Route 66 runs right through our backyard
I love telling people that when they live in the Tulsa Metro and Northeast Oklahoma, they're part of one of the most iconic stretches of American road. Route 66 — the Mother Road — winds right through our communities, packed with history, quirky landmarks, and stories worth telling.
Why Route 66 matters to me
After over 30 years of helping people find homes here, I can tell you that living in the Tulsa Metro means you're surrounded by history — and Route 66 is one of the most colorful chapters. The Mother Road cuts right through our towns, and it's more than just a highway. It's a thread that connects generations of dreamers, travelers, and families building something new.
When I help someone relocate to this area, I always tell them: before you close on your house, you've got to drive Route 66. See the Blue Whale. Stand under the Golden Driller. Grab a 700-variety soda at POPS. It's the best way to understand the spirit of this place — and why so many people fall in love with it.
Iconic stops along the Mother Road
These are the places that make Route 66 through Oklahoma legendary — each one worth a stop, a photo, and a story.
Blue Whale of Catoosa
The Mother Road's most lovable icon
This 80-foot-long cement whale has been greeting Route 66 travelers since 1972. Built by Hugh S. Davis as a surprise for his wife and a swimming spot for his grandchildren, the Blue Whale is one of the most photographed stops on the entire Mother Road. Pull over, stretch your legs, snap a photo, and soak in the whimsy. It's free, it's quirky, and it's pure Oklahoma charm.
Blue Whale of Catoosa
The Mother Road's most lovable icon
This 80-foot-long cement whale has been greeting Route 66 travelers since 1972. Built by Hugh S. Davis as a surprise for his wife and a swimming spot for his grandchildren, the Blue Whale is one of the most photographed stops on the entire Mother Road. Pull over, stretch your legs, snap a photo, and soak in the whimsy. It's free, it's quirky, and it's pure Oklahoma charm.
Golden Driller
Tulsa's 76-foot-tall sentinel
Standing 76 feet tall and weighing 43,500 pounds, the Golden Driller is one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States and an official symbol of the State of Oklahoma. Originally erected for the 1966 International Petroleum Exposition, this beloved landmark lives at the Tulsa Expo Center and represents the oil heritage that built this city. It's a must-see for anyone exploring Tulsa's Route 66 story.
Golden Driller
Tulsa's 76-foot-tall sentinel
Standing 76 feet tall and weighing 43,500 pounds, the Golden Driller is one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States and an official symbol of the State of Oklahoma. Originally erected for the 1966 International Petroleum Exposition, this beloved landmark lives at the Tulsa Expo Center and represents the oil heritage that built this city. It's a must-see for anyone exploring Tulsa's Route 66 story.
Arcadia Round Barn
A circular masterpiece since 1898
The Arcadia Round Barn is the only wooden round barn in Oklahoma and one of the most photographed structures on Route 66. Built in 1898, it was lovingly restored in the 1990s by volunteers and now serves as a visitor center, gift shop, and roadside landmark. The hand-hewn beams and circular design are truly one-of-a-kind — step inside and take it all in.
Arcadia Round Barn
A circular masterpiece since 1898
The Arcadia Round Barn is the only wooden round barn in Oklahoma and one of the most photographed structures on Route 66. Built in 1898, it was lovingly restored in the 1990s by volunteers and now serves as a visitor center, gift shop, and roadside landmark. The hand-hewn beams and circular design are truly one-of-a-kind — step inside and take it all in.
POPS 66
700+ sodas and a 66-foot glowing bottle
POPS is a modern Route 66 icon — a gas station, diner, and soda superstore all wrapped into one. The 66-foot-tall illuminated soda bottle sculpture out front is visible from the highway and practically demands a stop. Inside, you'll find over 700 varieties of soda from around the world, a full-service diner with classic American fare, and a lawn with rocking chairs and picnic tables. It's the perfect Route 66 pit stop.
