Route 66: St. Louis to Oklahoma

After breakfast, we dive into vintage roadside charm in Cuba, Missouri, known as the “Route 66 Mural City.” These vivid outdoor murals tell stories of American history and small-town pride. We’ll stop for photos at the nostalgic Wagon Wheel Motel and grab a shot with the World’s 2nd Largest Rocking Chair, a quirky classic. In the afternoon, we visit the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, home to historic and movie-famous cars. Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner at Wilder’s Steakhouse, a 1920s-era gem in Joplin, and check in for the night at the Drury Inn.

This morning we head to Commerce, Oklahoma, hometown of baseball legend Mickey Mantle. Tour his humble childhood home and statue, and visit the historic Allen’s Conoco Fillin’ Station, a Route 66 relic said to have served the infamous Bonnie & Clyde. Then it’s on to Totem Pole Park, where folk art meets roadside wonder. We’ll also visit the charming and photo-worthy Blue Whale of Catoosa—a beloved 1970s roadside attraction. Tonight, enjoy a hearty dinner and rest up at the Hampton Inn in Tulsa.

Tulsa is full of surprises! We start the day with photo stops at Route 66 Rising, the Golden Driller, and Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, a kitschy shop where retro space cowboys meet Route 66 flair. Shop and grab lunch on your own at Mother Road Market, Tulsa’s first food hall. In the afternoon, we visit Greenwood Rising, a powerful museum dedicated to the history of Black Wall Street and the resilience of the Tulsa community. We end the day at Tulsa’s Route 66 Historical Village, an open-air museum that brings the story of Oklahoma’s oil and rail history to life through restored railcars, a towering oil derrick, and historic structures. Afterward, we travel to Oklahoma City for dinner at Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar”, located in the lively Bricktown entertainment district.

Start the morning with a quick stop at Oklahoma City’s quirky Milk Bottle Grocery, then dive into fascinating exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center, where Route 66’s impact on the state is on full display. Afterward, we head west for a nostalgic lunch at Lucille’s Roadhouse, a tribute to Route 66’s “Mother of the Mother Road.” This afternoon, we explore the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and shop for souvenirs at the Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet. We end the day with dinner and a relaxing stay in Elk City.

Our morning begins with a visit to the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum, where you can "drive" a 1955 Cadillac or snap a selfie with the towering kachina doll. Later, we head to the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa to explore the life of the folk icon whose songs captured the struggles and hopes of everyday Americans. Tonight, we check in at the Osage Casino Hotel, where you can relax, try your luck, and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the onsite restaurants.

As we begin our journey home, we make a final nostalgic stop at Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin, Missouri. Snap a photo in front of the famous red Corvette and colorful tiled murals that celebrate the glory days of cross-country travel. Enjoy one last evening with your travel companions as we overnight at the Hampton Inn in Collinsville, IL.

After breakfast, we make our way back to Michigan, reflecting on a week filled with roadside wonders, music, murals, and memories. This tour through Missouri and Oklahoma has been a tribute to Route 66’s 100-year legacy—and the spirit of the open road that still inspires us today. We’ll pick up right where we leave off in 2027, as we continue our journey down the Mother Road—traveling west toward New Mexico & Arizona as we work towards completing the full Route 66 experience.