ROUTE 66 OKLAHOMA: TOWNS AND ATTRACTIONS TO SEE
The Iconic Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. In this article, only Route 66 Oklahoma is discussed—the route 66 that runs through the whole state of Oklahoma, from Texola Town that borders Texas, near Shamrock, Texas to Quapow Town that borders Kansas. You can start your road trip from any town near you.
Arcadia
Arcadia is a beautiful place on Route 66 that is popular among road trippers. The historic Round Barn, shaped like a cylinder and built in 1898 is one attraction you must see. You can go in and tour the inside for free. The barn is open every day, 10am-5pm. Another attraction to see on the same road and very close to the barn is the Pops 66 Service Station. The service station is also a shop for different kinds of beverages including beer, soda, and other soft drinks.
OK County 66 – John’s Place is one little vintage museum you must visit when you get to Arcadia. John is the owner of the place and has been collecting vintage items showcased at his place for years. He has a little house where he lives just behind the museum. As much as it is lovely outside, do go inside as well to enjoy classic cars and a cinema setting that looks just like cinemas in the movies. Admission is free.
Luther
Wellston
Warwick
There is not much to see in Warwick except for the historic Seaba’s Filling Station that is home to bikers. Outside the building, motorcycles are lined up and somehow modernize the place.
Chandler
Also known as the Pecan Capital of the World, Chandler is the historic town in Oklahoma that has a must visit town center full of life. In the Main Street, vintage cars are parked in shop fronts creating a vintage look. Main places to see are Museum of Pioneer History, Vintage Lincoln Motel, The Chandler Armory (Route 66 Interpretive Center), Phillips 66 Station, the Crane Motor Co., and the St. Cloud Hotel.
Davenport
Davenport, also known as the Brick Paved Town is a very quiet but interesting town because of its vintage looking. The Brick Paved Broadway Street is the must-see area in this town. The buildings in this street have murals on the walls that display the life of people who lived in this town. They have a little colorful church that welcomes you as you enter Broadway Street. Also, around the entrance to the paved street, you will see a rustic store and restaurants where you can stop for local food. Texaco and Magnolia filling stations contribute to the classic portrait Davenport paints.
Stroud
Stroud is a very small town that boasts of it’s Rock Cafe vintage sign and Skyliner Motel. It is like looking back in time. Both places are on the same straight main road and very close to one another.
Depew
Bristow
If there is one attraction you must see in Bristow, Bristow Train Depot and Museum is the place. The museum displays the old Bristow and how life used to be like. You can sit at the station’s train platform and enjoy the beautiful architecture and the vintage maroon train that sits at the entrance of the museum. To know more about the museum and history of Bristow click here.
Kellyville
Sapulpa & Oakhurst
There are good attractions in Sapulpa and Oakhurst that are worth your time and detour. Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum is one example. The Historic District in Sapulpa Downtown is also a good place to stop for a break and see the interesting old buildings. Here you will find Sapulpa Historical Museum.
Tulsa
Tulsa, also known as the oil capital of the world has so much to offer on and off route 66. Popular and iconic stops and attractions that are located on route 66 in Tulsa are Vickery Phillips 66 Station; Circle Theater (built in 1928, Circle Theater is the only remaining route 66 cinema and now called the Circle Cinema); Golden Driller Statue (built in 1966, the Golden Driller Statue is a symbol of Tulsa being the “Oil Capital of the World”); Admiral Twin Drive-In and Arkansas River Bridge on 11th Street. Also, don’t miss the Art Deco Buildings that beautify downtown and Oasis Motel on 11th Street. For more information on Tulsa and the attractions on route 66 see Places to See in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Related Content: 45 Best Things to Do in Tulsa, Oklahoma | Roadtrip Checklist | Shamrock, Texas | 26 Things to do in Arkansas
Catoosa
Catoosa is known as the Blue Whale town because of the massive whale built in a pond and painted blue by Hugh S. Davis in 1972. You are not allowed to swim in the pond or throw stuff in it. There are rumors that the water is infested with water moccasins snakes so be careful and stay safe. Other attractions in Catoosa include Barn 66 (an antique boutique as you enter Catoosa), Arrowood Trading Post (just across the road from the Blue Whale), D.W. Correl Museum and the Catoosa Historical Museum that exhibits classic cars and railway artifacts.
Verdigris
There is not much to see in Verdigris except for the Bird Creek Bridge and the Nut House where you can stop to buy nuts.
Claremore
Claremore is the home of the well-rounded and talented entertainer, Will Rogers. When you get to Claremore you must visit Will Rogers Memorial as well as Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. Will Rogers Memorial has a beautiful garden with the statue of Rogers on a horse at his tomb facing the State University. In the museum house, you will find artifacts, photos, documentaries and other items representing Rogers life. Other places to see in Claremore are J.M Davis Arms & Historical Museum, Radium Water Baths, Will Rogers Hotel, and Belvidere Mansion.
Sequoyah
Foyil
Foyil is a small town in County Rogers located in the northeast of Oklahoma. The town is known for the largest Totem Pole in the world, Gorilla Statue and most beautifully Andy Payne Monument. Andy Payne Monument, arguably, is the most beautiful attraction in Foyil. Andy Payne Monument sits in a small park that is perfect for a family picnic and a lazy Sunday relaxation while enjoying the company of those you love. Andy Payne was an impressive man from the Cherokee tribe who run and won the 1928 Transcontinental Race.
OTHER TOWNS ON ROUTE 66 OKLAHOMA
Bushyhead
Chelsea
White Oak
Vinita
Vinita is the second oldest town in Oklahoma known for the McDonald’s bridge-restaurant, Clanton’s Cafe, Hotel Vinita, and McDougal Filling Station. History is evident in the buildings across the small town.
Afton
Afton has a couple of attractions you might want to see; The Afton D-X Station, Buffalo Ranch Trading Post, and its classic Motels.
Narcissa
There is not much to see in Narcissa except for the Ribbon Road, which is also known as the Sidewalk Road. The road is the only remaining segment that is 9 foot wide.
Miami
Miami, a town in Oklahoma, is known for it’s Coleman Theatre and Historic Marathon Oil Service Station. Coleman Theatre is a beautiful performance venue as well as a movie house located at 103 N. Main Street. Miami is known as the Gateway to Oklahoma—to echo this, the town welcomes visitors with a gateway sign that stands beautifully in the town center. For more places to see and things to do when you visit Miami, see their tourism office website.
Commerce
Commerce is well known because of Mickey Mantle, the baseball player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame. When you get there make your way to Dairy King and Conoco Hole in the Wall, two vintage service stations that are worth a visit. Bonny and Clyde, in 1934, killed a policeman in this town. The black car below is the same model that Bonny and Clyde were driving when they were killed.
Quapaw
As you are coming from Kansas, the first town you see on route 66 in Oklahoma is Quapaw. The town boasts of its roots in the Quapaw Indians. Places of interest in this town include Lovers’ Leap and its Tribal Museum.
ALSO SEE
