Get your kicks on more than 400 miles of Route 66 in Oklahoma. The nation's longest driveable stretch of Route 66 cuts through Oklahoma, making its way past charming towns, roadside diners and quirky attractions. Experience Oklahoma City, Tulsa and authentic hometowns along the Mother Road where you'll meet friendly people and find unique shopping and dining opportunities.
There are dozens of places to see and visit along Route 66 across Oklahoma.
Experience Miami, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and authentic hometowns along the Mother Road where you'll meet friendly people and find unique shopping and dining opportunities.
Several state-of-the-art museums pay tribute to America's Main Street including the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, the National Transportation and Route 66 Museum in Elk City and the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler. And while in Oklahoma City, we recommend a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum downtown ... it is a sobering experience.
Along the way you will still find quaint service stations, diners, motels and other structures dating from those earlier times on Route 66.
Now let's head west on The Mother Road, where we will make stops at these 26 locations on Route 66 in Oklahoma, starting at Quapaw and ending at Erick near Texas
Is a family-friendly restaurant located on both the historic Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway in Vinita, Oklahoma. The restaurant offers daily specials, great prices, and delicious food that you won’t find anywhere else in northeastern Oklahoma. Visit them and enjoy comfort foods while experiencing all the cafe has to offer.
Barely a block off of historic Route 66 in Chandler, McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery offers visitors an artful, seven-decade glimpse of roadside Americana. Seeing Route 66 as a 2448-mile puzzle and archeological dig, gallery owner, author and artist Jerry McClanahan greets visitors from around the world at his one-of-a-kind gallery. You'll find a variety of artistic postcards, coloring books, prints and paintings of both famous and obscure Route 66 scenes available in this small-town shop.
Jerry discovered Route 66 on summer sojourns down "The Main Street of America" as a child, and over the years his fascination with the Mother Road grew. Inspired by the majestic and mysterious West, a wonderland of mountains and mesas, cowboys and Indians, neon signs and gaudy billboards, Jerry loves promoting small-town America. See his impressive Route 66 roadside marvel art, and be sure to bring your copy of the "Map Series" or "EZ 66 Guide" for an autograph while you're there. The gallery is not open any set hours, so call ahead to schedule your visit or just drop in and try your luck.
The Meadow Gold Mack Outpost in Tulsa is hard to miss, thanks to Mack the Friendly Lumberjack. This 20-foot-tall Muffler Man giant that was built in the 60's, and was added to help promote the Meadow Gold District as well as the Outpost. Inside the Outpost you will find over 35 different artists and vendors anywhere from vintage, vinyl, books, tees, ice cream and more.
Mack the Friendly Lumberjack is joined on the block by 21-ft tall Buck Atom Muffler Man and 19-ft tall Stella Atom, a Uniroyal Gal. They are now calling this area the "Land of the Giants." Mack's previous home was in front of a lumber shop in Crystal Lake, IL. Come take your photo's with Mack the Friendly Lumberjack and shop over 35 local artists and vendors from Oklahoma and surrounding areas.
The state's official showcase of Route 66, operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, offers visitors a spirited tour of pure Americana in Clinton. Focusing on transportation and the complete history of Route 66, exhibits at this museum begin with "the world's largest curio cabinet" offering special treasures collected from along the route. Each exhibit room is flavored by the legendary music in keeping with its particular theme, like "Will Rogers Highway" by native son Woody Guthrie and the Eagles' "Hotel California."
Along the way, visitors will see vehicles and hear music while experiencing the history and culture of each decade concerning road construction, transportation, lodging, restaurants, garages, curio shops, attractions and other artifacts, graphics and videos. At the end of their trip down the "Main Street of America," visitors catch their breath in the theater before stopping in the "Curio" gift shop with its wide selection of signs, books, videos, clothing, toys, games and other mementos.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa has become a beloved historic landmark along Route 66. The Blue Whale was originally built by Hugh S. Davis, a zoologist and family man who envisioned the whale as a special place where his grandchildren could play and swim in the nearby pond. His sketches of the mammal grew until they reached 20 feet tall and 80 feet long. With the help of a friend, Harold Thomas, the duo spent two years welding the metal framework and applying the hand-mixed cement, one five-gallon bucket at a time.
