The Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma



Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma

Historic U.S. Route 66 sign in Oklahoma

As Route 66 exited Kansas, it entered Commerce, Miami, Afton and Vinita in Oklahoma. From there it passed through Chelsea, Claremore, Catoosa and into Tulsa. In general, it followed the route of present-day Interstate I-44.

Vinita is situated in northeastern Oklahoma, a region of the state known as Green Country. The city is often called the "Crossroads to Green Country". It is located on I-44 60 miles from both Tulsa and Joplin, 27 miles southeast of Miami, and 37 miles northwest of Claremore. Vinita is intersected by Highways 60 and 69, State Highway 2 and Route 66.

The Hi-Way Cafe and "Big Bill"

Alan and Beth Hilburn own and operate the popular, long-standing Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, on Route 66.

The cafe offers a full menu of classic diner favorites, from all-day breakfasts to burgers, sandwiches, and chicken fried steak. Plus delicious homemade cakes, cobbler, and pies!

In November of 2022, in coordination with Mobil1, the Hi-Way Cafe set a Guinness World Record for the “Most Stickers on a Car”. Using a 1963 American Rambler and over 100 volunteers the cafe placed 60,066 half inch stickers over the body of the car and was declared a Guinness World Record Holder. This car is currently housed inside the cafe in the “garage” where customers can dine around the car. The Hi-Way Cafe is also home to a “Giving Wall”. This is a program where people can donate prepaid meals for customers that cannot afford a meal.

In March of 2023, thanks in part to grants from the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program, the Hi-Way Cafe was able to relight its restored iconic neon sign (see photo below).

The newest "Muffler Man" on Route 66 was installed at the family-owned Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, in June of 2023. He towers about 24 feet in height; at his feet is a large suitcase. "Big Bill" is named after the late Bill Wood, Beth's father.

The Cafe is located at 437918 E Highway 60, about two miles west of Vinita.
Learn more at the Hi-Way Cafe website and the Hi-Way Cafe on Facebook. Phone 918.256.5465

"Big Bill"
"Big Bill" muffler man at the Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma
Restored neon sign!
The neon sign at the Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma
Read more about Giant "Muffler Men" Along Route 66

Route 66 mural on the side wall of the Hi-Way Cafe
Mural on the side wall of the Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma


Hi-Way Cafe - Keep Calm ... Carry Out!
Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma ... Keep calm, carry out!

 

Mohawk Trail ‘Big Indian’ officially resides on Route 66 in Oklahoma
WWLP - 11/10/2023

Cherokee Big-Indian at the Hi-Way Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma


More Attractions and Things to See Around Vinita

Mural in Vinita

Vinita Oklahoma on Historic US Route 66 ... established 1871


The Eastern Trails Museum

The museum is located at 215 West Illilnois Avenue in Vinita, one block off Route 66. This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to the more than 150-year history of this long-lived Green Country city, featuring exhibits on Civil War battles, Native American history, ranching relics, military items, railroad materials, and Route 66 memorabilia.

Vinita Route 66 Festival

The annual Vinita Route 66 Festival is held in mid-June each year. This popular event features live music, food trucks and a Kids Zone Inflatable Park. Also included is a car show, local vendors and much more! For more information, visit ...

Route 66 Festival website and Route 66 Festival on Facebook

Grand Lake o' the Cherokees

Just 20 minutes from Vinita, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees offers 46,500 surface acres of water sports fun. Located on the Grand (Neosho) River in northeastern Oklahoma, guests can devote a whole weekend to lake explorations or stick to its 1,300 miles of shoreline.

Grand Lake O' the Cherokees' features exceptional recreational facilities at five nearby state parks and more than a dozen other privately operated facilities. Grand Lake is perfect for parasailing and wakeboarding adventures.

Will Rogers Archway

Any visitors to Vinita on I-44 are sure to spot the incredible Will Rogers Archway, aka the Glass House. This magnificent piece of architecture spans the entire turnpike and opened to the public in 1958 as the first over-the-road service plaza.

For a time, it was also home to the world's largest McDonald’s. While that title has since been usurped, this unique roadside structure still houses a McDonald’s, as well as a Subway and a convenience store. Stop by to stretch your legs and watch the cars whiz by right beneath your feet.



Cherokee Nation Welcome Center
Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center near Vinita, Oklahoma

The Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center is located near Vinita. VIsitors traveling down Historic Route 66 are able to visit this new attraction to learn about the Cherokee history of Vinita and the enduring legacy of Cherokee National Treasure Anna Mitchell - known for her revitalization of the art of Cherokee pottery.

Built in what used to be the Vinita Country Club, the Center has numerous exhibits about Cherokee art, culture and history. It also features a large gift shop and a cafe with Native-inspired cuisine. It also serves as a Cherokee community space for meetings, events and classes. The 9,400-square-foot, two-story stone building is situated on 8 acres overlooking Historic Route 66.

The address is 953 East Illinois Avenue. For more information, visit the Cherokee Nation Welcome Center website


Interactive Map of Vinita showing the location of the Hi-Way Cafe


More About Travel to Vinita

Vinita at the TravelOK website

Green Country Tourism website

City of Vinita

Oklahoma Route 66 Association

MORE OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

Route 66 Road Trips Across Oklahoma

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Route 66 road trip to El Reno, Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trip to Vinita, Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trip to Arcadia, Oklahoma
  Route 66 Road Trip to Claremore, Oklahoma


Route 66 hotel listings and traveler reviews


Oklahoma Route 66 Passport

The Official Oklahoma Route 66 Passport

The Oklahoma Route 66 Passport from the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department helps Route 66 travelers find new destinations to explore and document their progress along the way. A new updated passport (yellow) is being offered beginning in 2023.

The Route 66 Passport, which is available free at TravelOK.com, features 66 of the state’s memorable Mother Road attractions. It includes iconic stops like Catoosa’s Blue Whale, Stroud’s Rock Cafe and Clinton’s Oklahoma Route 66 Museum along with many newer favorites.

Get your passport stamped at each stop, then take it to a Tourism Information Center to be verified and earn an exclusive Route 66 coin.

Both the new yellow and previous red Route 66 Passports are now available in a digital format. Download the official TravelOK Trip Planner app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to get started. When you get to each stop, you'll find a code displayed that you can enter to digitally check in.