9 Best Things To Do on Route 66 in Oklahoma
Traveling on Route 66 might be the most iconic road trip route in the U.S. Known as “the mother road”, Route 66 made inter-continental travel from Illinois to Los Angeles possible for millions.
Today we’re looking at the stretch of Route 66 that runs through Oklahoma. Route 66 in Oklahoma spans from the north-eastern to south-central portions of the state. Check out the 9 best things to do and see on Route 66 in Oklahoma here:
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
Price: Adults are $7, students 6-18 are $4 and kids 5 and under are free
Why You’ll Love It: Take a step back in time to experience the “Mother Road”, Route 66 in Oklahoma as it has been through the years. From a counter at a 1950s diner to how the road was a getaway for people who were trying to escape the drought and despair of the Dust Bowl. This museum brings the heyday of Route 66 to life.
Address: 2229 West Gary Boulevard, Clinton, OK 73601
What’s the Word: Gabe C. wrote on Tripadvisor.com that “Nostalgia reigns supreme in the well put together museum about all things Route 66. I enjoyed that they broke information up by decade and topic…Great visuals and artifacts. I especially enjoyed the replicas of vehicles throughout the time.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 9/10, this is a great place to gather some history of Route 66.
Nearby Campground: Hargus RV Park has 65 sites, many with full hook ups. There are Good Sam and military discounts.
Coleman Theatre in Miami
Price: Tours are given by appointment for a minimum donation of $5 per person. See a show at the theatre, prices vary.
Why You’ll Love It: This historic vaudeville theater has an esteemed history on Route 66 in Oklahoma, from its amazing architecture to the “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ, built on that location in 1928, and is the only one still in its original home. The theatre is now used for weddings, receptions and conferences in its ornate ballroom. The variety of shows produced are varied.
Address: 103 North Main Street, Maimi, OK 74354
What’s the Word: Shay B. reported that, “The theater tour was definitely one of my better road trip detours. The guide was very knowledgeable and good-natured. We were able to explore both the ground floor of the theater and the balcony. The balcony offers the best view of the grand chandelier!”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 7/10. Everyone who stopped here, even by accident, was glad they did after seeing the architecture and hearing the history.
Nearby Campground: Miami RV Park is right in town with 24 sites. Great place for a quick overnight. Has laundry, showers, and full hookups.
Round Barn in Arcadia
Price: Free, but donations are accepted for the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.
Why You’ll Love It: An ingenious farmer built this round barn in hopes that tornadoes, which were prevalent, would hit the barn’s round walls and go around. Round barns were said to be “cyclone-proof.” It has been restored and has a unique history with the area and Route 66.
Address: 107 E. Highway 66, Arcadia, OK 73007
What’s the Word: Jbwhitehouse wrote on TripAdvisor.com, “Built in 1898 this historic barn that is on Route 66 was originally made of native bur oak and is the only round barn on Route 66. Climb the stairs to the beautifully restored intricate basket-weave woven-look beautiful domed roof. Outside are some vintage farm equipment.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 7/10. Unique, beautiful craftsmanship and restoration.
Nearby Camping: Central State Park at Arcadia Lake has a variety of sites with full hookups. Rates vary depending on the time of year.
Blue Whale in Catoosa
Price: Free.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a big blue whale on the water, what’s not to love? It was built for a woman who collected whale figurines by her husband as a anniversary gift. It then was used by locals as a picnic and swimming area. After the woman died, it fell into disrepair. Community members fixed it up and painted it. The picnic area was also revived.
Address: 2600 US Rte. 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
What’s the Word: Nikki Timberlake reviewed her stop on Google.com, “The blue whale has been around a long time. It is a fun place to stop and visit with your kids…However, now that the city has purchased the whale and the 23 acres around it, they are building hiking trails and have plans to do some restoration of the whale and gift shop. It is worth the stop.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 9/10. Imagine the love this man had for his wife to build this, and share with the community and everyone traveling Route 66. This is one of most unique things to do on Route 66 in Oklahoma!
Nearby Camping: Claremore Expo RV Park has 44 sites and is considered urban, but is a beautiful campground with full hook ups, dump station, restrooms and showers.
