Commerce, Oklahoma

Allen's Conoco Fillin' Station

Miami, Oklahoma

Ribbon Road Near Miami

Section of Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" still visible near Miami, Oklahoma, seen here in this staff photo taken in November, 2018.
It was opened in 1922 as part of Oklahoma Route 7, and was incorporated into U.S. Route 66 in 1926.

Click to read more about Route 66 in Miami

Afton, Oklahoma

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

"Big Bill" and the Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita

The newest "Muffler Man" on Route 66 was installed at the family-owned Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, in June of 2023. He towers about 24 feet in height; at his feet is a large suitcase.

Alan and Beth Hilburn own and operate the cafe. "Big Bill" is named after the late Bill Wood, Beth's father.

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.

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

Welcome to Chelsea, Oklahoma

Welcome to Chelsea, Oklahoma ... Established 1889
Sign provided by the Chelsea Area Historical Society

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.

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 Motel

The Chelsea Motel is located at the intersection of Historic Route 66 (N. Walnut Street) and E. First Street in Chelsea. It dates to circa 1936, and was alerted to Route 66 travelers by its large, elaborate neon sign that has survived into modern times. The simple stucco rectangular building consisted of six motel units; behind the motel was a smaller building that served as the motel office and home of the owner.

Today, the motel is privately owned and used for storage. It is not accessible to the public but can be viewed from the public right of way. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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 about the city, its history and attractions, link to the VisitClaremore.org website

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.

In 2022 the Blue Whale celebrated its 50th anniversary!

Click to read more about Route 66 in Catoosa

Today, travelers can walk through the whale, and shop at a nostalgic gift shop on site. Free admission and parking.

Located northeast of Tulsa in Catoosa, OK

The D.W. Correll Museum

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

Catoosa's Historical Society Museum

Catoosa's Historical Museum was founded by Catoosa's Historical Society. The train depot and railroad have played an important part in Catoosa's history, and it's only appropriate that the Catoosa Historical Society Museum is housed in the old depot. Visitors will find numerous local history displays including vintage photographs of Catoosa's early residents, a mailbox that was used when mail was delivered on horseback, a train depot log book dating from 1897 and a check from the Farmers and Merchants Bank dated 1907.

The Catoosa Historical Museum is easily recognized by the bright red caboose outside of the museum. It is located at 207 South Cherokee Street in Catoosa. Hours are typically 10:00am - 3:00pm on Tuesday and Friday. Phone 918.266.3296 for current opening days and hours.

The Sculptures in Tulsa
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 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.

Route 66 Bridge Over the Arkansas River

Directly west of Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is the original Eleventh Street Bridge bridge built in 1915 to carry Route 66 over the Arkansas River. It is located between newer bridges on Southwest Boulevard and Interstate 244, and was closed to traffic in 1980 although it remained open for pedestrians for a time.

Gates were locked on the bridge in 2008, and it remains closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic today. The old bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and re-named the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge.

The Golden Driller

Located at 4145 E. 21st Street in Tulsa.

The Golden Driller is a 76-foot, 22-ton statue of an oil worker in Tulsa, located outside the Tulsa Expo Center. It is the 6th tallest statue in the United States.

The plaque at the base reads "The Golden Driller, a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God’s abundance a better life for mankind."

Click to read more about Route 66 in Tulsa

"You Said We Couldn't Do It" Mural

This mural commemorates a bridge built over the Arkansas River in Tulsa in 1904. The bridge wasn’t for rail traffic, so investors considered it a risky project. The government wouldn’t pay for it either. Instead, three citizens formed a toll company and paid for the bridge, a huge undertaking both financially and logistically due to the shifting river bed.

On the completed bridge they hung a sign, “You Said We Couldn’t Do It, But We Did.”

Located in the Meadow Gold District - 1306 E. 11th Street at S. Peoria Avenue

The Meadow Gold Neon Sign

As the largest neon sign on Tulsa's landscape, the Meadow Gold sign is unique. With each face measuring 30 feet by 30 feet, the size and design of the Meadow Gold sign set it apart from all of the other signs that have been preserved and restored along historic Route 66.

