, and you can take a self-guided tour any time the building is open.

BUCK ATOM’S COSMIC CURIOS ON 66, TUL SA

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Blue Dome Entertainment District & Blue Dome Service Station Second St. & Elgin Ave. bluedomedistrict.com

Center of the Universe 20 E. Archer St. (800) 558-3311 TravelOK.com/CenterOfTheUniverse Located on a pedestrian bridge, this 30-inch concrete

Locally owned shops and restaurants fill the area

circle is an acoustic oddity. To try it, stand inside the circle,

surrounding the Blue Dome Service Station, a 1924

which is in the middle of a larger circle of bricks. If you have

art deco-style structure that now serves as office space.

someone with you, station them outside the circles. Now, say

The district comes alive in the evenings with a variety

something. You’ll hear your words echo back louder than you

of bars, a bowling alley and a pub/arcade.

spoke them, but anyone standing outside the circle won’t hear

Greenwood Rising 10 N. Greenwood Ave. greenwoodrising.org Opened in 2021 — the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre — this state-of-the-art history center tells the

the echo. If you try talking to someone outside the circle, your voice will be distorted.

Bob Dylan Center 116 E. Reconciliation Way bobdylancenter.com

(918) 392-3353

story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, the famed Black Wall

Opened in May 2022, the 29,000-square-foot center houses

Street. The district was a center for Black commerce and

more than 100,000 Bob Dylan artifacts from his personal

community, and a hotbed for jazz and blues before being

collection, including handwritten manuscripts, videos, photos,

burned to the ground in the 1921 massacre. The center’s

artwork, memorabilia and previously unreleased recordings.

immersive exhibits use techniques like projection mapping

Fans can see exhibits showcasing collection items,

and holographic effects to tell the story of the prosperous

a recreation of an authentic studio environment and

early days, the horrors of the 1921 massacre and the

even letters from famous friends like Johnny Cash.

strength of the community as it worked to rebuild.

Greenwood Cultural Center 322 N. Greenwood Ave. (918) 596-1020 greenwoodculturalcenter.org

Woody Guthrie Center 102 E. Reconciliation Way woodyguthriecenter.org

(918) 574-2710

More than 50 years after his death, the music and message

In 1921, the vibrant Greenwood District was destroyed as

of Woody Guthrie, who grew up in Okemah, endure. At the

much of it burned to the ground in the Tulsa Race Massacre.

center that shares the folk singer’s story, you can listen to his

The photos and artifacts at the Greenwood Cultural Center

music, try a virtual reality Dust Bowl experience, and trace

help share the poignant story of the district’s

his journey across the United States on a 9-foot interactive

destruction and resurrection. The building also features

touchscreen map. The center’s artifacts include handwritten

a survivor room, a place for quiet reflection.

lyrics to “This Land Is Your Land” and the well-traveled fiddle that Guthrie brought along on his World War II journeys.

GREENWOOD RISING, TUL SA

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OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Tulsa Cave House 1623 W. Charles Page Blvd.

(918) 378-1952

Secret tunnels and outlaws are all part of the classic lore surrounding the Tulsa Cave House. The quirky, craggy house built into the side of a hill started out as a Prohibition-era restaurant. It was rumored to have a hidden, underground speakeasy frequented by outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd and his crew. Today, the tunnel leading to that area is sealed off, and owner Linda Collier has the house — an architectural curiosity inside and out — open for tours by appointment only. Guests can hear all the home’s legends from Collier, who bought it more than 20 years ago.

Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza 760 W. 13th St. (918) 585-1201 TravelOK.com/EastMeetsWest Cyrus Avery came up with the idea for the Mother Road, and his hometown honored the “Father of Route 66” with this plaza and a statue. Titled “East TUL SA CAVE HOUSE, TUL SA

Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main St. (918) 584-2306 cainsballroom.com In the 1930s, Cain’s Ballroom became famous as the home of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, whose catchy Western swing tunes were broadcast live from the stage at Cain’s. These days, musicians of every genre hit the

Meets West,” the bronze shows the juxtaposition of old meeting new. It depicts Avery and his Model T frightening two horses pulling a wagon full of oil barrels. The detail is fascinating, right down to a bug smashed on the car’s grill and a panicked Avery family cat. The pedestrian bridge leading to the statue features a Route 66 shield that makes a great photo op. SEQUOYAH STATE PARK, HULBERT

stage at this venerable venue. The old dance hall still hosts live music several times a week, and it’s definitely worth catching a show there if you can swing it.

PLANNING A SIDE TRIP Want to explore more of Oklahoma on your Route 66 journey? Check out these nearby Eastern Oklahoma destinations. 15 MINUTES AWAY

Pensacola Dam, Langley

50 MINUTES AWAY

Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert

During the summer, you can take a free tour of one of the

Camp out or stay at a modern lodge or cabin at this park

world’s largest multi-arch dams.

located along Fort Gibson Lake.

(918) 256-0803 | grda.com

(918) 772-2545 | TravelOK.com/SequoyahSP

20 MINUTES AWAY

Keystone State Park, Sand Springs

1 HOUR AWAY

The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, Pawhuska

This lakeside park is perfect for fishing and hiking, and

Shop and enjoy country cooking at Food Network star Ree

cozy cabins are available.

Drummond’s famous mercantile.

(918) T R |ATravelOK.com/Keystone VELOK.COM/ROUTE66 28 865-4991

(918) 528-7705 | themercantile.com

PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART, TUL SA

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre 1381 Riverside Dr. (918) 587-5030 tulsaspotlighttheater.com See what is believed to be America’s longest-running play, a family-friendly show called “The Drunkard,” on a Saturday night at this theater. The old-fashioned melodrama calls for audience interaction, so kids can cheer and boo their little lungs out. You can

CAIN’S BALLROOM,

even purchase stuffed tomatoes to throw at the villain. Reservations are required for the café-style seating, and you can purchase food to eat during the show. Even if you can’t make a performance, the Bruce Goff designed building is an art deco treasure worth seeing.

Cyrus Avery Plaza Southwest 1450 Southwest Blvd. Three iconic signs from long-closed Tulsa motels have been brought back to life at this park. The Will Rogers Motor Court, Oil Capital Motel and Tulsa Auto Court signs have been artfully re-created and are again casting a neon glow over the route.

Route 66 Historical Village 3770 Southwest Blvd. route66village.com

(918) 619-9473

See a restored Frisco 4500 steam engine, passenger car and caboose at this outdoor attraction that celebrates Tulsa’s

Ollie’s Station Restaurant

TUL SA

4070 Southwest Blvd. (918) 446-0524 TravelOK.com/OlliesStationRestaurant Kids will go crazy for this Old Route 66 staple where model trains chug along on elevated tracks and locomotive memorabilia fills the walls. Add in a daily lunch buffet loaded with classic American food like crispy fried chicken and mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a place everyone in the family will enjoy. The restaurant also serves up a mean breakfast all day. On the weekends, there’s a morning breakfast buffet with unlimited bacon. (Yes, you read that right: unlimited bacon.)

SAPULPA Happy Burger 215 N. Mission St.

