Road trip along Route 66 from Kansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma



Road Trip on Route 66 From Kansas to Tulsa

The route through Kansas was the shortest of all the states, only about 13 miles. After traveling through Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs, it entered Quapaw, Oklahoma, and headed southwest through Commerce, Miami, Chelsea, Foyil, Claremore and Tulsa. In general, it followed the route of present-day Interstate I-44.

Map of Historic Route 66 from Commerce to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Map of Historic Route 66 from Galena, Kansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma

Highlights of the many things to see in Oklahoma Route 66

There are dozens of places to see and visit along Route 66 across Oklahoma on the segment from Kansas into Oklahoma and into Tulsa.

Don't miss Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station in Commerce, sections of the "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, and the Blue Whale in Catoosa.

Along the way you will find quaint service stations, diners, motels and other structures dating from those earlier times on Route 66.


Photographs from our trips along Route 66 from Kansas to Tulsa

Commerce, Oklahoma

Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station
Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station, Commerce, Oklahoma

Regular gasoline pump at Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station, Commerce, Oklahoma
Regular gasoline pump at Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station, Commerce, Oklahoma
Mickey Mantle Statue and Boyhood Home in Commerce
Mickey Mantle Statue in Commerce, Oklahoma Mickey Mantle home in Commerce, Oklahoma
Dairy King, Commerce, Oklahoma ... a former circa 1925 Marathon Service Station
Dairy King, Commerce, Oklahoma ... a former circa 1925 Marathon Service Station


The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, OK
The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma
Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign
Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign on Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma

Miami, Oklahoma

Coleman Theatre

103 N. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66

Coleman Theatre website

The Coleman Theatre, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66

Ribbon Road

Section of Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" still visible near Miami, Oklahoma (November, 2018 Staff Photo)

It was opened in 1922 as part of Oklahoma Route 7, and was incorporated into U.S. Route 66 in 1926.

Section of Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" still visible near Miami, Oklahoma

Marker along the Will Rogers Highway ...

Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" near Miami, Oklahoma

Marker along the Will Rogers Highway ... Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" near Miami, Oklahoma


Classic, rusted replicas of earlier times, on Route 66 near Miami, OK
Classic, rusted trucks from earlier times, on Route 66 near Miami, Oklahoma
Amazing stonework on this old service station, Narcissa OK
Amazing stonework on this abandoned service station, Narcissa, Oklahoma, near Miami, along Historic Route 66

Afton, Oklahoma

Eagle DX Service Station in Afton, opened in the 1930s on Route 66

Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Eagle DX Service Station, Afton, Oklahoma

Eagle DX Service Station, Afton, Oklahoma, on Historic Route 66

Vinita, Oklahoma

Mural in Vinita ... Established 1871

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

The Eastern Trails 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.

The Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita, Oklahoma

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

Chelsea, Oklahoma

When driving Route 66 in Oklahoma, be sure to check out Chelsea attractions, like these ...

Sign ... Welcome to Chelsea, Oklahoma ... Established 1889
Sign ... Welcome to Chelsea, Oklahoma ... Established 1889

Pryor Creek Bridge

The historic Pryor Creek Bridge was built in 1926 and carried U.S. Highway 66 traffic from then to 1932, when a new alignment bypassed the bridge. It is of "Modified Pratt Through Truss" design,123 feet long and 19 feet wide.

Located near Chelsea, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Pryor Creek Bridge at Chelsea, Oklahoma on Route 66 ... seen during the fall of 2018 Pryor Creek Bridge at Chelsea, Oklahoma on Route 66 ... seen during the fall of 2018

Chelsea Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass

The tunnel dates to a time when four-lane Route 66 was so busy that locals built a tunnel so pedestrians could cross under the highway safely. Today, it can still be walked through, at Walnut Street and West 6th Street in Chelsea.

Get your kicks UNDER Route 66!

Chelsea Route 66 Underpass - entrance
Chelsea, Oklahoma Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass entrance
Route 66 Underpass Mural - interior
Chelsea, Oklahoma Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass interior .. be sure to sign the wall!

The old Chelsea Motel, Chelsea, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66
Chelsea Motel, Chelsea, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66

Foyil, Oklahoma

This finely restored circa-1920s Texaco Filling Station is located in Foyil, Oklahoma, at 12243 South Andy Payne Boulevard (Old Route 66). Bought and restored by Kean Isaacs, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information, visit the Foyil Texaco Filling Station on Facebook

Texaco Filling Station on Route 66 in Foyil, Oklahoma

A popular stopping point in Foyil is Annie's Diner at the corner of Route 66 and Highway 28. Annie’s Diner is a wonderful destination for breakfast or lunch, just north of Claremore near Foyil and open six days a week. The diner serves classic breakfast options like omelets, biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes. Stop by for lunch and select from tasty cheeseburger options, sandwiches and specialties like spaghetti 3-way and Frito chili pie. Phone 918.341.3138

Annie's Diner on Route 66 in Foyil, Oklahoma

Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park in Oklahoma near Route 66

A museum stands on the property called the “Fiddle House” which showcases Galloway’s fiddles and other creations.