Erected in 1934, the Meadow Gold sign stood above its rooftop perch at 11th Street (Historic Route 66) and South Lewis Avenue for nearly seven decades and served as a reminder of days gone by - days of the milkman and deliveries of dairy products to the porches and front doors of Tulsa, and America.

In August of 2004, the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture (TFA) applied for and received a grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program administered through the National Park Service to restore the Meadow Gold sign at its original location.

Located in the Meadow Gold District - 1324 E. 11th Street

Read more at the Tulsa Market District website

Route 66 Historical Village

This open-air museum is a unique experience to educate visitors about Tulsa's history in the oil, refining and transportation industries. The Visitor’s Center is a replica of a 1920’s Phillips 66 gas station.  The tallest oil derrick in North America is a favorite with visitors. Located at 3770 Southwest Boulevard.

Route 66 Historical Village website

Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Sapulpa is the county seat for Creek County and is located in northeast Oklahoma’s Green Country, about 14 miles southwest of downtown Tulsa. The city is located on old U.S. Route 66, now SH-66 and Historic Route 66 (a/k/a the West Ozark Trail), through town. For more information, visit ...

City of Sapulpa website

Main Street Sapulpa website

Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce

Sapulpa at the TravelOK website

Gasoline Alley Classics in Sapulpa Gasoline Alley Classics, a longtime manufacturer of game room, garage, and man cave automobilia décor, has launched its first retail shop in a former Model T assembly plant and dealership on Route 66 in Sapulpa. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 9, 2022, with the grand opening on September 10. Gasoline Alley has quickly become a "must see" stop for Route 66 travelers in the Sapulpa area. Roadtrippers enjoy checking out the signs, Route 66 memorabilia and vintage Ford autos inside, and take advantage of the many photo ops at "The Official Home of Lady Luck"! It is located at 24 N. Main Street in Sapulpa, and also offers an extensive online store featuring apparrel, signs, stickers, oil cans and so much more. Read more ... website of Gasoline Alley Classics and Gasoline Alley Classics on Facebook ... phone 918.806.1000

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum

The Museum in Sapulpa features the world's tallest gas pump, at 66-foot-tall, a prominent Route 66 landmark. It also includes an extensive indoor collection of historic automobiles and other historical treasures.

The Museum is on the grow, with an all new expansion planned for 2023. See photo below right, courtesy of Reed Architects, the designers of the new expansion. This will be a 60% expansion to boost its visibility, exhibit space, and revenue streams. The project includes 5,000 square feet under roof and a 2,400-square-foot outdoor plaza. It promises a dramatic increase in the museum’s 36-vehicle inventory and other exhibits. This expansion parallels a neighboring park development by the city of Sapulpa. The Route 66 Rock Creek Park will provide a tourist-friendly playground and rest stop connected to the museum.

The Museum is located at 13 Sahoma Lake Road, Sapulpa, OK 74066. For more information, phone 918.216.1171, or visit ....

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum website and The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum on Facebook

Stroud and the Rock Cafe

The Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma was established in 1939, built with rock unearthed during the paving of Route 66. It has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The owner was the inspiration for Sally the Porsche in the movie "Cars".

The Cafe is located at 114 S. Main Street in Stroud, and remains an area icon.

Visit the Rock Cafe website

Davenport, Oklahoma

Welcome to Davenport, Oklahoma, on Historic Route 66

One of the many classic murals in Davenport, Oklahoma, on Historic Route 66

Chandler, Oklahoma

Route 66 Interpretive Center at 400 E 1st Street in Chandler

Route 66 Interpretive Center

Phillips 66 Service Station, Chandler, Oklahoma, on Historic Route 66

McJerry's Route 66 Gallery in Chandler

While in Chandler, be sure to stop and visit McJerry's Route 66 Gallery at 306 Manvel (Highway 18), just off OK 66, north of downtown. The Gallery is operated by Jerry McClanahan, the award-winning artist and Route 66 historian/writer of the popular EZ 66 Guide for Travelers.

Phone 405.240.7659 for more information and opening times, and visit the McJerry66.com website.

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum

The Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum is located at 336992 E. Highway 66 in Warwick, Oklahoma, west of Chandler.

Seaba Station was built in 1921 by John and Alice Seaba, five years before historic Route 66 would be certified. This building's life started out as a DX station, and has now been restored and operated as a popular motorcycle museum.