(918) 224-7750

oil and transportation history. It’s built on the site of the

Open since 1957, this nostalgic little diner keeps the

1901 oil strike that turned the city into the “Oil Capital of

spirit of the era alive with a classic lunch counter, old-

the World,” and it has a new visitor center that opened in

fashioned burgers and hand-cut fries. There’s also

2019. The spot is marked by America’s tallest oil derrick,

an extensive collection of Pepsi memorabilia, and a

a 154-foot-tall structure built specifically for the village.

colorful, selfie-worthy Happy Burger sign out front.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Sapulpa Historical Society & Museum 100 E. Lee Ave. (918) 224-4871 sapulpahistory.org Sapulpa’s place at the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. Highway 75 once earned it the nickname “Crossroads of America.” As a former railroad town, oil-boom town and Route 66 town, it’s also a crossroads of Oklahoma history. The Sapulpa Historical Museum tells its story with elaborate dioramas

system. The bridge became part of Route 66 in 1926 before being bypassed in 1952. It’s still open to traffic but has a 4-ton weight limit and a 7.2-foot height limit — and it’s quite a bit narrower than most drivers are used to these days.

Teepee Drive-In 13166 W. Ozark Trl. teepeedrivein.com

(918) 928-5500

depicting what the city looked like at various points in history.

A gleaming, 30-foot neon sign now stands tall in front of

Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum

in 2023 after being shuttered since the 1990s. The single-

26 E. Lee Ave. (918) 224-4871 sapulpahistory.org

this drive-in theater, a beloved 1950s icon that reopened screen theater’s new look comes with a fun twist — vintage Spartan trailers that travelers can rent for the night.

Originally built in 1923 by oil man Waite Phillips, this restored station is home to artifacts from the city’s history. You’ll find two vintage automobiles, a 1930 Model A and a 1922 Buick delivery truck. There are also photos of the station and the local automobile industry through the years. If you want to look inside, check with the folks across the street at the Sapulpa Historical Museum so that they can let you in.

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum 13 Sahoma Lake Rd. heartofroute66.org

(918) 216-1171

This is a classic car lover’s paradise with a collection of beautiful and unusual vehicles that range from hot rods to military vehicles. The displays also include vintage photos and racing paraphernalia. The big attraction — and we do mean big — is what is believed to be the world’s largest gas pump. It does not actually pump

Bristow Historical Museum & Depot 1 Railroad Pl.

(918) 367-9335

bristowhistory.org

Learn about Indian Territory, the discovery of oil and life in the early frontier town of Bristow in a museum located in a beautifully restored 1923 Frisco train depot. Parked out front is a red caboose that you can go inside. One of America’s most famous cowboys once spent considerable time at this depot: country crooner Gene Autry worked there as a telegraph operator before he became a star.

DEPEW Living Kitchen Farm Directions provided after reservation. livingkitchenfarmanddairy.com

(918) 284-8169

gas, but it is red, shiny, 66 feet tall (of

Tucked away on a 400-acre farm just off the highway is one

course) and sits out front practically

of Route 66’s most out-of-the-ordinary culinary experiences.

begging you to take a photo with it.

Living Kitchen Farm’s meals are truly farm-to-table dinners,

Rock Creek Bridge Rock Creek TravelOK.com/RockCreekBridge

featuring ingredients grown and produced on the farm or at nearby farms. The nine-course meals each have a theme and a set menu, and you can tour the farm before dinner. The meals are offered April through December and fill up

Constructed in 1921, the charming Rock

quickly, so keep an eye on the website. In 2022, Living Kitchen

Creek Bridge is one of the state’s best

Farm was named a James Beard semi-finalist for

remaining examples of the steel truss

outstanding restaurant.

architecture that was popular in the pre-World War II era. It originally served the Ozark Trail, a network of locally maintained roads and highways that existed before the federal highway

HE ART OF ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM, SAPULPA

BRISTOW

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y t i n u m m o C c i A Histor e G O! on th

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

ARCADIA ROUND BARN, ARCADIA

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ARCADIA ROUND BARN, ARCADIA

WELLSTON ROUND BARN

GEARY

CALUMET

EDMOND LAKE HEFNER

BETHANY EL RENO

POPS

ARCADIA

STROUD CHANDLER DAVENPORT ROUTE 66 INTERPRETIVE CENTER

ARCADIA LAKE

LUTHER

WARWICK

OKLAHOMA CITY YUKON

WARR ACRES LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK

Central Stretch

The frontier lands of Central Oklahoma have gained sophistication while retaining their pioneer-day charm. You’ll find Mother Road icons new and old along this stretch that includes the state’s capital city. The city settled by a land run has transformed into an urban playground with thriving nightlife, world-class cultural institutions and a whitewater rafting center in the heart of downtown.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

STROUD Route 66 Tool Tree 224 W. Main St.

918-968-3942

Created by Oklahoma chainsaw artist Clayton Coss, this one-of-a-kind art piece sits next to a downtown hardware store. With a Route 66 shield carved into its trunk and branches transformed into tools, the quirky, tree-based sculpture has become a popular photo op.

Rock Café 114 W. Main St. (918) 968-3990 rockcafe rt66.com If you’re a fan of the “Cars” movies (or just a fan of good food), a trip down Route 66 isn’t complete without a meal at the Rock Café. There you’ll find Dawn Welch, the café owner and beloved Route 66 personality who inspired the “Cars” character Sally Carrera. Former Walt Disney executive John Lasseter and his crew spent plenty of time at the café while creating the film, and memorabilia from the movie decorates the walls. The menu consists of classic diner fare and German-influenced items like Jägerschnitzel, a tasty dish of fried pork cutlets.

LINCOLN COUNT Y HISTORICAL SOCIET Y MUSEUM OF PIONEER HISTORY, CHANDLER

DAVENPORT Davenport Murals Broadway Ave. & State Highway 66 Jct. (918) 377-2235 Scenes from the town’s past that were inspired by historic photos decorate the welcome sign and downtown buildings. Each was painted by University of Central Oklahoma professor Dr. Bob Palmer and his students. Don’t miss the Route 66 mural that’s painted on the side of the New Era newspaper building.

CHANDLER Route 66 Bowl 920 E. First St. | (405) 258-2695 rt66bowl.com Visitors can bowl, play mini golf or give laser tag a try at this entertainment complex that also has an arcade and a restaurant. A collection of vintage signs lines the walls, and out front, visitors can see the classic Route 66 Bowl sign that once sat along the Mother Road in Oklahoma City.

Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center 400 E. State Highway 66 (405) 258-1300 route66interpretivecenter.org At this unique attraction, you can watch historic videos about Oklahoma’s Route 66 while relaxing in vintage car seats or beds honoring Mother Road motels of ROCK CAFÉ, STROUD

the past. The building itself, a restored WPA-built armory from the 1930s, is also worth a close look. It’s made from thick bricks of local sandstone and was once the home of the local National Guard battery.

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McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery 306 Manvel Ave. (405) 240-7659 mcjerry66.com Jerry McClanahan turned a childhood fascination with Route 66 into a lifelong

marionettes to teach her students in the 1930s. On the second floor, you’ll find a room filled with handmade quilts created by early Lincoln County residents.

passion, creating popular Mother Road guidebooks, maps and even a coloring book. In 2010, he opened his gallery, which showcases his original art and his impressive collection of Route 66 artifacts. McClanahan’s pencil drawings, watercolor and oil paintings highlight a variety of Mother Road scenes.