After the whale's completion in July 1972, it attracted visitors from all over and became a place where people swam, fished and picnicked. It is still owned and operated by Davis' daughter, though swimming is no longer available. Over the years, there have been many efforts to refurbish the whale with new paint and facilities.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to the Blue Whale for a fun-filled day of fishing. This quirky attraction also has seasonal restroom facilities. Explore the different angles of this jovial concrete mammal and you'll find a small ladder leading into a secret compartment in the whale's head. This area has been a family favorite for generations and continues to be a must-see for any traveler on Route 66.
The Elk City Museum Complex comprises five unique museums that offer a snapshot of pioneer and Route 66 history. The Old Town Museum, housed in a spacious territorial-era residence, features numerous displays that relate the social and economic progress of western Oklahoma. The National Route 66 Museum centers on the Mother Road, and the Farm and Ranch Museum contains early day farming equipment. The National Transportation Museum takes visitors through each of the eight states Route 66 runs through, and the Blacksmith Museum showcases how metal objects are made.
Explore an opera house, chapel, doctor's office, rock schoolhouse, grist mill, two sections of buildings housing replicas of early day Elk City businesses, a depot complete with a miniature train and a replica of Elk City as it was in the 1950s. Visitors will also enjoy a life-size buffalo and longhorn handcrafted in iron by a local Elk City resident
The Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park is a Route 66 icon and home of "The World's Largest Concrete Totem Pole." One of Oklahoma's landmarks, it has been featured in several important articles and books on environmental folk art and Route 66 lore. In 1999, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Ed Galloway spent his retirement years building a unique park, a monument to the American Indian from stone, concrete and his imagination. The centerpiece is a giant Totem Pole building supported by an enormous concrete turtle. Nearby is a "Fiddle House" which houses a display of Galloway's hand-crafted fiddles and other inlaid wood artifacts. Roadside tables supported by small concrete totems invite travelers to picnic in the shadow of the large totem pole
Lucille's Service Station, a classic and historic gas station along Route 66 near Hydro, is one of only two upper-story, out-thrust porch style stations left on Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66. Built in 1929 by Carl Ditmore, the service station was renamed by Provine Station in the 1930s. In 1941, the Hamons family took over the operation of the station and Lucille Hamons, for which the service station is named, ran the business for 60 years. Lucille, who quickly became known for her friendly assistance to motorists, earned the nickname "Mother of the Mother Road."
Located off historic Route 66 in northeast Oklahoma, the Coleman Theatre is an iconic piece of Oklahoma history. From the day it opened in 1929, this legendary theater has been entertaining audiences with impressive theatrical productions and structural beauty.
The Miami landmark began as a Vaudeville movie theater built by George L. Coleman Sr. The exterior architecture is Spanish Mission Revival, and terra cotta gargoyles and other hand-carved figures adorn the building facade. The elegant Louis XV interior includes gold leaf trim, silk damask panels, stained glass panels, a carved mahogany staircase, a 2,000-pound chandelier, decorative plaster moldings and railings.
The theater was donated to the city of Miami by the Coleman family in 1989. Over the years the Coleman Theatre has been renovated and is every bit as beautiful as it was in 1929. A highlight of the building is the original pipe organ, called "The Mighty Wurlitzer," which continues to fill the beautiful theater with terrific music today. The theater presents a variety of exceptional entertainment year-round. Entertainment at the theater includes ballet, opera, silent films, jazz and dance bands as well as community pageants and events.
Established in the early 1900s, the mill was once a major producer of flour, supporting Oklahoma’s thriving wheat industry and helping shape Yukon. Though the mill ceased operations in the 1970s, it continues to be a beloved piece of Yukon’s history. The towering grain elevators and historic signage make for a striking backdrop, especially at night when the neon letters illuminate the skyline. While the interior is not open to the public, visitors can view and photograph the mill from Route 66, where informational markers share insights into its legacy.
Whether you're a Route 66 traveler, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to experience a piece of classic Americana, the Yukon’s Best Flour Mill is a must-see stop in Yukon, Oklahoma.
Located in a former site of a 1950s PEMCO gas station, Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 welcomes visitors from all over to celebrate the magic of the Mother Road with apparel, toys, souvenirs, home accessories, art, jewelry and more. Stop by this unique retailer for a fun photo op with the 21-foot-tall Muffler Man, Buck Atom, space cowboy and his 19-foot-tall companion, Stella Atom, space cowgirl. The hardworking duo shows up on signage, buttons, coffee mugs and tees throughout the shop, which is open six days a week.
