2026 marks a major milestone in American history. Route 66 was established in 1926, which means the Mother Road is turning 100 years old this year. And here is the thing Tulsa residents already know. Our city sits right along this iconic highway, and we have some of the best preserved and most interesting stops anywhere along the entire 2,400 mile route. Whether you are a lifelong local or someone considering a move to the Tulsa area, this centennial is the perfect reason to explore the stretch of Route 66 that runs right through our city.
Here are the must-see stops along Tulsa's section of Route 66 that you will not want to miss.
The Golden Driller
You cannot miss Tulsa's most famous landmark. Standing 76 feet tall at the Tulsa Expo Center, the Golden Driller is one of the largest freestanding statues in the United States. This massive golden oil worker has been watching over the city since 1966 and has become the ultimate symbol of Tulsa's oil heritage. For anyone driving Route 66 through Tulsa, stopping for a photo with the Driller is practically a rite of passage. The Expo Center grounds are easy to access right off the Mother Road, and the sheer scale of the statue is something you have to see in person to believe. Whether you are a lifelong Tulsan or passing through for the first time, the Golden Driller remains one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the entire country.
Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios
This is the kind of place that makes Route 66 legendary. Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios is a wonderfully quirky roadside shop located right on the Mother Road in Tulsa, and it delivers everything you could want from a classic highway stop. The star of the show is the giant Space Cowboy statue perched on the roof, a 21-foot-tall retro-futuristic figure that practically begs for a photo. Inside, you will find a charming collection of unique gifts, vintage Route 66 memorabilia, retro toys, and fun souvenirs. Buck Atom's is a perfect example of the playful, kitschy spirit that made Route 66 famous, and stopping here feels like stepping back into a more colorful era of American road travel.
The Center of the Universe
Tucked away in downtown Tulsa near the Boston Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, the Center of the Universe is one of those strange places you have to experience to believe. It is a small concrete circle where the acoustics create a bizarre phenomenon. Stand in the exact center and speak, and your voice echoes back to you loudly and clearly. But step just outside the circle, and people standing only a few feet away hear something completely different, or nothing at all. No one has fully explained why this happens, and that is part of the fun. Locals and visitors have been puzzling over this acoustic mystery for decades. It is a quick, free, and unforgettable stop that captures the quirky, unexpected character of Tulsa.
Cyrus Avery Plaza
No Route 66 tour of Tulsa would be complete without visiting Cyrus Avery Plaza. Cyrus Avery is known as the "Father of Route 66," and he was instrumental in getting the highway established back in the 1920s. This plaza overlooking the Arkansas River honors his legacy and serves as a beautiful spot to reflect on the history of the Mother Road. The plaza features a striking sculpture of the Avery family in a vintage automobile, and it offers a great view of the 11th Street Bridge, one of the original Route 66 bridges in Tulsa. Interpretive displays tell the story of how Route 66 came to be, making this stop both scenic and educational.
Route 66 Neon Signs
Tulsa has done an incredible job preserving and restoring the iconic neon signs that light up the Route 66 corridor. Driving along historic 11th Street (Route 66) after dark gives you the full nostalgic experience, with classic neon motel and diner signs glowing in warm shades of red, blue, and amber. Signs like the Brady Theater, the Desert Hills Motel, and the Tulsa Inn light up the old highway at night, creating a visual journey through mid-century Americana. If you are a fan of neon photography or just appreciate the beauty of restored vintage signage, this stretch of road after sunset is one of the best in the entire country.
Tulsa's stretch of Route 66 is widely considered one of the most well preserved and interesting sections of the entire highway. From the towering Golden Driller to the glow of restored neon signs at night, driving the Mother Road through Tulsa is a journey through American history that you can experience any day of the week. Living in Tulsa means this iconic piece of Americana is right in your backyard, ready to explore whenever the road calls.
Whether you are exploring Tulsa for the first time or looking to make it home, I would love to help you discover everything this city has to offer. Reach out anytime.