Oklahoma is full of tourist attractions, but none of them have the history of Route 66. “The Mother Road” is full of iconic landmarks and attractions that make it one of the most visited places in the state. From diners to museums to charming towns, the 400-mile stretch that crosses the state will take you on a nostalgic road trip unlike any other. Oklahoma’s Route 66 has many interesting historical facts and is full of fascinating things. Here are a few that you probably didn’t know:
- The Round Barn in Arcadia is the most photographed and famous barn on Route 66.
George Thomas/Flickr
- Oklahoma has more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state.
Ander Alegrin/Flickr
- The historic Canadian River Bridge is the longest bridge (3,944.33 feet ) on Route 66 near Geary, Oklahoma.
dotpolka/Flickr
- Route 66 crosses the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
- The Ribbon Road - just one paved lane of Old Route 66 - is still driveable just outside of Miami, Oklahoma. The road is only 9-ft. wide.
Jim Grey/Flickr
- Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66,” was from Tulsa. Route 66 (conveniently) ran right past his own filling station and restaurant.
Route66Museum/Facebook
- Quapaw, Oklahoma was the first town on the Mother Road and is now famous for its “Spooklights.”
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
- The famous Route 66 song, Get Your Kicks On Route 66, lists only 6 cities - one of which is Oklahoma City.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
- Elvis Presley was very fond of the Trade Winds Inn on Route 66 in Clinton and would stay the night whenever passing through.
Pete Zarria/Flickr
- Route 66 was nicknamed the “Mother Road,” but it was also nicknamed after “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son” Will Rogers. It became known as “Will Rogers Highway.”
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
- The tallest mural on Route 66 is located on a wall in Davenport, Oklahoma.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Do you have any more interesting facts about Route 66 in Oklahoma to add to this list? We would love to learn more about it!
George Thomas/Flickr
Ander Alegrin/Flickr
dotpolka/Flickr
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Jim Grey/Flickr
Route66Museum/Facebook
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Pete Zarria/Flickr
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
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