Lincoln County Historical Society Museum of Pioneer History 717 Manvel Ave. (405) 258-2425 okpioneermuseum.com Spread over three 100-year-old downtown buildings, this museum has diverse collections that include vintage printing equipment, Native American artifacts and works by local artists. Among its most memorable

WELLSTON The Butcher BBQ Stand 3402 W. State Highway 66 (405) 240-3437 butcherbbqstand.com

WARWICK

No cruise through Oklahoma is

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum

barbecue. This stand with indoor

336992 E. State Highway 66 (405) 258-9141 seabastation.com More than 100 bikes dating back as far as 1909 fill this old DX gas station, including two used in the 2011 movie “Captain America: The First Avenger.” The museum

complete without a stop (or two) for seating is the perfect location for a quick meal. The ribs, brisket and burnt ends — pretty much everything on the menu, really — are nothing short of amazing. The folks there even throw in a Twinkie for dessert! They’re only open Friday through Sunday and sometimes sell out, so get there early.

also has tons of vintage toys and Route 66 memorabilia. Out back is a bonus attraction: a rock structure said to have been the first plumbed outhouse west of the Mississippi. No one’s sure how to go about proving that little detail, so you’ll just have to take their word for it.

THE BUTCHER BBQ STAND, WELL STON

features are a marionette exhibit and puppet theater. They pay homage to a local teacher who created many of the

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 ROUTE 66 BOWL , CHANDLER

LUTHER

Paul McCartney Sign

Threatt Filling Station

In 2008, Paul McCartney and future

State Highway 66 and N. Pottawatomie Rd. nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66 Built in 1915, this gas station is believed to have been the first black-owned business along Route 66. It offered a place where travelers of any race could get a tank of gas, grab a snack or camp on the grounds. While the station has long been closed, you can stop by during daytime hours to look at the historic sandstone building.

ARCADIA John’s OK County 66 13441 E. State Highway 66 (405) 396-2055 You can tour Route 66 without leaving Arcadia at this fun attraction featuring replicas of Mother Road icons. There’s a Bob’s Big Boy, the Twin Arrows from Flagstaff, Ariz., and even Catoosa’s own Blue Whale. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you spy a building with a Volkswagen Beetle sticking out of it — one that looks curiously like Herbie The Love Bug!

Hiwassee Road and Old Highway 66 wife Nancy Shevell cruised through

Arcadia Round Barn 107 E. State Highway 66 (405) 396-0824 arcadiaroundbarn.com

Oklahoma while on a Route 66 road trip

Don’t pass up the chance to see a

to celebrate the Beatles legend’s 66th

unique piece of Mother Road history.

birthday. There were several sightings

Built in 1898 from native bur oak, this

throughout the state, but the folks in

is the only truly round barn on Route

Arcadia were so delighted that Sir Paul

66. Outside are pieces of vintage farm

came through and talked to one of their

equipment, and the lower level is an

own citizens that they put up a sign

eclectic gift shop. It’s the upstairs,

commemorating the occasion.

though, that truly amazes. Make sure

The Chicken Shack 212 E. State Highway 66 (405) 277-5020 Get your chicken fix at this laid-back stop that’s known for its amazing broasted chicken. If you’re ready to get out of the car and relax for a while, you

to get a look at the inside of the domed roof, which has a woven, basket-like appearance.

POPS 660 W. State Highway 66 (405) 927-7677 pops66.com

can enjoy the large backyard seating

Glowing like a beacon in the distance,

area with fire pits, a volleyball net and

POPS’ 66-foot-tall soda pop bottle is

plenty of room for kids to run around.

irresistible to travelers. In fact, it has

There’s also occasionally live music to

become one of the state’s most popular

enjoy. Try some hot wings and crispy

selfie spots. It’s just the start of what

onion rings and enjoy a drink from the

you’ll find at this gas station, diner

big selection of beer on tap.

and soda ranch, though. With more than 700 types of bottled soda, you’re sure to find old childhood favorites. If you’re too overwhelmed by the options, try local favorites Round Barn Root Beer or Triple “AAA” Root Beer.

POPS, ARCADIA

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OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

EDMOND Touch the Clouds E. Second St. This magnificent bronze statue pays tribute to Touch the Clouds, a chief of the Miniconjou people. It was moved to a spot along Route 66 in 2015. Located just west of the University of Central Oklahoma campus, the 20-foot-tall piece is the work of internationally known sculptor Dave McGary and previously stood outside the Houston Astrodome.

Edmond History Museum 431 S. Boulevard Ave. (405) 340-0078 edmondhistory.org Learn about Edmond’s past at this free museum housed in a 1936 structure built of native sandstone by the Works Progress Administration. Kids will love the hands-on play areas at the Children’s Learning Center, which features a miniature town set in 1889. There’s even a great playground nearby.

Blue Hippo 1129 S. Broadway Ave. (405) 340-0078 Not much seems to be known about the origin of this longtime Edmond resident, but the giant fiberglass hippopotamus picked up the nickname “Happy” somewhere along the way. Back in his younger days, the local kids would sometimes relocate him as a prank, but he’s pretty sedentary these days. You’ll find him sitting right off the street in downtown Edmond, forever at the ready for a photo op.

elephants in their palatial home at the south end of the grounds. Make sure to check out the rest of Sanctuary Asia, too, a vast environment featuring species like red pandas, Indian rhinos and Komodo dragons.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2020 Remington Pl. (405) 602-3760 sciencemuseumok.org If you’ve got little travelers in your group or you’ve all just been in the car way too long, Science Museum Oklahoma is a great place to get out some of that restless energy. Its 390,000 square feet are filled with interactive activities and

OKLAHOMA CITY National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 N.E. 63rd St. (405) 478-2250 nationalcowboymuseum.org This massive museum is home to a world-class collection of Western art and artifacts, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. While it’s known for its incredible art collection, there’s so much more to see. Highlights include a gallery of firearms and a Western performers gallery that includes John Wayne memorabilia. Outside is Liichokoshkomo’, an experiential learning and play area.

Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden 2000 Remington Pl. (405) 424-3344 okczoo.org See animals in their natural habitats at this beautifully landscaped zoo. You can see the big cats, catch a sea lion show and visit the Asian

spaces for kids to play.

Oklahoma Railway Museum 3400 N.E. Grand Blvd. (405) 424-8222 oklahomarailwaymuseum.org See restored locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses and a historical depot at this free museum. A sleeper car holds exhibits of railroad memorabilia, and there’s a model train exhibit inside a 1927 baggage car. Train rides are available on the first and third Saturday of the month from April through August.

Oklahoma State Capitol 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. (405) 521-6813 TravelOK.com/OklahomaStateCapitol Take a free guided or self-guided tour of this stunning piece of Greco-Roman architecture that recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. You’ll see paintings and statues by Oklahoma artists, and you can get a good look at the intricate interior of the capitol dome that was added in 2002.

