Route 66 Road Trip to Miami, Oklahoma

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)

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.

Vintage Iron Museum The museum in downtown Miami includes a collection of more than 40 antique motorcycles, including classics like a 1917 Harley Davidson. It also showcases Evel Knievel memorabilia, a wall of vintage helmets and a gift shop.

128 S. Main Street Miami, Oklahoma

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.

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

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.

Hotels in Miami, Oklahoma Hotels in Claremore, Oklahoma Hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Vintage Views of Miami, Oklahoma

What was Route 66 like in its prime? What did all the service stations, motels and diners 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 around Miami 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.

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards showing scenes on Route 66 in Miami. These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize "yesterday" as we drive Route 66 today.

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

Hotel Miami, downtown Miami, Oklahoma

The Elms Motel in Miami, Oklahoma

 

Interactive Map of Miami, Oklahoma

 

Continuing West on the Next Route 66 Segment? From Kansas and Miami OK to Tulsa

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

More Route 66 and Travel-Related Resources