POPS 66
700+ sodas and a 66-foot glowing bottle
POPS is a modern Route 66 icon — a gas station, diner, and soda superstore all wrapped into one. The 66-foot-tall illuminated soda bottle sculpture out front is visible from the highway and practically demands a stop. Inside, you'll find over 700 varieties of soda from around the world, a full-service diner with classic American fare, and a lawn with rocking chairs and picnic tables. It's the perfect Route 66 pit stop.
Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66
A Tulsa original
This quirky Route 66 shop in East Tulsa is a love letter to the Mother Road. Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios features a 20-foot-tall "Space Cowboy" statue out front, Route 66 memorabilia, vintage finds, and unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of place that makes Route 66 special — odd, personal, and totally worth the detour.
Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66
A Tulsa original
This quirky Route 66 shop in East Tulsa is a love letter to the Mother Road. Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios features a 20-foot-tall "Space Cowboy" statue out front, Route 66 memorabilia, vintage finds, and unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of place that makes Route 66 special — odd, personal, and totally worth the detour.
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Where the Mother Road meets history
Located at the intersection of Route 66 and 11th Street in Tulsa, this plaza honors Cyrus Avery — the "Father of Route 66" — with a beautiful bronze sculpture depicting a 1920s family in a touring car encountering a truck driver. It marks the symbolic spot where Route 66 was routed through downtown Tulsa and is a must-stop for any Mother Road history buff.
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Where the Mother Road meets history
Located at the intersection of Route 66 and 11th Street in Tulsa, this plaza honors Cyrus Avery — the "Father of Route 66" — with a beautiful bronze sculpture depicting a 1920s family in a touring car encountering a truck driver. It marks the symbolic spot where Route 66 was routed through downtown Tulsa and is a must-stop for any Mother Road history buff.
Route 66 Neon Sign Park
Tulsa's glowing tribute
Located along 11th Street in downtown Tulsa, the Route 66 Neon Sign Park showcases restored and recreated neon signs that once lined the Mother Road. It's especially magical at dusk when the signs light up in brilliant color — a colorful reminder of the golden age of American road trips. Pair it with a walk along the downtown Route 66 corridor for the full experience.
Route 66 Neon Sign Park
Tulsa's glowing tribute
Located along 11th Street in downtown Tulsa, the Route 66 Neon Sign Park showcases restored and recreated neon signs that once lined the Mother Road. It's especially magical at dusk when the signs light up in brilliant color — a colorful reminder of the golden age of American road trips. Pair it with a walk along the downtown Route 66 corridor for the full experience.
Fun Route 66 facts
The Mother Road is full of surprises. Here are a few of my favorite facts about the most legendary highway in America.
Oklahoma has more miles of Route 66 than any other state — 392 miles stretch across the state.
Route 66 was officially established in 1926 and decommissioned in 1985, but the spirit of the Mother Road lives on.
Tulsa was once called the "Oil Capital of the World," and the Golden Driller is a proud tribute to that legacy.
The Arcadia Round Barn was built without any nails — the wooden pegs hold it together.
Route 66 spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states.
POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia serves over 700 varieties of soda from 40+ countries.
Drive it like a local
Route 66 through northeastern Oklahoma is easy to explore — most of the iconic stops are within a short drive of each other. A great day trip from the Tulsa Metro:
- Start in Tulsa — Golden Driller, Cyrus Avery Plaza, Neon Sign Park, Buck Atom's
- Head east to Catoosa — Stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa (just 15 minutes from downtown Tulsa)
- Continue to Claremore — Will Rogers heritage, a charming downtown, and great local food
- Drive west toward Arcadia — The Round Barn and POPS are perfect westbound day-trip destinations
"Route 66 is more than a road — it's a reminder that the journey matters as much as the destination. And here in Northeast Oklahoma, both are pretty great."
Living on Route 66 is just the beginning
When you call Northeast Oklahoma home, you're part of one of America's most iconic roads. Let's find you the perfect house to go with it.