NATIONAL COWBOY & WE STERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, OKC

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OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Winchester Drive-In 6930 S. Western Ave. (405) 631-8851 winchesterdrivein.com Pull in to catch a double feature at this single-screen theater, which is typically open from April through October. It opened in 1968, and — other than some projector and sound upgrades — not much has changed since then. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the fabulous neon sign, which features a waving cowboy known as Chester.

Boathouse District 725 S. Lincoln Blvd. (405) 552-4040 boathousedistrict.org Ride Class II to IV rapids in the heart of the city at the district’s whitewater rafting and kayaking facility. Guests eight and older can take a guided rafting trip or go it alone on a kayak, tube or riverboard. There’s also zip-lining, a six-level adventure course and much more to explore. FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM, OKC

Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. okhistory.org

E of Downtown (405) 235-3500 welcometobricktown.com

(405) 522-0765

Take time out from your journey down Route 66 to play

From pre-statehood to Route 66 to the Oklahoma City Thunder and beyond, the Oklahoma History Center tells the story of the state’s history and culture. The center’s Crossroads of Commerce exhibit highlights the economic impact Route 66 had on the state and how Oklahomans capitalized on the Mother Road’s popularity. You can see a replica of the original Love’s gas station signs and a large map highlighting some of Oklahoma’s fun Route 66 stops.

First Americans Museum 659 First Americans Blvd.

(405) 594-2100

famok.org

Experience the collective histories of the 39 tribal nations headquartered in Oklahoma at this incredible facility that opened in 2021. You can explore the media-rich exhibits, view a variety of artifacts and try authentic indigenous cuisine at the museum’s restaurant.

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd. skeletonmuseum.com

(405) 814-0006

At this unusual museum, you can see skeletons of every shape and size — from a tiny shrew to a 40-foot humpback whale. It has more than 800 specimens from around the world on display and five different scavenger hunts to keep visitors engaged. There’s also a gift shop filled with out-ofthe-ordinary items, including real and replica skulls. OKL AHOMA HISTORY CENTER, OKC

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

Bricktown Entertainment District

in this bustling district. You can take a water taxi around the area or watch an Oklahoma City Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions are packed so close, you won’t even have to move the car.

American Banjo Museum 9 E. Sheridan Ave. (405) 604-2793 americanbanjomuseum.com With the largest collection of banjos on public display in the world, this museum is a fascinating slice of Americana. Interactive exhibits follow the banjo’s evolution. Instruments from every era of its history are displayed along with songbooks, sheet music, photographs and other memorabilia.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum 620 N. Harvey Ave. (405) 235-3313 memorialmuseum.com This solemn but beautiful site honors those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever on April 19, 1995, with the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Dedicated to education, the highly interactive museum tells the story of what happened on that morning and

BOATHOUSE DISTRICT, OKC

the subsequent recovery, investigation, trial and justice. You will walk through that morning and see the sights and hear the sounds of what the people in Oklahoma City have worked to overcome. You will hear from investigators, rescuers, survivors and family members who lost loved ones. The museum does require timed ticket reservations, which can be made online.

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave. cheeverscafe.com

(405) 525-7007

During Route 66’s heyday, this stylish Art Deco building served as the Cheever family’s florist shop. These days, it’s home to one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved restaurants. Cheever’s Cafe specializes in comfort food with a contemporary twist. Perhaps the best example — and the perfect entrée for your Route 66 journey — is the café’s take on chicken-fried steak. The hand-breaded cut is served over red-skinned, garlic mashed potatoes and smothered in jalapeño cream gravy.

OKL AHOMA STATE CAPITOL , OKC

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

TOWER THE ATRE, OKC

Tower Theatre 425 N.W. 23rd St. (405) 708-6937 towertheatreokc.com After being dark for several years, the lights are back on literally and figuratively at the Tower Theatre. The neon marquee, an icon of the city’s revitalized Uptown 23rd District, shines brightly each night. Inside, the old movie house has been modernized, hosting movies and concerts frequently. If you can’t work a show into your schedule, you’ll still want to stop by for a look at the marquee and a selfie with the fun robot statue that sits across the street.

Oklahoma City Asian District Classen Blvd. between 23rd St. & 30th St. asiandistrictok.com Route 66 runs through Oklahoma City’s Asian District, which has become known as one of the best places in the country to get pho. The complexly flavored Vietnamese soup is available in and around the district at beloved eateries like Pho Lien Hoa and VII Asian Bistro.

Gold Dome Building 1112 N.W. 23rd St.

TravelOK.com/TheGoldDomeBuilding

You can’t go inside it these days, but you’ve still got to drive by for a look at this unusual landmark. Inspired by the work of innovative architect Buckminster Fuller, the building was constructed in 1958 as one of the first commercial geodesic domes in the world. It was a bank in the early days and has been home to many types of businesses over the years.

Milk Bottle Building 2426 N. Classen Blvd.

nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66

Squeezed onto a tiny piece of land on a busy city thoroughfare, this tiny brick building has been around since 1930. It was around 1948, though, when its crowning glory was added: a giant metal milk bottle perched on top. Over the years, the bottle has been painted to advertise various dairy businesses (most recently, Braum’s).

Route 66 Park 9901 N.W. 23rd St.

(405) 297-2211

okc.gov/parks

Stop to stretch your legs at this lovely park along the shores of Lake Overholser. There’s a playground with a huge jungle gym for the kids, several small ponds and a skate park. Visit the plaza, where an oversized map traces Route 66 across the country, then climb to the top of the Cyrus Avery Observation Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the park and lake.

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Indoor Range • Traditional Pro Shop

• 8,000 sq ft indoor range • group & individual instruction • birthday parties • leagues & tournaments • all bow types welcome

ArcheryTraditionsOK.com

405-350-1100

LARGEST SCALE MODEL TRAIN IN YUKON!

Route66TrainTown.com 328 Elm Ave., Yukon 405-350-1100 OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

WARR ACRES

the flavorful peppers. You’ll find New Mexican favorites like

Tim’s Drive Inn

dessert, there’s sweet-and-spicy green chile apple pie.

5037 N. MacArthur Blvd. (405) 789-5410 TravelOK.com/TimsDriveInn Made with thick fry bread, Indian tacos are an Oklahoma favorite. You can grab one to go at this drive-in, a Warr Acres mainstay that’s also known for its tasty, old-fashioned hamburgers, foot-long chili dogs and shakes.

green chile stew, carne adovada and Frito pie. And for It’s served à la mode with a red chile honey drizzle.

The Lokal Yukon 10 W. Main St. (405) 494-9870 thelokalyukon.com Try “modern Okie cuisine” right on the Mother Road. The Lokal Yukon specializes in Oklahoma favorites with a twist — like the fried deviled eggs, a perfectly crispy treat

BETHANY

filled with a relished mustard mix. For the main course,

Stray Dog Cafe

chops topped with blueberry bourbon barbecue sauce.

6722 N.W. 39th Expy. (405) 470-3747 TravelOK.com/StrayDogCafe Each meal starts with a complimentary bowl of popcorn at this fun downtown spot. It’s always hopping, and the tasty burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs make it easy to see why. The hearty, three-egg omelets are popular with the breakfast crowds, as are the fresh-made cinnamon rolls that are available on Saturday mornings.