Come browse one-of-a-kind Oklahoma gifts showcasing Route 66, Bigfoot, Tulsa, Will Rogers, the Blue Whale and the Golden Driller at this gem of a store in Tulsa’s Meadow Gold District. Come hungry and eat at Tulsa Brisket Co food truck parked on Buck’s lot, which is typically open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 11am until sold out. Make your trip to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 even better with an overnight stay at Buck's Cosmic Crash Pad, an AirBnB behind the shop.
April 19, 1995, was a day like any other, until everything changed at 9:02am, when the Oklahoma City bombing killed 168 innocent people and changed countless lives forever. Through impactful exhibits and cutting-edge interactive displays, the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum carries you through the chronological story beginning the morning of April 19, 1995. What started as a beautiful spring morning, quickly turned to chaos and confusion. Follow the journey all the way through the justice process, including the hope and healing evolving from the tenderness of the response and the tough lessons learned that changed our way of life through such trying times.
We hope you will join us in learning, remembering and sharing these lessons with the world. On this SACRED GROUND we work to find COMMON GROUND.
The Memorial Museum's HOURS are Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM and Sun, Noon-6 PM.
The Outdoor Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is a place of quiet reflection, while the Memorial Museum is a place of amazing transformation. Each offers a unique insight into the events of April 19, 1995, but to truly experience this place of honor and hope, we encourage you to visit both.
Click "Visit Website" above for more information or to buy tickets.
America's remembrance of the 168 people killed here is magnified by this profoundly beautiful Memorial – and a Museum that exceeds all expectations. The Memorial is a place of quite reflection and the Museum, a place of transformation. In touchscreens, galleries and theaters, a powerful story unfolds – one that's as relevant today as ever. As is our mission to meet violence with vigilance. Free parking with Museum admission
Squeezed into a small piece of land on a busy city thoroughfare, this tiny brick building was built in 1930. Around 1948, 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, meanwhile the building has served as a grocery store, fruit stand and sandwich shop.
A tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol is a must for any art, history, or civics buff. The historic building, which completed a full restoration in 2022, is home to hundreds of artworks located throughout six floors of rotundas, corridors, and galleries. Guided tours of the Oklahoma State Capitol are available at no cost on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tours are provided by volunteer docents trained by the Oklahoma Arts Council
The historic Tower Theatre opened in 1937 and is one of Oklahoma City's last original movie houses with an intact auditorium and iconic neon marquee. After many years of movie premieres and historic runs of classic films, the Tower Theatre closed in 1989. In 2017, Tower Theatre returned as a live music, movie and event venue in the heart of OKC's Uptown 23rd district.
POPS is the newest, coolest landmark along Route 66! This one-of-a-kind, must-see destination starts with a 66-foot soda pop bottle that makes POPS an instant icon. At its base is an ultra-modern gas station, cafe, shake shop, gift shop, and convenience store featuring a list of nearly 500 different sodas and beverages. POPS cafe serves up the best burgers and fries anywhere, super-thick shakes in 10 flavors and breakfast with the fluffiest eggs ever. .
This geodesic dome was built in 1958 and originally served as a bank. It was the fifth geodesic dome constructed in the world, using 625 individual panels to create the landmark building. Route 66 travelers and mid-century modern enthusiasts love the unique architecture.
Built in 1924, this bridge boasted a unique design for the time, using the latest steel truss technology and combining a variety of trusses in unusual ways. The Overholser Bridge lost its official association with Route 66 in 1958 when a new highway section and wider bridge was built to the north, but its size and symmetry and long-time service as part of old Route 66 solidified it as a Mother Road landmark. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Located in Southwest Tulsa on Historical Route 66, this open-air museum offers a unique experience educating visitors about Tulsa's history in the oil, refining and transportation industries. Their Visitor’s Center is a replica of a 1920’s Phillips 66 gas station, which pairs nicely with their towering 154-foot-tall oil derrick–the tallest oil derrick in North America.
While these interesting and beautiful sculptures do not represent the literal halfway mark along the Mother Road, the East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint in Tulsa is an artistic representation of the use of automobiles and highways spreading across the country in the late 1920s and 30s.
