Route 66 Road Trip to Miami, Oklahoma

Greetings from Miami, Oklahoma Mural
Greetings from Miami, Oklahoma Mural

The route through Kansas was the shortest of all the states, only about 30 miles. After traveling through Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs, it entered Commerce, Oklahoma, and headed south to Miami.

Miami is the county seat of Ottawa County, and was founded in 1891. Today's population numbers about 13,000 residents, and the city is home to nine Native American Tribal headquarters.  The tribal nations have played an important role in the growth of tourism in Northeast Oklahoma.

Route 66 has played a major part of the history of the area. Oklahoma is often called "The Birthplace of Route 66" and Miami "The Gateway to Route 66". Miami has the longest Main Street on all of Route 66. Located nearby is the last section of the original 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" which zigzags for 13 miles between Miami and Afton.

Miami is 28 miles from Vinita and 63 miles from Claremore. Tulsa lies 90 miles to the southeast.

Map of Historic Route 66 showing the location of Miami in Eastern Oklahoma
Map of Historic Route 66 showing the location of Miami in Eastern Oklahoma

 

Area Attractions In and Near Miami on Route 66

Historic U.S. Route 66 sign, in eastern Oklahoma (November, 2018)
Historic U.S. Route 66 sign, near Chelsea, Oklahoma
Welcome to Miami, Oklahoma on Historic Route 66
The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, OK
The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma
Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign
Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign on Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma
The Coleman Theater, 103 N. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66
 Built in 1929, this magnificent structure has been completely restored to its original glory. Built as a vaudeville theatre and movie palace, it hosted appearances by many early stars including Will Rogers, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby.
The Coleman Theater, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66 The Coleman Theater, Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66

Ribbon Road in Oklahoma

Be sure to ride this section of the Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, Oklahoma.

Section of Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" still visible near Miami, Oklahoma


Seen here on a road trip in November, 2018.

Marker along the Will Rogers Highway ... Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" near Miami, OK
Marker along the Will Rogers Highway ... Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" near Miami, Oklahoma
Classic, rusted replicas of earlier times, on Route 66 near Miami, OK
Classic, rusted trucks from earlier times, on Route 66 near Miami, Oklahoma
Amazing stonework on this abandoned service station, near Miami, OK
Amazing stonework on this abandoned service station, near Miami, Oklahoma, along Historic Route 66

Lodging Options Along Route 66 in Eastern Oklahoma

Miami has more than 500 hotel rooms located conveniently off Interstate 44 and Route 66.

TripAdvisor

Hotels in Miami, Oklahoma

Hotels in Claremore, Oklahoma

Hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Miami

Earlier times on Route 66: Main Street in Miami, Oklahoma

 

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

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


Ben Stanley's Cafe, one mile south of Miami, Oklahoma, on Hiway 66

"Nationally famous steaks, chicken and sea food"
Ben Stanley's Cafe, one mile south of Miami, Oklahoma, on Hiway 66

Cherokee Motel
Cherokee Motel on US 66 and 99, at the city limits north, Miami, Oklahoma
The Elms
The Elms Motel in Miami, Oklahoma
Sooner State Kourt
Sooner State Kourt, Miami, Oklahoma, on Highway 66

 

Interactive Map of Miami, Oklahoma

 

Continuing West
on the Next Route 66 Segment?

From Kansas and Miami OK to Tulsa

Route 66 Road Trip from Kansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Oklahoma Route 66 Passport

The Official 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.

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.

More information about the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport

Order the Oklahoma Route 66 Passport online

 

More Information About Miami

Miami Oklahoma Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

City of Miami OK website

 

Miami OK Chamber of Commerce website

 

Coleman Theatre website

 

City of Miami Tourism at the Oklahoma Tourism Department: TravelOK

 

Miami Travel Guide at TripAdvisor

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