YUKON Green Chile Kitchen Route 66 12 E. Main St. (405) 265-4346 greenchilekitchen.com While green and red chiles might be expected further west on Route 66, this Yukon eatery makes excellent use of

there’s bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf or bone-in pork

Yukon Historical Museum 110 N. Third St. (405) 514-7896 TravelOK.com/YukonHistoricalMuseum The city of Yukon has quite the history. It has a rich Czech heritage, a spot on Route 66 and the Chisholm Trail, and a mega-famous former resident in country music star Garth Brooks. Learn more about it at this free museum, part of which is located in three railroad cars on Route 66.

Route 66 Train Town & Archery Traditions of Oklahoma 328 Elm Ave. (405) 350-1100 route66traintown.com Immerse yourself in the world of model trains at this unique attraction that features a large, O-scale layout with a Route 66 theme. Among the buildings are a retro service station, Dairy Queen, Piggly Wiggly grocery store and even a tiny Route 66 museum. The building is also home to an archery range and pro shop that offers classes and rental equipment.

Yukon Veterans Museum 1010 W. Main St. (405) 517-1901 TravelOK.com/YukonVeteransMuseum Learn the personal stories of men and women who fought for America’s freedom at this museum. It’s packed with uniforms, flags and other gear, much of which was donated by local veterans and their families. There’s something from every branch of the military, and the artifacts date as far back as the Civil War.

EL RENO MOTHER ROAD MONUMENT

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

Express Clydesdales 12701 W. Wilshire Blvd. expressclydesdales.com

(405) 350-6404

With hooves the size of dinner plates, the massive, powerful Clydesdale is one of the most aweinspiring horse breeds on earth. You can meet these gentle giants at their historic home, a barn built in 1936 and restored by Amish carpenters in 1998. These aren’t just any Clydesdales, though. They’ve been named world champions, marched in the Tournament of Roses and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades and chauffeured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to Calgary.

EL RENO Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys 301 S. Rock Island Ave. johnnieselreno.com

(405) 262-4721

El Reno has long been known for its fried onion burgers, which feature fresh beef patties with caramelized onions smashed in for extra flavor. Johnnie’s, which opened in 1946, is one of a triumvirate of the town’s top-notch burger joints. If you’re not in a burger mood, Johnnie’s is also known for its hot dogs. The most popular iteration is covered in meaty chili and sweet, mustard-and-pickle-based slaw.

E XPRE SS CLYDE SDALE S, Y UKON

El Reno Mother Road Monument W. Wade St. and S. Choctaw Ave. (405) 262-4070 elrenook.gov/visit In 2018, the City of El Reno added a 10-foot, threedimensional Route 66 sign that has made downtown

Robert’s Grill

a premier photo-op destination. The number 66 on

300 S. Bickford Ave. (405) 262-1262 TravelOK.com/RobertsGrill In business since 1926, Robert’s Grill is the eldest of El Reno’s fried onion burger joints. It’s light on seating but heavy on flavor. Snag a seat at the 14-stool lunch counter to see the onion burger-making process up close. The folks

the sign is cut out, leaving room for visitors to sit inside, and there’s a caboose parked behind it.

Canadian County Historical Museum 300 S. Grand Ave. (405) 262-5121 canadiancountymuseum.com

at Robert’s also cook up a mean batch of chili. You can order

Take a walk through history at this museum complex made

a bowl or get it on your burger, coney, tater tots or fries.

up of restored historic buildings. The two-story El Reno Hotel, built in 1892, and Rock Island Depot, constructed in

Sid’s Diner 300 S. Choctaw Ave. sidsdinerok.com

1907, are now home to exhibits and artifacts. There’s also

(405) 262-7757

the first Mennonite church in Oklahoma Territory, built in 1893. And revisit pioneer history in the one-room Possum

If you’re a fan of television food shows, you might be

Holler School. You can even ride around downtown on the

familiar with Sid’s Diner, whose juicy onion burgers have

Heritage Express Trolley, a restored 1924 Brill Motor Car.

appeared on Food Network’s “Top 5 Restaurants” and Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.” You’ll want to partake of a burger, of course. But don’t miss out on the tasty fries — served

Guardian of the Mother Road Mural 2418 Sunset Dr.

TravelOK.com/GuardianOfTheMotherRoad

in portions big enough to split — and thick milkshakes

Just off the Mother Road on the west side of El Reno,

made out of real ice cream. (The chocolate-peanut

you’ll find a vibrant, 50-foot mural. It’s painted on an

butter shake comes highly recommended.)

old cinderblock wall that once served as the screen for a drive-in theater. Designed by Oklahoma City-based multimedia artist Rick Sinnett, the mural features the Oklahoma state bird, the scissortail flycatcher.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Historic Fort Reno

Muffler Men Mural

7107 W. Cheyenne St.

(405) 262-3987

fortreno.org

State Highway 66, Calumet

TravelOK.com/MufflerMenMural

Soak in the varied and fascinating history of this fort

Large, fiberglass sculptures that have come to be known as

established in 1874 to facilitate relations with the Cheyenne

Muffler Men have long been popular roadside attractions on

and Arapaho tribes. Stop at the visitor center and museum to

Route 66. In 2019, a set of cutout Muffler Men paintings by

see vintage weapons and art. You’ll also want to make time

California-based artist John Cerney and collaborator Scott

to tour the beautiful historic district that includes the Post

Farmer were installed right along the highway. You can stop

Cemetery and Post Chapel. A visitor favorite, the stunning

for a selfie with these three 18-foot-tall, two-dimensional

chapel was built by prisoners of war kept at the fort in the

characters, which include popular Muffler Men Paul Bunyan

1940s. Finally, check out the nearby US Cavalry Association

and the Uniroyal Gal plus a dancing gas station attendant.

Museum, occupying officers’ quarters dating to 1876.

CALUMET

GEARY

Cherokee Trading Post, Travel Mart & Restaurant

Pony Bridge

301 S. Walbaum Rd.

(405) 884-2502

U.S. Highway 281 cherokeetrade.com

Stunning Native American jewelry, handcrafted pottery and Pendleton blankets are among the treasures you’ll find at this store that opened in 1963. With a travel mart and a restaurant, the complex is truly a one-stop shop. At Cherokee Restaurant, you can enjoy classic diner food along with Oklahoma favorites like Indian tacos and buffalo

TravelOK.com/PonyBridge

Its official name is the William H. Murray Bridge, but this distinct bridge spanning the South Canadian River has long been known as Pony Bridge. Why? Because it was built using pony trusses which don’t connect at the top. At 3,944 feet, it’s the longest bridge on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66. It even made a brief appearance in the 1939 film “The Grapes of Wrath.”

burgers. For dessert, there’s coconut cream pie or one of the massive cinnamon rolls.

PONY BRIDGE, GE ARY

PLANNING A SIDE TRIP Want to explore more of the state during your Route 66 journey? Check out these nearby Central Oklahoma destinations. 20 MINUTES AWAY

Guthrie

Stroll Oklahoma’s territorial capital to see charming, Victorian-era architecture.

(405) 282-0190 | guthrieok.com 30 MINUTES AWAY

University of Oklahoma, Norman

MARL AND MANSION & E STATE, PONCA CIT Y 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES AWAY

Marland Mansion & Estate, Ponca City

Explore the OU campus, which is home to museums

Tour the palatial former home of oil baron E.W. Marland, who

dedicated to art and natural history.

was elected governor in 1934.

