Route 66 Road Trip to Miami, Oklahoma
 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 |
Area Attractions In and Near Miami on Route 66
Historic U.S. Route 66 sign, in eastern Oklahoma (November, 2018) |
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The Gateway to Route 66 in Miami, OK |
Historic Marker about the Gateway Sign |
| 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. |
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Ribbon Road in OklahomaBe sure to ride this section of the Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" or "Sidewalk Highway" near Miami, Oklahoma. |
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Marker along the Will Rogers Highway ... Old Route 66 9-foot wide "Ribbon Road" near Miami, OK |
Classic, rusted replicas of earlier times, on Route 66 near Miami, OK |
Amazing stonework on this abandoned service station, near Miami, OK |
Lodging Options Along Route 66 in Eastern Oklahoma
Miami has more than 500 hotel rooms located conveniently off Interstate 44 and Route 66.
Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Miami
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"
Cherokee Motel |
The Elms |
Sooner State Kourt |
Interactive Map of Miami, Oklahoma
Continuing West |
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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
Miami OK Chamber of Commerce website
City of Miami Tourism at the Oklahoma Tourism Department: TravelOK