Route 66 for Tour Groups

It’s well known that Oklahoma has more miles of Route 66 than any other state, and nearly half of those 400 miles are within Green Country. This section of northeast Oklahoma is also packed with all the nostalgia that you can hope for along the Mother Road. Plan your next group tour with the handy itinerary below and explore the charming cities of Miami, Claremore and Sapulpa.

Miami

Entering Oklahoma on Route 66, the first major city you’ll encounter is Miami. Pronounced “my-am-uh,” this city is home to nine tribal nations - a number that leads the nation in tribal headquarters in a community.

Coleman Theatre

First up is a tour of the gorgeous Coleman Theatre, known around the world as the “Jewel of Route 66.” This historic 1929 venue features a Spanish Colonial Revival exterior and a Louis XV interior. The theatre’s original Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ remains and is still heard on daily tours and used to provide musical accompaniment to classic silent movies as it did in 1929. Visitors from all corners of the world enjoy the opulent décor, an elegant carved mahogany staircase, stained glass panels, gold leaf trim and crystal chandeliers.

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger

Grab a bite to eat at Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger, the last surviving location of a 1960s fast food chain known for its quirky, cuckoo clock-themed design and classic American fare. Then, travel just south of Miami to drive along an original 1926 alignment of Route 66 known as the “Ribbon Road.” Sometimes dubbed the “Sidewalk Highway,” this nine foot wide section was built years before Route 66 as part of the original Ozark Trail.

Claremore

After leaving Miami, you’ll pass through Vinita and Foyil (home of world’s largest concrete totem pole at Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park) to your next stop - Claremore.

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Begin your visit at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and dive into the fascinating life and legacy of the beloved American cowboy entertainer and philosopher, Will Rogers. Explore exhibits showcasing his achievements, artifacts and memorabilia, and gain insight into his enduring impact on American culture.

J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

After enjoying a delicious lunch (the Pink House comes highly recommended, but is only open for lunch Monday through Saturday), tour the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum. The museum is family friendly with exhibits and activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Kids can explore the museum’s “Gunfighter Room,” which features replica frontier buildings and interactive displays that bring the Old West to life.

Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch

Cap off your tour with a visit to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch located just outside of Claremore. Step back in time as you explore the restored ranch house, barns and outbuildings where Will Rogers spent his formative years. Learn about ranching life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and gain a deeper understanding of Will Rogers’ roots and upbringing. Following a dinner of local cuisine, treat your group to a restful night’s sleep knowing that you have more adventures of waiting you tomorrow.

Sapulpa

Following your overnight stay in Claremore, you’ll pass through Catoosa (home of the Blue Whale) and Tulsa where you can pay homage to the “Father of Route 66” at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza & Route 66 Neon Sign Park.

Sapulpa Historical Society Museum

Located in a beautifully preserved building, the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look into the area's past. The museum’s diverse exhibits cover key aspects of Sapulpa’s history, including the railroad, the oil boom and the city’s military contributions. Artifacts, documents and photographs help bring the city’s rich heritage to life.

Sapulpa Fire Museum

Situated in a historic 1920s fire station, the Sapulpa Fire Museum showcases a remarkable collection of firefighting memorabilia. Visitors can see vintage fire trucks, antique equipment and historic photographs that highlight the evolution of firefighting from the early 20th century to today. Interactive exhibits provide a glimpse into how techniques and tools have changed over time.

Waite Phillips Filling Station

Step back in time to the early days of automobile travel at the Waite Phillips Filling Station. Named after oil tycoon and philanthropist Waite Phillips, this restored gas station reflects the rise of Route 66 and the car culture of the 20th century. The site features period gas pumps, vintage artifacts, and educational displays about the history of road travel.

Note: The Sapulpa Historical Society Museum, Sapulpa Fire Museum and Waite Phillips Filling Station are all located within one block of one another. However, the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum is the only museum that is regularly staffed, so stop by there first to request a tour of the other locations.

After your tours, grab lunch at Crossroads Cookery, a popular lunch and dinner hotspot with room for groups upstairs in an elevated tiki-style lounge.

Gasoline Alley Classics

Gasoline Alley Classics is another can’t-miss destination where you can spot automotive memorabilia, vintage pedal cars and gas pumps within a former Model T dealership. This destination truly embodies the spirit of Route 66. Owner Michael Jones regularly welcomes groups from around the world to learn the history of the shop and check out the coolest bathrooms that you’ll find anywhere. (Really, even better than you’re imagining!)

If you’re visiting in September, be sure to check out the Route 66 Blowout Festival to spot hundreds of cars, trucks and motorcycles. The event also offers live music, a children’s zone, tasty treats and vendor booths where you can pick the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time along the Mother Road. Be sure to snap a selfie at the The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum, which is home to the world’s tallest gas pump – a 66-foot-tall recreation of an antique pump.