(405) T R|Aou.edu VELOK.COM/ROUTE66 46 325-0311

(580) 765-4400 | visitponcacity.com

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

WE ATHERFORD WIND ENERGY CENTER BLACK KETTLE NATIONAL GRASSLAND WASHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FOSS STATE PARK

ELK CITY

TEXOLA

SAYRE

FOSS CANUTE

CLINTON

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM

HYDRO

LUCILLE’S SERVICE STATION

WEATHERFORD

NATIONAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM COMPLEX

FORT COBB STATE PARK

ERICK

Western Stretch GREAT PLAINS STATE PARK WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE

The shortgrass prairie lands of Western Oklahoma are home to many slices of Route 66 history. While driving this stretch of the highway, you can see fascinating museums, historic trading posts and plenty of the wide-open spaces that are an important part of the Mother Road’s mystique. OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

RED ROCK CANYON ADVENTURE PARK, HINTON

HINTON Hinton Historical Museum & Parker House 801 S. Broadway Ave.

(405) 542-3181

Learn about how area residents have lived from the 1800s on at this museum that features collections of horse carriages, barbed wire, washing machines, bicycles and other everyday items. The Parker House, which is right next door, is a twostory pink farmhouse that’s filled with historical items.

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park 116 Red Rock Canyon Rd. (405) 542-6344 redrockcanyonadventurepark.com Rugged red canyon walls frame this picturesque park where you can hike, fish and camp. If you explore the California Road Trail, you can see wagon wheel ruts made by travelers heading to California in search of gold in the 1840s and 1850s. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of yellow, burnt orange and red. There are full-hookup and semi-modern RV campsites along with plenty of tent campsites available.

HYDRO Nutopia at Deer Creek Market 109 W. Main St., Hydro (405) 663-2354 nutopianutsandmore.com First formed in 1942 as Johnson Peanut Company, Nutopia is a beacon for travelers suffering from the munchies. Choose from products featuring peanuts and other nuts along with candies, canned foods, chocolates and other goodies. It’s located inside a local grocery store, making it easy to grab all your road-trip snacks at once.

LUCILLE’S ROADHOUSE, WE ATHERFORD

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Lucille’s Service Station State Highway 66

Stafford Air & Space Museum

TravelOK.com/LucillesServiceStation

This 1920s-era, two-story gas station was once

3000 Logan Rd. (580) 772-5871 staffordmuseum.org

the domain of Lucille Hamons, who ran it for nearly

This Smithsonian-affiliated institution is named in honor of

60 years. Hamons’ longevity and kindness to travelers

Weatherford native and NASA astronaut, Lt. Gen. Thomas P.

earned her the title “Mother of the Mother Road.” You

Stafford, a veteran of the Project Gemini and Apollo space

can’t go inside these days, but you can stop for a look

programs. Its artifacts range from the days of mankind’s

around and a photo with the distinctive building.

first flights to the manned spaceflight programs of the “Space Race” era to the future of aerospace. Artifacts

WEATHERFORD

include an F-16 “Fighting Falcon,” the shuttle simulator

P Bar Farms Corn Maze

Titan II rocket, a moon rock brought to Earth by the crew

1002 Old 66 Rd.

(405) 556-1069

used to train all 135 shuttle program crews, a 10-story

pbarfarms.com

This farm is the place to be in the fall. It’s home to one of the oldest corn mazes in Oklahoma. During October, part of the maze is “haunted” after dark. (It’s not too terrifying, but if you’ve got little ones, it’s probably best to visit during the daytime hours.) There’s also a petting zoo, wagon train ride, a hayride to a pumpkin patch and a farmyard full of other fun activities. For those who want to experience a little slice of life on the farm, there is also a two-bedroom farmhouse available for rent year-round.

of Apollo 17 and Stafford’s Gemini VI spacecraft.

Heartland of America Museum 1600 S. Frontage Rd. (580) 774-2212 oklahomaheartlandmuseum.com Learn about life in the heartland throughout the 19th and 20th centuries at this unique museum. Some rooms are set up to replicate community staples like a doctor’s office and general store. Others reflect themes from family life like travel and daily chores. Outside, you’ll find three historic buildings, including a Route 66 diner where Elvis Presley ate three times.

Lucille’s Roadhouse 1301 N. Airport Rd. (580) 772-8808 lucillesroadhouse.com Stop for classic Route 66 fare like burgers and chickenfried steak at this retro-cool restaurant whose exterior stands in homage to nearby Lucille’s Service Station.

OKL AHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, CLINTON

Choose one of three uniquely styled rooms to dine in: the old-school diner, the classic steakhouse or the laidback lounge. Each has its own charm, but the diner’s flashy Route 66 graphics provide the best selfie-snapping material.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Weatherford Wind Energy Center 522 W. Rainey Ave. (580) 772-7451 cityofweatherford.com

McLain Rogers Park & Historic Amphitheater S. 10th St. & Jaycee Ln. clintonok.gov

(580) 323-4572

As you drive through western Oklahoma, you’ll often

During the 1930s, new facilities sprang up around the

see giant wind turbines, their blades turning rapidly

state, built by employees of the public works programs

in the powerful prairie wind. If you’ve ever wanted a

created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

closer look, stop by this park, which has a turbine blade

With its art deco entrance sign, outdoor amphitheater

on display. (Not to ruin the suspense, but it turns out

and other historic structures, the park is an excellent

they’re a LOT bigger than they look from a distance.)

example of the carefully crafted pieces those laborers produced. While you’re there, play a round of miniature golf on the fun, Route 66-themed course.

CLINTON Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet 23107 N. Frontage Rd. cherokeegifts.com

(580) 323-0001

Established in 1967, this Route 66 stalwart has long been known for its ample supply of American Indian jewelry, art and other collectibles. There’s also a big selection of Route 66 memorabilia and cowboy boots of every shape and color. While you’re there, check out the area just east of the building to see bison grazing in a field.

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum 2229 W. Gary Blvd.

with goodies, this museum is all you dreamed it would be. The chronologically ordered exhibits lead you through the history of the Mother Road, and tunes from each era are pumped through speakers as you walk through. There are tons of selfie-ready spots, and few can resist stopping to pose “behind the wheel” of the red convertible Corvette photo op. There’s also a huge gift shop full of Route 66 souvenirs.

(580) 323-6922

It’s hard to imagine a Route 66 restaurant with better ambiance than this little spot on a hill just north of the highway. The 1925-era building — a former golf course clubhouse — is made of brick and native red sandstone. It was renovated without losing any of its old-school charm, and the view of the western Oklahoma prairie literally stretches for miles. The menu is carefully curated, as are the delicious cheeseboard appetizers. Grilled steaks and other meats make up most of the tasty entrées. The restaurant is open for dinner only Wednesday through Saturday, and reservations are recommended.

Route66 Café at the Market 301 W. Gary Blvd.

(580) 445-7008

Breakfast is on the menu all day long as this restaurant that specializes in classic Southern cooking. Fried catfish, chicken-fried steak and biscuits and gravy are among the biggest sellers, as are the delicious homemade desserts.

