Road trip on Route 66 to Miami, Oklahoma

Route 66 Road Trip to Miami, Oklahoma

Greetings from Miami, Oklahoma ... the Mural, along Historic U.S. Route 66

Greetings from Miami, Oklahoma Mural

The route through Kansas was the shortest of all the states, only about 30 miles. After traveling through Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs, it entered Commerce, Oklahoma, and headed south to Miami.

Miami is the county seat of Ottawa County, and was founded in 1891. Today's population numbers about 13,000 residents, and the city is home to nine Native American Tribal headquarters. The tribal nations have played an important role in the growth of tourism in Northeast Oklahoma.

Route 66 has played a major part of the history of the area. Oklahoma is often called "The Birthplace of Route 66" and Miami "The Gateway to Route 66". Miami has the longest Main Street on all of Route 66. Located nearby is the last section of the original 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" which zigzags for 13 miles between Miami and Afton.

Miami is 28 miles from Vinita and 63 miles from Claremore. Tulsa lies 90 miles to the southeast.

Map of Historic Route 66 showing the location of Miami in Eastern Oklahoma

Area Attractions In and Near Miami on Route 66

Historic U.S. Route 66 sign, in eastern Oklahoma (November, 2018)

Welcome to Miami on Route 66	Mural for lhe Miami Cultural District
The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, OK	Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign
The Coleman Theatre Built in 1929, this magnificent structure has been completely restored to its original glory. Built as a vaudeville theatre and movie palace, it hosted appearances by many early stars including Will Rogers, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby. Today, the theatre hosts concerts, plays and even silent films again. Designed in Spanish Mission Revival style, the beautiful building invites visitors to step inside and be transported back in time. Also, restored to its grandeur, the original 1929 "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ makes music once again in the theatre. The theatre is located at 103 N. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66. For more information, visit the website of the Coleman Theatre or phone 918.540.2425

Ribbon Road in Oklahoma

Be sure to ride this section of the Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, Oklahoma.

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

(Staff photo taken in 2018)

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

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 abandoned service station, near Miami, OK

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger

When in Miami, whether you want a sit-down meal or prefer drive-thru, Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger on Route 66 is sure to cure your food cravings. This unique place can't be missed: the building resembles a cuckoo clock, right down to the giant yellow cuckoo bird popping out of the roof.

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger has been a Miami staple since the '60s, when it was one location of a national chain. Now it's the only Waylans left.

It is located at 915 N Main Street. Phone 918.542.1696

Lodging Options Along Route 66 in Eastern Oklahoma

Miami has more than 500 hotel rooms located conveniently off Interstate 44 and Route 66.

Hotels in Miami, Oklahoma

Claremore, Oklahoma hotels and traveler reviews

Hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Interactive Map of Miami, Oklahoma

Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Miami

Earlier times on Route 66: Main Street in Miami, Oklahoma

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards dealing with Miami and Route 66.

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove through and around Miami? What did all the service stations, motels and public buildings 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.

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.

These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize, and appreciate, "earlier times" as we drive Route 66 today around Miami.

Ben Stanley's Cafe, one mile south of Miami, Oklahoma, on Hiway 66
"Nationally famous steaks, chicken and sea food"

Cherokee Motel
Cherokee Motel on US 66 and 99, at the city limits north, Miami, Oklahoma

The Elms

Sooner State Kourt
Sooner State Kourt, Miami, Oklahoma, on Highway 66

MORE OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66

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.

More Information about Miami & Oklahoma Route 66

Miami Oklahoma Convention & Visitors Bureau

City of Miami OK website

Miami OK Chamber of Commerce website

Coleman Theatre website

City of Miami Tourism at the Oklahoma Tourism Department: TravelOK

Miami Travel Guide at TripAdvisor