The scene consists of two statues, one of a horse-drawn carriage and one of a family in a car. Located at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, they were unveiled in 2012 and honor Cyrus Avery, one of the creators of the national highway system.
The family depicted in the car is none other than Avery's family. He, his wife, his daughter and their pet cat are all in the Model T traveling down Route 66. They suddenly come across an oil field waggoneer whose team of horses are scared by the new sounds of a combustion engine.
The statues span 40 feet and weigh 10 tons. Almost 1,000 pieces of bronze were put together to create the scene. In the end, this plaza cost $1.2 million and took six years to complete. The statues are also right by a large bridge spanning over the highway that proclaims it as Route 66
Located in downtown Erick, this unusual shop offers an experience and atmosphere not soon forgotten. Self-described "redneck hoarder" Harley Russell performs live, spontaneously and interactively for all those who visit the shop. Guests will find turn-of-the-century oak furniture, a variety of artwork, vintage musical instruments and a variety of objects both curious and fascinating. The Sandhills Curiosity Shop, known as the oldest brick building in Erick, can accommodate up to 75 people. Visitors can catch Harley on various days performing for singles, couples, families, tour bus groups and more. Refreshments are free, along with plenty of photo-ops. The Sandhills Curiosity Shop is considered one of the most unique roadside establishments along Route 66.
Note: A visit to the Sandhills Curiosity Shop can be for mature audiences only. Some travelers may find the language and conversations offensive. We don't, Harley is Just Fantastic, one of the best Route 66 experiences you can have
A beloved Tulsa landmark since 1966, the Golden Driller is a one-of-a-kind monument near historic Route 66. Weighing in at a whopping 43,500 pounds and standing 76 feet tall, the Golden Driller is one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States.
The Driller was first erected by the Mid-Continental Supply Company at the 1953 International Petroleum Exposition. After receiving glowing reviews, it was temporarily brought back for the 1959 trade show as well. Following the show, the statue was donated to the Tulsa County Fairgrounds Trust Authority. In 1979, the Golden Driller was even adopted as the state monument.
Throughout the years, the Golden Driller has withstood all sorts of weather, as has the oil derrick where the Driller's right hand rests. A plaque at the base of the monument reads "The Golden Driller, a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God's abundance a better life for mankind."
Paul McCartney’s Route 66 road trip through Oklahoma in 2008 is forever commemorated by a 30x36 inch sign along an old stretch of the highway in Arcadia. In celebration of his 66th birthday, Sir Paul McCartney and his future wife Nancy Shevell loaded up in a 1989 Ford Bronco and set off along the Mother Road. Once in Arcadia, they stopped along an old section of highway and spoke with a local resident for directions. The interaction happened August 5, 2008, and the sign was placed in November 2020. It reads:
Their trip began on July 31, 2008, from Paul’s holiday home in The Hamptons, New York. They joined Route 66 in Illinois, hoping to stay incognito, but that lasted only a couple of days. On August 5, their journey brought them here, to this road: Old Highway 66, just east of Arcadia, Oklahoma.
Resident Toby Thompson was working outside when a Ford Bronco stopped and the driver asked him if this was Old 66. After a few seconds he realized who he was talking to. He had no pen, camera or phone with him, so he simply verified that yes, this was Old 66, and he told McCartney he was honored to meet him. They thanked him kindly and went on their way, staying overnight at the Skirvin Hotel downtown. Sightings of Sir Paul and his future bride Nancy Shevell continued throughout their tour, allowing everyone involved to “Get Their Kicks on Route 66!”
Local business PremierCraft designed a special El Reno Mother Road Monument for the city in 2018. While exploring Route 66, stretch your legs with a stop by this roadside attraction, conveniently located near Sid's Diner. Take a commemorative photo in front of this massive monument bearing the familiar Route 66 trademark.
Garth Brooks, if you know Country Music, then you will know Garth Brook. Garth has strong ties to Yukon, Oklahoma, where he grew up and graduated from high school. The city has recognized him by renaming 11th Street to Garth Brooks Boulevard, which runs through the town. Several places in Yukon are associated with Brooks, including his childhood home,
the high school he attended, and the Yukon Cemetery where he will be interred
Drive into Yukon and you’ll be greeted by a soaring water tower proclaiming this small Oklahoma town as the “Home of Garth Brooks.” This is just one stop of many on this road trip that will give Garth Brooks fans the true Garth experience. While in Yukon, see the school where the country star made kolaches for the annual Czech Festival and stop in for a haircut at the same salon Garth’s mom used to frequent for a new style. Make your way to Stillwater and hit the dance floor where Garth worked as a bouncer during college. Later, snap a photo at the humble yellow house Garth called home with his first wife Sandy before traveling to the local bar
where the country music superstar finally mustered the courage to play his first gig.