Café Clinton 502 Frisco Ave.

(580) 323-2289

At this downtown café, you can enjoy housemade soups, sandwiches, quiches and some scrumptious pies for dessert. There’s an adjoining gift shop with home décor and seasonal items.

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

route66.org

With classic cars, a retro diner scene and a gift shop loaded

White Dog Hill Restaurant 22901 N. State Highway 66 whitedoghill.com

(580) 323-7866

CAFÉ CLINTON, CLINTON

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

PLANNING A SIDE TRIP Want to explore more of the state during your Route 66 journey? Check out these nearby Western Oklahoma destinations. 55 MIN AWAY

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Cheyenne

Tour the site of George Armstrong Custer’s 1868 massacre of a Southern Cheyenne village.

(580) 497-2742 | nps.gov/waba 40 MIN AWAY

FORT COBB STATE PARK, FORT COBB

Fort Cobb State Park, Fort Cobb

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Cache

1 HR, 10 MIN AWAY

Spend a few nights relaxing in this lakeside park’s

Watch for bison and longhorns as you drive through this

spacious cabins.

breathtaking, 59,000-acre span.

(405) 643-2249 | TravelOK.com/FortCobb

(580) 429-3222 | fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains

Jigg’s Smokehouse 22203 N. Frontage Rd. jiggssmokehouse.com

(580) 323-5641

Folks come from far and wide to dine on — and snap a selfie with — the Wooly Burger. While the two-pound, big-as-your-head ham and sausage sandwich might be Jigg’s most photographed item, their most popular sandwich is actually the BBQ Beef. It’s filled with tender beef brisket doused with Jigg’s tasty sauce. While you’re there, stock up on the ultimate road trip food: beef jerky.

FOSS Foss State Park 10252 State Highway 44 TravelOK.com/Foss

(580) 592-4433

If you’re ready to get off the road and spend some time in nature, head to this oasis. The unique state park is a true showcase of Oklahoma’s diverse terrain. In one spot, you’ll find Foss Lake and its sandy swim beach with thatched-roof palapas. In others, wooded areas provide great cover for a leisurely hike or trail ride. If you’re traveling in an RV, the park has plenty of peaceful campsites, including many overlooking the lake.

CANUTE Cotton Boll Motel Sign 605 State Highway 66 The small town of Canute was once a popular Route 66 stop that was home to several gas stations and motels. The Cotton Boll Motel has been turned into a private residence, and while its classic sign no longer glows with neon, you can still see it as you pass by.

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

FOSS STATE PARK, FOSS

ELK CITY

66 Sweet Spot

Country Dove Gift & Tea Room

This place specializes in sugar-filled goodies that make it

207 N. Randall Ave.

610 W. Third St. (580) 225-7028 TravelOK.com/CountryDove Stop for a sandwich and soup at this charming lunch spot in a converted two-story house. Each meal is accompanied by a square of lemon pear Jell-O salad, a creamy concoction that has piqued many a traveler’s curiosity. (No, they won’t give up the recipe, though many have asked.) The friendly folks and lace-trimmed decor will make you feel right at home, and the light, fluffy French silk pie will leave you wanting more. The store sells a little bit of everything, from candles to books to arts and crafts.

(580) 225-6969

more than worthy of such an indulgent name. The doughnuts and savory kolaches draw quite a morning crowd, but there’s also an array of treats that are perfect for hot summer days, including ice cream, gelato and snow cones. The shop is known for the Salt Frog snow cone, which is flavored with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and salt.

National Route 66 Museum Complex 2717 W. Third St. visitelkcity.com

(580) 225-6266

With what is believed to be the world’s largest Route 66 sign out front, this complex is hard to miss. After posing for your sign selfie, you’ll also want to snap one with Myrtle the Kachina

NATIONAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM COMPLE X

doll. Made of oil drums and scrap metal, 14-foot-tall Myrtle has resided along Route 66 since 1962. The museum uses murals and memorabilia to tell the story of the Mother Road in each of the eight states it runs through. The complex is home to a total of five museums, all included in one ticket price. The others are the Transportation Museum, Old Town Museum, Farm & Ranch Museum and Blacksmith Museum.

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

BECKHAM COUNT Y COURTHOUSE, SAYRE

ERICK Roger Miller Mural 101 S. Sheb Wooley St. This mural honors Roger Miller with five lifelike images of the legendary musician. Miller, who grew up in Erick, was an 11-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall

building even got some screen time as a backdrop during the Joad family’s journey west in the 1940 movie “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Gallery @ 112 112 W. Main St. (580) 928-0002 riversedgeartssociety.weebly.com

of Fame member who wrote and performed country-

Pop into this gallery to see works from western Oklahoma artists. All

pop hits like “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.” Miller

of the pieces are for sale, along with a selection of art supplies and

wrote music and lyrics for the Tony-award-winning

books. The gallery also offers frequent painting nights and art classes.

Broadway hit “Big River.” He also voiced the rooster Allan-a-Dale in the Disney animated classic “Robin Hood”, for which he wrote and performed three songs.

SAYRE Beckham County Courthouse 104 S. Third St. (580) 928-2457 beckham.okcounties.org This courthouse features a blend of neoclassical and Renaissance Revival architectures, and it’s one of the few domed courthouses in the state. Built in 1911, it’s been a hub of activity in the town for more than a century. The

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

GALLERY @112, SAYRE

The Cottage & Splurge

2 Stores, 1 Shopping Experience in the

of Bethany THE COTTAGE 405-603-7493 Thecottageinbethany 3921 N College Ave, Bethany, OK 73008

SPLURGE 405-789-9020 Splurge.com SplurgeBasketsofLove 3915 N College Ave, Bethany, OK 73008

Almost 6,000 sq ft to shop!!!

4 Unique Retreats Just Off Route 66 Foss Lake Tiny Cabins

H one y C Grand reek Area at Lake C amps ite

Route 66 brims with iconic sights to see and ways to stay, especially in Oklahoma State Parks. If you’re looking for a

N Roman

ge ose L od

snug, accessible nook, book a cozy tiny cabin at Foss — one of the two is fully ADA compliant! Prefer drifting off to the hum of cicadas? Reserve a campsite in the Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake. But if you like scenery with a side of luxury, the renovated Roman Nose Lodge can deliver. And for the best of both worlds, try a wall tent at Osage Hills. You’ll get the soundtrack of camping … without the setup!

Find your home away from home.

