Oklahoma is home to the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country, with more than 400 miles of history that winds through the state. The Midpoint Corridor is a roughly 100-mile segment of the Mother Road running west of Tulsa to Oklahoma City. As you cruise this stretch of Route 66, you’ll find unique attractions, iconic landmarks and family-friendly events worth planning for. Read on to learn more about each charming stop.
Sapulpa
Sapulpa is affectionately known as the “Heart of Route 66” and it proudly showcases its Mother Road history at the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum and through the Route 66 Mural at Dewey Avenue and Main Street. Step back in time and enjoy some nostalgia with a movie at the Tee Pee Drive-In or stop by the historic Rock Creek Bridge, a Route 66 landmark since 1926.
Stay at the uniquely Route 66-themed 1956 Spartan Imperial Mansion or 1952 Royal Spartanette Trailer, both located on the Tee Pee Drive-In property and full of retro flavor and vintage furniture. Visitors can also stay at the Sapulpa Old City Hall on Route 66, a restored historic building which has been repurposed as a boutique hotel.
Kellyville, Bristow & Depew
The next stops are unique towns with significant ties to the Mother Road. Kellyville is home to the mysterious Crybaby Bridge, a rusting structure steeped in an eerie urban legend centered around the alleged sound of a crying baby haunting the bridge. In Bristow, visitors can explore the town’s railroad history at the Bristow Historical Museum & Train Depot, attend one of Bristow’s annual events, such as the Bristow Western Heritage Days Festival, or spend the night at the Historic Route 66 Guest House. Depew offers its own selection of small-town fun including the red brick stores that line the town's main street.
Stroud
The city of Stroud marks the halfway point between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Stroud is filled with iconic Mother Road attractions like the Route 66 Tool Tree and the Ozark Trail Obelisk, a remnant of the historic route that predates Route 66.
While in town, you can’t miss The Rock Cafe, a beloved Route 66 restaurant that has been serving guests since 1939. The cafe is owned by the reported inspiration for Sally, a character in the 2006 animated film “Cars.”
To dive deeper into Stroud’s Route 66 history, visit the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum, where exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the town’s ties to the highway. If you’re planning an overnight stay, book a room at the nostalgic Skyliner Motel, complete with vintage neon road sign.
Davenport
Davenport is a town celebrated for its Route 66-inspired murals. These vibrant works of art are funded by the city’s annual Christmas fundraiser and are the perfect roadside attraction on Mother Road trip.
Start with the double-sided “Welcome to Davenport” mural, which depicts the town’s original filling stations along Route 66, and then snap photos of the Davenport Route 66 Mural, the Doctor Mural, Broadway 1910 Mural and 1891 Land Run Mural.
Along the way, refuel with some comfort classics at Tammy’s Rt 66 Round-Up Café, a local eatery that has been a long-time favorite of locals and road trippers alike.
Chandler
Continuing west, you’ll arrive in Chandler, a town full of Route 66 history and attractions. Start your journey at the Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center, featuring rotating art exhibits that capture the ever-changing history of the Mother Road. Move on to Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, a treasure trove of vintage motorcycles, or McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery. For some family-friendly fun, head to Rt 66 Bowl, a retro-style bowling alley and entertainment center filled with Route 66 memorabilia inside and out.
Wellston & Luther
Upon arriving at Wellston, you’ll find the town’s journey from a cotton-farming hub to an industrial center illustrated in the Wellston Mural downtown. While you're visiting, make sure and grab a bite to eat at the Butcher BBQ Stand, an award-winning barbecue joint located just off the Mother Road. Just a short drive away, the Threatt Filling Station in Luther is an historic site and the first Black-owned business along the Mother Road and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Arcadia
One of Arcadia’s most famous landmarks is the Round Barn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and restored for public visits in 1992. Today, the Round Barn hosts the monthly Round Barn Rendezvous, where country, bluegrass and folk musicians gather for acoustic performances. Make sure and fuel up with a meal at famous Arcadia eateries like The Chicken Shack and POPS, whose 66-foot-tall, illuminated soda bottle outside is impossible to miss. The unique gas station and diner alos boasts more than 600 soda flavors for visitors to try.
The Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest is a three-day celebration honoring the Mother Road’s vibrant neon legacy, featuring a neon campfire, door prizes, a film festival and more. The Midpoint Corridor Route 66 Road Rally, a newer event, invites participants to cruise through all 11 Midpoint Corridor towns. The event is packed with classic cars, live music, giveaways and dancing, making it an unforgettable Route 66 experience.
Edmond
Edmond, Oklahoma’s fifth-largest city, rounds out the Midpoint Corridor stretch with a variety attractions and events that celebrate its Route 66 heritage. One of Edmond’s most popular events, Cycle 66, invites cyclists to tour Historic Route 66 during a family-friendly fitness festival. Along the route, you’ll pass landmarks like the Edmond Railyard, a dining hotspot located in a century-old lumberyard. Other Mother Road highlights in Edmond include the Blue Hippo and the vibrant Main Street Edmond Mural. To dive deeper into Edmond’s Route 66 history, visit the Edmond History Museum, home to fascinating artifacts and exhibits from the city’s storied past.