Totem Pole Park in Chelsea
Price: Free, open all year. Gift Shop and Fiddle House are open March through December.
Why You’ll Love It: The Largest Totem Pole in the World is an impressive monument to Native Americans. It is restored every 30 years to keep the colors vibrant. There are other totems on the 9-acre park. If you’re a musician, stop by Ed Galloway’s eleven-sided Fiddle House that shows off his hand-carved fiddles.
Address: 21300 OK-28 A, Chelsea, OK 74016
What’s the Word: sflineback said on Roadtrippers.com, “Excellent stop! What a talented man. I enjoyed the totem poles as well as his woodwork displayed in the gift shop. Absolutely beautiful and worth a visit.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 7/10. It’s a large park of one man’s vision and salute to Native Americans and his wood craft.
Nearby Campground: Blue Creek Campground is an Army Corps of Engineers campground open seasonally April 1 through September 30. There is a playground, swimming beach and trails. Flush toilets and showers are available.
Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum
Price: Donation.
Why You’ll Love It: If you love motorcycles, this is an amazing collection of motorcycles from many decades starting in 1913. It’s located in a 1924 gas station that’s been restored. The owners have poker runs, swap meets and ride ins.
Address: 336992 East Highway 66, Chandler, OK 74834
What’s the Word: Shanna Hunter reviewed Seaba Station on Facebook. “Everything about this place, down to the owner, is exceptional and free. I loved it, it’s a must see.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 6/10. This is only because I’m not a motorcycle fan. For those who are, I’m thinking it would be a 9/10.
Nearby Campground: Oak Glen RV and Mobile Home Park has 51 sites, some with full hook ups. They are big rig friendly, have showers, a dump station and water available. It offers Good Sam discounts.
Marshall Brewing in Tulsa
Price: Depends on what you want. The brewery tour is free. A variety pack of 6 is $10.59. A Growler and Fill is $15.67.
Why You’ll Love It: Marshall Brewing aims to be the “premiere brewery in Oklahoma.” Open to all ages, you can take a tour of the brewing process. The tours are 30 to 40 minutes. Then sample the results of what you just witnessed.
Address: 1742 E. 6th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104
What’s the Word: On Google reviews, Tyler Watson said, “Good beer with good selection, and an excellent atmosphere. The bartender was very helpful at explaining different beers, and the flight was appropriately priced compared to the respective drink prices.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 8/10. Good atmosphere and has lawn games and other activities for patrons.
Nearby Campground: Mingo RV Park is a Good Sam Park with 180 sites. It has a dog run, playground, and many amenities.
Homestead on Route 66 in Yukon
Price: Depends on what you order.
Why You’ll Love It: Right on Route 66, Homestead has a large selection of food, house-made wine and over 70 beers.
Address: 629 W. Main Street, Yukon, OK 73099
What’s the Word: Angela B, said “This is a cute little place in Yukon! When I went there was a kid singing and playing his guitar. He was excellent…The menu is a little different but everything we had was really good! They also had a great selection of beer and wine. They actually had my favorite sour beer by prairie rainbow sherbet!”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 6/10. Seems like Homestead is trying to do too much with their wine, beer and menu selections. They have a unique selection of beer that can’t be found everywhere.
Nearby Campground: Lake El Reno Campground has 52 sites on Lake El Reno. It has full hook ups, many recreation options, and bathrooms with showers.
9. Hotel: The Campbell Hotel in Tulsa
Price: Hotel rooms start at about $139 per night.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a luxury hotel right on Route 66 with 26 uniquely decorated rooms. It was originally built in 1927. If you get a chance to tour the rooms, do it. They offer special packages for romantic weekends or spa treatments.
Address: 2636 E. 11th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104
What’s the Word: Theresa P wrote on TripAdvisor.com, “This is a lovely boutique hotel. Our room was beautiful, it was an inside room and had a huge skylight, so you didn’t miss looking outside. The staff was helpful and wonderful. Everything was clean and neat…once you go inside you see the old architecture and it is just gorgeous.”
Route 66 Oklahoma Vibe Score: 8/10. It’s a creative hotel with specialty rooms that will appeal to those who like unique places to stay.
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