Arcadia on Route 66 in Oklahoma
 Vintage postcard showing
the location of Route 66 across Oklahoma |
As Route 66 left Joplin, Missouri, it was only a short distance westbound thru extreme southeast Kansas to the Oklahoma border. It quickly entered Commerce, and headed southwest through Miami, Afton, Chelsea, Claremore and Tulsa. The road continued west through Sapulpa, Davenport, Chandler and into Arcadia east of Oklahoma City.
Arcadia is located 15 miles North of Oklahoma City on Historic Route 66. It is 6 miles East of Interstate 35 (Exit #141). The history of Arcadia dates back to the late 1800s.
While Arcadia may be a small town, it has a huge claim to fame as a Route 66 hot spot not far from Oklahoma City. Travelers up and down the Mother Road make it a point to stop at the architecturally significant Round Barn and John's Place just minutes away from each other in Arcadia.
Map of Historic Route 66 showing the location of Arcadia between Chandler and Oklahoma City |
Arcadia Round BarnThe Round Barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is more than a century old. It was built by local farmer William Harrison Odor in 1898 using native bur oak boards soaked while green and forced into the curves needed for the walls and roof rafters. The Arcadia Round Barn is 60 feet (18 meters) in diameter and 43 feet (13 meters) tall. Over the years the barn fell into disrepair. Luke Robison, a retired builder and carpenter, became aware of the barn’s plight and formed The Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society with his wife Anna and Beverly White. On May 27, 1988 Frank Vrana's descendants donated the barn to the Society. Restoration work began in 1989. Much of the labor was performed by volunteers, mostly retirees like Robison, who called themselves the Over-the-Hill Gang. When it came time to reconstruct the roof, Robison’s crew replicated the same process believed to have been used by William Odor. Today, it is the only round barn on Route 66. Admission is free. Exhibits and a gift shop are located inside. Outdoor displays consist of primitive farm implements. The beautiful upstairs loft can be reserved for special events. It is located 6 miles east of Interstate 35 on Route 66. The physical address is 107 E Highway 66 Arcadia, OK 73007 Arcadia Round Barn website ... phone 405.396.0824
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Inside the Arcadia Round Barn |
Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Arcadia Round Barn  |
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| Some of the many exhibit areas inside the Round Barn | ||
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Near the Round Barn ... The Historic Richardson Building, since 1923, in Arcadia |
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John's PlaceWhile in Arcadia, you don't want to miss John Hargrove's OK County 66 Place at 13441 E. Highway 66. It has soooo much Route 66 memorabilia, artifacts, cars, bikes, signs, antiques, and miniature models of many Mother Road attractions. He even has a replica of the Catoosa Blue Whale on his pond!
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Pops 66 in Arcadia features a 66-foot tall soda bottle sculpture, diner, gas station, and tons of sodas! POPS has a sleek modern design and serves over 600 different types of soda.
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| Ruins of a 1920s gas station about 3 miles east of Arcadia on Route 66 | |
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Interactive Map of Arcadia, Oklahoma
MORE OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66
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More About Travel in Oklahoma
More Things to Do on Route 66 - at the Oklahoma Tourism Department
Travel Guides for Other States Along Route 66
Planning a Road Trip on Route 66? Here are trip planners for all eight states on The Mother Road ...
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