Browse and book lodging at TravelOK.com/Parks. 58

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

Osage Hills Wall Tents

CITY LISTINGS

Foyil Town Hall

Sayre Chamber of Commerce

12302 Andy Payne Blvd., Claremore (918) 342-9525

(580) 928-3386 sayrechamber.org

Town of Afton

Clinton Chamber of Commerce

Geary City Hall

Stroud City Hall

201 S. First St., Afton (918) 257-4304

101 S. Fourth St., Clinton (580) 323-2222 clintonok.org

115 S. Broadway, Geary (405) 884-5466 cityofgeary.com

220 W. Second St., Stroud (918) 968-2571 cityofstroud.org

Commerce City Hall

Hydro City Hall

Visit Tulsa

618 Commerce Ave., Commerce (918) 675-4373 commerceokla.com

129 W. Main St., Hydro (405) 663-2531

1 W. Third St. Ste. 100, Tulsa (918) 585-1201 visittulsa.com

Davenport Chamber of Commerce

108 S. Main St., Luther (405) 277-3833 townoflutherok.com

Town of Arcadia 217 N. Main St., Arcadia (405) 396-2899 townofarcadia.com

Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber 6644 NW 39th Expy., Bethany (405) 789-1256 nwokc.com

City of Bristow

223 Broadway, Davenport (918) 377-2241 davenportok.org

Luther Town Hall

Visit Miami OK CVB 111 N. Main St., Miami (918) 542-4435 visitmiamiok.com

110 W. Seventh Ave, Bristow (918) 367-2237 cityofbristowok.org

Depew Town Hall

Calumet Town Hall

Visit Edmond

118 W. Second St., Calumet (405) 893-2323 townofcalumetok.com

2901 Conference Dr., Edmond (405) 341-4344 visitedmondok.com

20 N. Eight Tribes Trl., Miami (918) 542-9303

Canute City Hall

El Reno Chamber

604 State Highway 66, Canute (580) 472-3111

206 N. Bickford Ave., El Reno (405) 262-1188 elrenochamber.com

123 Park Ave., Oklahoma City (405) 297-8912 visitokc.com

Catoosa Chamber of Commerce 650 S. Cherokee St., Catoosa (918) 266-6042 catoosachamber.org

Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce

405 Main St., Depew (918) 324-5251

Elk City Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau 102 S. Main St., Elk City (580) 225-0207 elkcitychamber.com

400 E. State Highway 66, Chandler (405) 258-0673 chandlerareachamberok.com

City of Erick

Visit Claremore

Erick Tourism Information Center

400 S. Veterans Pkwy., Claremore (918) 341-8688 visitclaremore.com

206 Sheb Wooley Ave., Erick (580) 526-3924

17672 E. I-40, Erick (580) 526-3283

Foss City Hall 200 N. Broadway St., Foss (580) 592-4513

Miami Tourism Information Center

Visit Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Tourism Information Center 12229 N. I-35 Service Rd., Oklahoma City (405) 478-4637

State Capitol Tourism Information Center 2300 N. Lincoln Ave., Oklahoma City (405) 521-3356

Quapaw City Hall 410 Main St., Quapaw (918) 674-2525

Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce

Town of Verdigris 25757 S. State Highway 66, Claremore (918) 379-0142 townofverdigris.com

Vinita City Hall 104 E. Illinois Ave., Vinita (918) 256-6468 cityofvinita.com

Warr Acres City Hall 4301 N. Ann Arbor Ave., Oklahoma City (405) 789-2892 warracres-ok.gov

Weatherford Chamber of Commerce 210 W. Main St., Weatherford (580) 772-7744 weatherfordchamber.com

Wellston Town Hall 211 Cedar St., Wellston (405) 356-2476 wellstonok.gov

Yukon Chamber of Commerce 10 W. Main St. Ste. 130, Yukon (405) 354-3567 yukoncc.com

Oklahoma Route 66 Association (405) 258-0008 oklahomaroute66.com

101 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa (918) 224-0170 sapulpachamber.com

ELK CIT Y, OK

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

seum Gift Sh Mu e o re

BristowHistory.org

inside Deer Creek Market 109 W Main Street Hydro, OK 73048

11 Miles of Tape Tunnels Ahead 405-663-2354 NutopiaNutsAndMore.com

Gallery @ 112 Art Gallery and Studios

visit us in yukon.

112 W. Main St. Sayre, OK

Black Wall St. History Center 23 N. Greenwood Ave. Tulsa, OK GreenwoodRising.org

580-928-0002 Hours: Mon - Thur 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Closed Sundays

3123 Riverside Drive Tulsa, OK Discoverylab.org | 918.295.8144

12 e main st. greenchilekitchen.com 405-265-4346

Meadow Lake Ranch Premium Fishing Bed & Breakfast Boating/Kayak Dude Ranch Call To Reserve 918-494-6000

meadowlakeranch.com

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

DO GOOD x EAT WELL x SHOP LOCAL

MOTHERROADMARKET.COM

homa's Hid e Okla den c n e i Ge r pe

RedRockCanyonAdventurePark.com

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 PASSPORT Add even more fun to your Mother Road trip with the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport. Collect digital stamps at 66 stops on the highway to earn great prizes. Download the TravelOK app from the App Store or Google Play Store to get started.

OPEN EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WWW.THEOUTSIDERSHOUSE.COM

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

ADVERTISER INDEX Adventure District........................................ 33 Archery Traditions of Oklahoma.................. 37 Bristow Historical Museum......................... 54 Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center....... 54 City of Commerce......................................... 54 D.W. Correll Museum................................... 54 Deer Creek Market & Nutopia..................... 54 Discovery Lab................................................ 54 Gallery @112.................................................. 54 Green Chile Kitchen...................................... 54 Greenwood Rising......................................... 54 Heart of Rt 66 Auto Museum........................ 54

Meadow Lake Ranch..................................... 54 Mother Road Market..................................... 54 Oklahoma State Parks.................................. 52 POPS.............................................................. 41 Red Rock Canyon.......................................... 55 See Sapulpa.................................................. 25 Stafford Air & Space Museum..................... 47 The Butcher BBQ Stand................................ 55 The Campbell Hotel and Event Center........ 55 The Church Studios...................................... 55 The Cottage................................................... 51 The Lookout Kitchen....................................... 5

The Outsiders House Museum..................... 55 The Rink Gallery........................................... 55 TravelOK.com................................................ 21 Visit Broken Arrow....................................... 55 Visit Claremore............................................. 11 Visit Edmond................................................. 31 Visit Miami OK............................................... 55 Visit Tulsa...........................................15, 16, 17 Weatherford Chamber of Commerce...................Inside front cover

READ UP ON OKLAHOMA While Route 66 runs right through the heart of Oklahoma, there’s much more to see and do around the state. To learn more about all Oklahoma has to offer, check out the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department’s other free print and digital publications, including the Oklahoma Travel Guide and Oklahoma Motorcycle Guide. The guides are available at Tourism Information Centers, Oklahoma State Parks and many tourist attractions and accommodations throughout the state. At TravelOK.com/Brochures, you can view digital versions of the department’s publications and have copies of select guides shipped to your home free of charge. More than 70 other free brochures, guides and maps are also available, including many that feature Route 66 cities and attractions. If you don’t have Internet access, you can call (800) 652-6552 to order.

WHERE TO STAY ALONG ROUTE 66 Whether your Route 66 dreams involve a luxury hotel or a classic motor court, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and budget in Oklahoma. If you’re imagining one of those iconic Mother Road motels with a colorful neon sign, you’re in luck. Several towns boast revitalized motor inns with updated rooms and selfie-worthy signs. To find the perfect place to stay on your Route 66 adventure, visit TravelOK.com/Lodging. If you’re traveling in an RV or prefer tent camping, there are several Oklahoma State Parks near Route 66 with spacious campsites and other great amenities. To find out more about Oklahoma State Parks, visit TravelOK.com/Parks.

TRAVELOK.COM/ROUTE66

OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66