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum website and Seaba Station on Facebook
or phone 405.258.9141

Wellston, Oklahoma

Located between Warwick and Luther in Lincoln County on Route 66 is the town of Wellston, established in 1898. In 1932 State Highway 66 was constructed one mile south of Wellston, threatening the town's survival. After a dispute with the state highway department, "Wellston Gap" (a bypass) was paved through town.

Shown below is a lovely mural at the corner of Birch Street and 2nd Street (Highway 66B) in Wellston.

Downtown scene in Wellston, Oklahoma

Threatt Filling Station and Family Farm

The historic Threatt Filling Station is located near the intersection of Route 66 and Pottawatomie Road, about 3 miles east of Luther, Oklahoma. The station offered African Americans a place to purchase food and fuel, as well as an opportunity for a respite from their travels during times when segregation was still in place. It offered a variety of services, including gas, oil, automotive accessories, groceries, cold beer and oil changes.

The station building and a nearby bar were built by Allen Threatt Sr. on about 150 acres of property he purchased in 1915, land that the Threatt family still owns. The filling station was closed in the 1970s.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has included the Threatt Filling Station and Threatt Family Farm on its list of the 11-Most Endangered Places in America, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, in 2023, the station is being restored.

For more information about the history of the station and the family, visit the Threatt Filling Station Foundation website and Threatt Filling Station on Facebook.

Also, learn more about the Threatt Filling Station at the National Park Service (NPS) website

More information about restoration efforts and progress

Historic preservationists lead restoration project of Threatt Filling Station in Luther
The Oklahoman - 06/15/2023

Arcadia, Oklahoma

Just east of Oklahoma City ... Home of the Round Barn

John's Place

While in Arcadia, you don't want to miss John Hargrove's OK County 66 Place at 12441 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!

Edmond, Oklahoma ... The Mural, and Much More

Edmond is home to championship golf courses, indoor/outdoor food halls, downtown street festivals and local shopping galore. Cruise Route 66 to camp at Arcadia Lake, tour historic sites and snap selfies. Explore acres of parks, 270 public art pieces and 250 restaurants, then relax in your choice of 15 hotels and more than 50 vacation homes.

Read about more Edmond Tourism and Attractions 

Oklahoma State Capitol

Known 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. 

Located at 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

This world class museum is located at 1700 Northeast 63rd Street in Oklahoma City.

For more information visit the website of the National Cowboy Museum

It is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts. 

Milk Bottle Grocery

The 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.

Yukon, Oklahoma ... The Route 66 Murals, and More

Yukon is full of rich history, Route 66 roots, music heritage, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful art. Explore a while, and see why folks flock from all over to pay the city a visit!

Read more about Yukon Attractions 

El Reno, Oklahoma ... The Crossroads of America

El Reno was established in 1889 and is located at the intersection of two historic highways: nostalgic Route 66 and the Chisholm Trail (Hwy. 81). The city began as a railroad town and was home to three Land Runs. Today, it is a festival town and boasts many heritage celebrations, historic properties, and the only rail based trolley operating in the state of Oklahoma.

Read more about El Reno Tourism and Attractions 

The Giant Native American in Calumet, Oklahoma

This giant Native American statue is located at the Indian Trading Post and Art Gallery at 825 South Walbaum Road in Calumet, Oklahoma. It was previously located at the David Howe Auto dealership off Route 66 until 2010.

The Trading Post features Native American themed apparel, hand-beaded jewelry, and other memorabilia. This nostalgic store also carries Native American art from a large number of nearby tribes including pottery, paintings and other great pieces. Phone the Trading Post at 405.884.5599 for more information, and about opening times.

Geary, Oklahoma

Located between El Reno and Bridgeport is the City of Geary, partially in Blaine County and Canadian County. The area occupied by the present city was previously part of the Cheyenne-Arapaho reservation until it was opened in April, 1892 for settlement by non-Indians. The Geary post office was established October 12, 1892.

Geary was located on the old Postal Highway, which later became part of Route 66 in 1926. In 1933, a new Pony Bridge was built across the Canadian River downriver from Bridgeport. Route 66 was realigned directly from El Reno to Hydro, bypassing Calumet, Geary, and Bridgeport the following year. Today, the city is located on U.S. Highways 270 and 281.

