Oklahoma Travel Guide

The Oklahoma City Zoo sits in the city's Adventure District in northeast Oklahoma City, covering 119 acres. Founded in 1904, it is one of the oldest zoos in the American West and is AZA-accredited. The zoo is home to more than 500 species and about 2,000 animals, with immersive habitats such as Cat Forest and Great EscAPE. Its elephant exhibit was among the first in the country to emphasize animal welfare, and Asian elephants and black rhinos take part in species survival plans. A children's train and an elevated boardwalk traverse the grounds, making it a classic family destination in Oklahoma City.

Sayre is the county seat of Beckham County in western Oklahoma, located along the historic U.S. Route 66, and one of the must-pass nodes for exploring the Mother Road. Founded in 1901, the town rose to prominence at the junction of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway and Route 66, and still retains a mid-20th century highway town character. With a population of about 4,000, the main street features a Route 66 themed museum, vintage gas stations, and local diners, making it a popular stop for Route 66 road-trippers for photos and supplies. The surrounding landscape is typical Oklahoma Great Plains, with golden wheat fields and straight roads stretching to the horizon in fall, ideal for road trip photographers.

Vinita is the county seat of Craig County in northeastern Oklahoma, located at the junction of historic Route 66 and I-44, and one of the important nodes for Route 66 road trips. Founded in 1871, Vinita is one of the oldest towns in Oklahoma, rising to prominence at the railway and Route 66 junction. With a population of about 5,500, the main street retains a mid-20th century highway town character, featuring Route 66 themed diners, vintage gas stations, and local shops. The city is known for one of the world's largest roadside McDonald's, making it a popular stop for Route 66 road-trippers for supplies and photos. The surrounding area is the Osage Plains of northeastern Oklahoma, with green fields and straight roads stretching to the horizon.

Stroud is a small city in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, situated between historic U.S. Route 66 and Interstate 44, a low key gem on Americas Mother Road. Founded during the late nineteenth century Land Run era, the town was once an important agricultural and railroad stop on the prairie. Stroud is best known for having two historic roadside restaurants, the Catoosa based Saks and the Stroud Rock Cafe, famous for steaks and roadside fare among Route 66 travelers. Although some vintage establishments have closed, the town still retains nostalgic roadside signs, gas stations, and motels that carry the golden memory of American road culture. With a slow pace and warm hospitality, Stroud is an ideal stop for travelers seeking the authentic small town Route 66 experience.

Catoosa is a small city in Rogers County, Oklahoma, located northeast of Tulsa, famous among Route 66 enthusiasts for an iconic blue whale sculpture. Built in the early 1970s, the Blue Whale was once a roadside animal aquarium and family swimming hole, and has become one of the most recognizable photo landmarks along Route 66. The giant blue whale rests in a pond with its mouth open, once spraying water, creating a classic image in countless road trip photographs. Catoosa has historically been an important railroad and agricultural transit point, and the town retains nostalgic roadside architecture and small museums. Located very close to the Tulsa metropolitan area, Catoosa is a convenient destination for city residents seeking a weekend getaway and the nostalgic charm of Route 66.