This ranch in Owasso was the family residence of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood before they relocated to Nashville in 2014. The couple spent many years on this expansive 2,000-acre estate, making a pact to move once their three daughters finished high school, which happened in 2014. Address: 19393 Clear Brook Road, Owasso, OK
Garth Brooks was born on February 7, 1962, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to his parents, Raymond and Colleen Carroll Brooks. The hospital, which was formerly recognized as St. John's Hospital, is now referred to as St. John Medical Center and is located at 1923 S Utica Ave, Tulsa, OK
While attending college, Garth Brooks served as a bouncer at Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue in Stillwater. It was at this bustling nightlife location that he met his first wife, Sandy Mahl, in the early 1980s. 5212 W Lakeview Rd Stillwater, OK .
Garth Brooks was a student at Oklahoma State University from 1981 to 1985. While there, he focused on a major in advertising and participated in athletics, earning a partial scholarship for javelin and competing on the track team. Brooks and his teammates often entertained themselves by playing music in the dormitory lobby, though they eventually got kicked out for playing too late at night. Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK .
To supplement his income while studying at nearby OSU, Garth Brooks took a job at Dupree Sports, a local sporting goods store. Occasionally, he can still be spotted wearing his old Dupree Sports ball cap. 316 S Washington St Stillwater, OK
During college, Garth Brooks had a regular Wednesday night gig at Willie’s Saloon, a popular nightlife spot in downtown Stillwater. Often considered the venue where Brooks began his successful music career, Willies was known for its live music. Garth Brooks got his start here playing covers of Don McLean, Neil Young and Dan Fogelberg hits.
323 S Washington St
Stillwater, OK
On May 31st, 1992 the city of Yukon renamed 11th Street in honor of Garth Brooks, the city’s honorary son who spent his childhood there. Garth Brooks Boulevard runs north and south from NW 10th Street to W Main Street and remains one of the main roads through town
Garth Brooks graduated from Yukon High School in 1980. While the original high school has since been converted into the Yukon Public School Enrollment Center, visitors can still imagine a young Brooks roaming the halls during his teenage years. His junior year yearbook even has a picture of Garth making kolaches for the local Czech Festival in Yukon.
1000 Garth Brooks Blvd
Yukon, OK
The Yukon Cemetery is the location of the Brooks’ family cemetery plot. This is where Garth’s parents are buried and where Garth’s future tombstone lies.
660 Garth Brooks Blvd
Yukon, OK
Garth Brooks fans visiting Yukon would be remiss if they didn’t stop at Jacque’s Family Hair Styling. Owned by a family friend, Garth and his mother used to get their hair cut here. Jacque Weber did Colleen Brooks’ manicures for years, while her son Mickey went to school with Garth. Striking up a lifelong friendship, Mickey eventually became Garth’s road manager. The salon once featured a wall covered in Garth photos, leading many people to call it a “shrine to Garth Brooks.” A photo of Garth remains there to this day and Jacque welcomes fans to stop in. Sit in her chair for a haircut and you just might get regaled with Garth stories.
302 Elm Ave #A
Yukon, OK
The Yukon Historical Society features a varied collection of Garth Brooks memorabilia and photos. Visitors will be able to view tour t-shirts, childhood photos of the country star from his youth in Yukon, Brooks’ high school yearbooks and much more.
601 Oak Ave
Yukon, OK
View the Yukon home where Garth spent his childhood. Colleen Carroll Brooks, Garth’s mother, said that fans often referred to their old home as the “Graceland of Yukon.” When Garth’s career was at its peak, there would be cars lined up around the block in order to catch a glimpse of the Brooks’ residence.
408 Yukon Ave
Yukon, OK
In 1991, Garth Brooks’ name was painted on the city water tower. A ceremony was held to honor the country megastar at the Yukon High School Auditorium and was attended by more than 1,000 people.
1650 W Vandament Ave
Yukon, OK