An old Route 66 shield painted on road in NNew Mexico, USA
When it isn’t snowing or sleeting outside, one of the best ways to shake off the cold-weather doldrums is to take a road trip. Oklahomans who love learning about the past are especially lucky since historic Route 66, known as “the Mother Road,” extends across our state. Some of the spots particularly worth a visit include:
Will Rogers Memorial Museum
A famous vaudeville performer, trick-roper, humorist, radio commentator, newspaper columnist and 1920s movie star, Will Rogers has long been known as Oklahoma’s favorite son. Located in
Claremore, the
Will Rogers Memorial Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the man and his life.
Take a tour of the 12 exhibits constructed in his honor, spend a toasty afternoon watching his silent films in the on-site theater and see for yourself why Rogers evolved into one of the most beloved and famous men of his time. The expansive 16,652 sq. ft. museum features art and artifacts pertaining to his life, including countless photographs and manuscripts that explore the various aspects of his life.
Contact the museum by either calling 918-341-0719 or sending an
email.
Cain’s Ballroom
Perhaps the best place along Route 66—or anywhere else in the country—to celebrate the evolution of American music,
Cain’s Ballroom in
Tulsa has hosted every musical genre from honky tonk to rock. Originally built as a garage, Cain’s was once home to Bob Wills. It morphed into a dance academy prior to being renovated into its current purpose as a ballroom and music venue in 1976. Today the performances held at Cain’s include everything from boot scooting country classics to crowd-surfing heavy metal.
To learn which upcoming performances would be of greatest interest to you, either call 918-584-2306 or visit their
website.
Route 66 Interpretive Center
A one-of-a-kind museum experience awaits you in
Chandler at the
Route 66 Interpretive Center. Memorabilia of this famous road from the 1930s to today is on ever-changing exhibit, as new art and films are constantly being added. In addition, the center offers the opportunity for you to sit behind the wheel of a Model A Ford, a Willeys Jeep and a 1965 Mustang as you see and hear what the Mother Road was like when these vehicles regularly traversed it.
Phone 405-258-1300 or visit the center’s
website to learn more.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Located in
Clinton, the
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum offers the opportunity to stroll past interactive displays that reveal Route 66 lore, decade by decade. Videos, graphics, artifacts and audio interviews are assembled in themed rooms and demonstrate what the Mother Road was like in such tragically emotional times as the Dust Bowl to the cheerful memories of family vacations and the joy experienced by soldiers travelling along the road on their way home from war.
Learn more by calling 580-323-7866 or visiting the museum’s
website.
All of these locations are open year-round, ready for you and your family to experience.
