Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma
Clanton’s Café in Vinita, Oklahoma, is the oldest family-owned restaurant on Route 66, serving comfort food classics since 1927. Highlights include chicken-fried steak, calf fries, and homemade pies.
Archives: Roadside Attractions
Roadside Attractions
Grave of The Mother of the Mother Road in Hydro, Oklahoma
Lucille Hamons, known as the “Mother of the Mother Road,” is buried in Hydro, Oklahoma, where visitors can honor her contributions to Route 66. Her grave features a prominent Route 66 marker and is located near her historic service station and two businesses that carry on her name.
Historic Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma
The Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma, was the only known Black-owned and operated gas station along Route 66 during the Jim Crow era. Built in 1915, it served as a safe stop for Black travelers facing segregation and discrimination.
Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma
The Ribbon Road near Miami, Oklahoma is the last surviving nine-foot-wide section of original Route 66 pavement. Built in the early 1920s, this narrow stretch of road is still drivable and recognized as a historic site.
Cunningham Park Tornado Memorial in Joplin, Missouri
The Cunningham Park Tornado Memorial in Joplin, Missouri, commemorates the lives lost and the recovery efforts following the devastating 2011 EF-5 tornado. The site features four thoughtful memorials dedicated to victims, volunteers, children, and stories of resilience.
Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri
Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in the state. The 12-foot cascade spans 163 feet across Shoal Creek and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and photography.
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas
The Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas, is a two-story museum located just off Route 66, featuring immersive exhibits that explore local history from Native American heritage to Route 66 culture and Tri-State mining. With 13,000 square feet of displays and historical recreations, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the people, events, and industries that shaped the region.
Welcome to Shamrock Mural in Shamrock, Texas
The “Welcome to Shamrock” mural in Shamrock, Texas, is a large public artwork located in Water Tower Plaza near the Shamrock Water Tower. Created by artist Tye Thompson, it highlights the town’s history, landmarks, and notable residents.
Shamrock Water Tower in Shamrock, Texas
The Shamrock Water Tower in Shamrock, Texas, was built in 1915 and remains the tallest water tower of its kind in the state. Originally part of the town’s first water system, it still stands today as a historic landmark and roadside attraction.
Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage, Missouri
The Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage, Missouri, is a historic Romanesque Revival courthouse located just off Route 66. Built in the 1890s, it features castle-like architecture, Civil War history, and exhibits inside and out.