Shown below is a lovely "Route 66 Mother Road" mural on the Geary City Hall at the corner of Main Street and South Broadway. While in Geary, Route 66 visitors enjoy a visit to the Canadian Rivers Historical Museum in the old Gillespie Building, built in 1903 as the Bank of Commerce.

The Pony Bridge ... On Historic U.S. Route 66

This well known bridge on Old Route 66 over the South Canadian River is located near Bridgeport, OK, between El Reno and Hydro. Built in 1934, it remains the longest truss bridge in Oklahoma and the entire Mother Road route.

The 38-span pony truss bridge is 3,944 feet in length, and officially named the William H. Murray Bridge. Pony trusses are bridge trusses that don’t connect at the top.

The bridge, on the National Register of Historic Places was closed beginning in 2022 for a two year reconstruction. The bridge was widened to current standards, and the trusses reinstalled along the sides to retain its historical value. It was reopened in May of 2024.

Hydro, Oklahoma

The Town of Hydro is located between Bridgeport and Weatherford on Historic U.S. Route 66. Shown below is the beautiful "Welcome to Hydro and Route 66" mural on the side of The Station, at the corner of Arapahoe Avenue and Main Street. It makes a great photo op for Route 66 travelers!

Read more at Welcome to Hydro Mural on Facebook

Lucille's Service Station and Roadhouse in Hydro

Lucille's Service Station, a classic gas station built in 1929 along Route 66 near Hydro, is one of only two upper-story, out-thrust porch style stations left on Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66.

 In 1941, the Hamons family took over the operation of the station and Lucille Hamons, ran the business for 60 years. Lucille, who quickly became known for her friendly assistance to motorists, earned the nickname "Mother of the Mother Road." 

Weatherford

The city of Weatherford was initially located on State Highway 3 starting in the early 1920s, which was redesignated as U.S. Route 66 in 1926 and paved entirely across Western Oklahoma by 1932. Route 66, which followed Main Street through the city, was lined with various tourist businesses including cafes, motels and gasoline stations like most other cities along the highway.

Today, Weatherford is home to the Stafford Air & Space Museum, the Oklahoma Heartland Museum, the Weatherford Wind Energy Park, several city parks, golf courses and much more.

More information about area attractions at the City of Weatherford's tourism website

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a popular stop in Clinton, Oklahoma. The state's official showcase of Route 66 is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and offers visitors a spirited tour of pure Americana.
Located off I-40 at Exit 65 at 2229 West Gary Boulevard.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum website

The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma

The National Route 66 Museum focuses on the people who lived, worked and traveled the “Mother Road” and offers visitors a classic walk through all eight states, highlighted by realistic murals and vignettes depicting the eras of the road and the interesting places that made Route 66 so famous.

National Route 66 Museum website  

Erick, Oklahoma

Located between Exits 9 and 10 on I-40, the Erick Tourism Information Center offers brochures and travel resources on statewide attractions, events, lodging and more. Enjoy clean restrooms, a vending area, advice from trained travel counselors, a gift shop and hundreds of free brochures and visitor guides.

Read more about Erick Tourism and Attractions 

Sandhills Curiosity Shop

Located in the old City Meat Market in Erick, Oklahoma, at 201 S. Sheb Wooley Street, is the Sandhills Curiosity Shop ... Insanity at Its Finest!
Have a good time there with Harley and his Mediocre Music Program!

Sam's Town

Sam's Town is located at 401 W. Roger Miller Boulevard (Route 66) in Erick, one block west of Sheb Wooley Avenue. This captivating art installation tells the unique stories of Western Oklahoma's past. The site includes items collected and curated by renowned photographer Samuel Hagen. Sam's passion for this preservation makes it a must-see destination for those seeking to explore the rich tapestry of history and art that defines the iconic Route 66.

It's a nice area located right on Route 66 where travelers can stop, rest a bit, stretch their legs and take a tour! Visit their Facebook page for AirBnB options for overnight stays.

For more information, visit the website of Sam's Town and Sam's Town on Facebook ... phone 805.585.8333

Route 66 Road Trips in Oklahoma

Kansas to Tulsa

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

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove through and around Oklahoma? 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 Oklahoma.

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 the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport
• Order the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport online