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 to Tulsa.
The road continued west through Sapulpa, Davenport, Chandler and Arcadia to Oklahoma City, the largest city in the state, and the Capitol City.
Route 66 alignments through the city changed through the years. Generally, Route 66 arrived in Oklahoma City from the northeast after leaving Arcadia, turned south and left the downtown area heading west.
Today, Oklahoma City is a bustling place, an attractive destination for travelers. The city offers a large array of museums, night life, the Bricktown district, attractions, sports, lodging options and historic venues for visitors.
Map showing the approximate location of Historic Route 66 through Oklahoma City |
Hotel listings and traveler reviews for Oklahoma City Restaurant reviews for Oklahoma City Attractions and things to do in Oklahoma City |
Oklahoma State CapitolKnown as the only state capitol complex to have working oil wells on-site. The Oklahoma capitol's dome features The Guardian, a three-ton, 17 ½ foot tall bronze American Indian statue that depicts characteristics from all 39 native tribes of Oklahoma. The building also features stained glass, murals and art exhibits that you can see on a guided tour. |
The Britton District in Oklahoma CityBritton is a former town in Oklahoma County, annexed by Oklahoma City in 1950. Once part of the historic Route 66 bypass, the Britton District is now Oklahoma City’s newest developing district. It still maintains its small-town Main Street vibe with rows of early 20th-century storefronts. Britton Road connects Highway 235 with Lake Hefner Parkway and passes through old Britton, Cassidy Square, and The Village. |
National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumThis world class museum is located at 1700 Northeast 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. For more information visit the website of the National Cowboy Museum |
|
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, downtown, on a cold somber day in the fall of 2018
For more information visit the website of the Oklahoma City Memorial
Milk Bottle GroceryThe Milk Bottle Grocery is located on a small triangular piece of property at 2426 N. Classen Avenue in Oklahoma City along Historic Route 66. The grocery was built in 1930, and the giant milk bottle was added in 1948. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is adorned with a milk bottle from Braum's, the well-known Oklahoma-based dairy in Tuttle. On one side of the grocery is the "Oklahoma City ... Where the Thunder Rolls" mural. |
|
Oklahoma City Skyline |
OKC - Wheeler Ferris Wheel |
Oklahoma Railway Museum |
|
Reynolds Arts Center |
Bricktown |
Centennial Land Run Monument |
Myriad Botanical Gardens |
Paseo Arts District |
Oklahoma National Stockyards |
Charles B. Hall AirparkShown here is the Boeing C-135 on display at the Charles B. Hall Airpark at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Admission to the airpark is free, and no base pass is required. There is ample, nearby parking. The airpark displays over a dozen restored aircraft dating from World War II as well as recent times. |
Take the Air Depot Boulevard exit from I-40. The planes are accessed via a series of flat, paved sidewalks ... highly recommended!! |
Other Attractions
|
What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around or through Oklahoma City? 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.
We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards showing scenes in Oklahoma City. These portray the city in its earlier years and help us to visualize "yesterday" as we drive Route 66 today.
Park-O-Tell, 2 blocks north of the State Capitol Building, on Highway 66, Oklahoma City, OK
Union Bus Station, Oklahoma City |
Union Railroad Station, Oklahoma City |
Matlyn Court |
De Luxe Courts |
Nu Homa Motel |
The Major Court |
Classen Cafeteria |
Flamingo Motel |
Oklahoma City University
Route 66 Road Trips in Oklahoma |
|
Tulsa to Oklahoma City |
MORE OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 |
||
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau
More Things to Do on Route 66 - at the Oklahoma Tourism Department