Route 66 in Oklahoma City, the route, travel guide, cities along the way, vintage images, hotel availability, things to see

Route 66 in Oklahoma City

As Route 66 left Joplin, Missouri, it was only a short distance westbound thru extreme southeast Kansas to the Oklahoma border. It quickly entered Commerce, and headed southwest through Miami to Tulsa.

The road continued west through Sapulpa, Davenport, Chandler and Arcadia to Oklahoma City, the largest city in the state, and the Capitol City.

Route 66 alignments through the city changed through the years. Generally, Route 66 arrived in Oklahoma City from the northeast after leaving Arcadia, turned south and left the downtown area heading west.

Today, Oklahoma City is a bustling place, an attractive destination for travelers. The city offers a large array of museums, night life, the Bricktown district, attractions, sports, lodging options and historic venues for visitors.

Map showing the approximate location of Historic Route 66 through Oklahoma City

Map showing the approximate location of Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma City

Vintage Views of Oklahoma City

The Major Court at 3200 N.W. 39th Street, on US 66 & 270, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around or through Oklahoma City? 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.

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards showing scenes in Oklahoma City. These portray the city in its earlier years and help us to visualize "yesterday" as we drive Route 66 today.

Park-O-Tell, 2 blocks north of the State Capitol Building, on Highway 66, Oklahoma City, OK

DeLuxe Courts at 4500 N.W. 39th Street, on Highway 66, Oklahoma City, OK	Nu-Homa Motel, Oklahoma City, OK
Union Bus Station, Oklahoma City	Union Railroad Station, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City University

Popular Sights and Things to See Today in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma State Capitol

Known as the only state capitol complex to have working oil wells on-site.

The Oklahoma capitol's dome features The Guardian, a three-ton, 17 ½ foot tall bronze American Indian statue that depicts characteristics from all 39 native tribes of Oklahoma.

The building also features stained glass, murals and art exhibits that you can see on a guided tour.

Located at 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

This world class museum is located at 1700 Northeast 63rd Street in Oklahoma City.

For more information visit the website of the National Cowboy Museum

It is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, downtown, on a cold somber day in the fall of 2018
For more information visit the website of the Oklahoma City Memorial

Milk Bottle Grocery

The Milk Bottle Grocery is located on a small triangular piece of property at 2426 N. Classen Avenue in Oklahoma City along Historic Route 66.

The grocery was built in 1930, and the giant milk bottle was added in 1948. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, it is adorned with a milk bottle from Braum's, the well-known Oklahoma-based dairy in Tuttle.

Charles B. Hall Airpark

Shown here is the Boeing C-135 on display at the Charles B. Hall Airpark at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

Admission to the airpark is free, and no base pass is required. There is ample, nearby parking. The airpark displays over a dozen restored aircraft dating from World War II as well as recent times.