The park is located just 3.5 miles off the Mother Road.

Totem Pole Park
Near Foyil and Chelsea, OK

Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park is the oldest and largest example of a folk art display in Oklahoma, built from 1937 to 1928.

Besides the famous 90-foot totem pole, the park includes several other objects and one building on 14 acres in Rogers County, in northeastern Oklahoma

Read more about Totem Pole Park

The World's Largest Totem Pole, near Route 66 in Oklahoma



Claremore

Located on Route 66 between Chelsea and Catoosa, is the city of Claremore, home to about 20,000 residents.

Among the attractions are the Will Rogers Memorial Museum (photo below), the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, the Belvidere Mansion, and Lake Claremore. For more information, link to the VisitClaremore.org website

Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

"Travelers of Both Time and Space" Route 66 mural in Claremore

"Travelers of Both Time and Space" Route 66 mural in Claremore, Oklahoma

Catoosa, Oklahoma - The Blue Whale

Built in the early 1970s by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift, the 20-foot tall iron and cement Blue Whale turned into a swimming park, and closed in 1988.

Today, it remains one of the most popular stops on Route 66. In 2022 the Blue Whale celebrated its 50th anniversary!

Read more about The Blue Whale of Catoosa

Welcome ... to the Blue Whale on Old Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma Welcome ... to the Blue Whale on Old Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma
Route 66 Roadside Attraction: The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma

The D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa

This main building of the museum in Catoosa contains a rare collection of rocks, gems, fossils and minerals from around the world.

The second building houses antique automobiles restored by Mr. Correll, and other items of broad curiosity and antiquity such as the historical Texaco gas pump. There is also a collection of antique toy tractors, cars, pickups, etc. on display.

The main building has a beautiful, painted mural on the outside (see photo below) done by the award-winning artist Lance Hunter that honors the late D.W. Correll, the museum's benefactor and a beloved Catoosa resident. The brightly colored, attention-getting mural, is 8 feet tall and 72 feet wide.

read more about the Correll Museum in Catoosa

Mural at the D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa, Oklahoma

The relocated circa 1936 Tom Kight Bridge, just north of Catoosa, Oklahoma, heading into Molly's Landing Restaurant
Tom Kight Bridge on Route 66, just north of Catoosa, Oklahoma


Arriving in Tulsa

Route 66 sign at the east side of Tulsa, Oklahoma, seen during a November, 2018 road trip

Route 66 sign at the east side of Tulsa, Oklahoma, seen during a November, 2018 road trip

East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint

The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is named for the Tulsa resident who is known as "The Father of Route 66". It is located at the east entrance to the historic Route 66 bridge near downtown Tulsa.

The scene in Centennial Plaza in Tulsa depicts the Avery family riding west in a Motel T Ford, meeting an eastbound horse-drawn carriage. The sculptures are the work of Robert Summers.

Centennial Plaza is located at the east entrance to the historic bridge at the intersection of Southwest Boulevard and Riverside Drive.

Read more about the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza

East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint, in Tulsa, Okalahoma

Lodging Options Along Route 66 in Oklahoma

TripAdvisor

Hotels in Miami, Oklahoma

Hotels in Claremore, Oklahoma

Hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Earlier times in Oklahoma, at Ben Stanley's Cafe, one mile south of Miami, Oklahoma, on Hiway 66

Vintage Views of Route 66 Across Oklahoma

What was Route 66 in Oklahoma like in its prime? What did all the service stations, motels and diners look like when they were new?

What did the traveling public experience on the Mother Road? We wonder such things when we travel Route 66 today across Oklahoma.

Those earlier times in the 1930s, 40s and 50s were not always captured on film. But the use of colorful postcards was common in those decades.

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards showing scenes on Route 66 from Miami to Tulsa. These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize "yesterday" as we drive Route 66 today.

El Sueno Court - Claremore
El Sueno Motor Court on Highway 66 in Claremore, Oklahoma
Quarter Horse Motel - Vinita
Quarter Horse Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma
Will Rogers Motor Court - Tulsa
Will Rogers Motor Court on U.S. Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Will Rogers Hotel - Claremore
Will Rogers Hotel in Claremore, Oklahoma
Starline Motel - Claremore
Starline Motel in Claremore, Oklahoma
Wright's Cafeteria - Vinita
Wright's Cafeteria on Highway 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma
Baker's Cafe - Afton
Baker's Cafe on Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma
The Elms - Miami
The Elms Motel Court in Miami, Oklahoma
Hotel Miami - Miami OK
The Hotel Miami in Miami,  Oklahoma


Continuing West
on the Next Route 66 Segment?

From Tulsa to Oklahoma City

Route 66 Road Trip from Tulsa to Oklahoma City


More About Travel in Oklahoma

More Things to Do on Route 66 - at the Oklahoma Tourism Department

Oklahoma Route 66 Association

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.