1. Tulsa – History & Cool Stops
Tulsa’s Route 66 Landmarks: Take a walk through the Route 66 Historic District, where you can explore free or cheap sites like the Golden Driller, a massive statue and symbol of Oklahoma’s oil history.
Tulsa’s Art Deco Architecture: Tulsa is known for its Art Deco buildings, which you can admire as you walk around the city center. The Tulsa Art Deco Museum is free to visit and packed with history.
Budget Eats: Try Mother Road Market, a Route 66-inspired food hall with affordable, delicious options for any budget.
2. Sapulpa – Vintage Charm
Sapulpa’s Historic District: This charming town offers free strolls along its historic Route 66 stretches. Visit the Sapulpa Historical Museum for just a small donation, and enjoy the vintage gas stations and old-school signage.
Catoosa – Blue Whale: The iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa is an old Route 66 attraction that's totally free to visit! Take a fun photo by this giant, quirky roadside art piece.
3. Claremore – Route 66 Attractions
Will Rogers Memorial Museum: While the museum has a small entry fee, it’s totally worth it for history lovers and only costs a few dollars. You’ll learn about the life of this Oklahoma-born actor, comedian, and writer.
Claremore’s Historic Route 66: Check out the vintage Route 66 murals and old roadside motels in town.
4. Oklahoma City – Affordable City Attractions
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Pay your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial (the outdoor area is free). The museum does have a fee, but it’s budget-friendly and highly educational.
Bricktown: Explore the Bricktown Entertainment District for free; it’s full of historic buildings, murals, and great photo ops. You can grab a cheap meal or snack at one of the local food trucks or cafes.
Route 66 Attractions: Visit Route 66 Park in OKC, where you can find an informational map and see some of the best highlights of the route in the city.
5. El Reno – Historic Roadside Fun
Route 66 Interpretive Center: A small but packed museum with exhibits on Route 66 history. Entry is often free or by donation, making it a great stop for budget travelers.
Food Stop: Sid’s Diner is a classic Route 66 joint where you can grab a delicious meal on the cheap. Don’t miss their famous onion rings!
6. Clinton – Route 66 Museum
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum: Located in Clinton, this museum is affordable and provides a fascinating look at the history of the route. Entry is very budget-friendly, and it gives you a deeper understanding of Oklahoma’s place in Route 66’s story.
Route 66 Park: Enjoy this free park with historical displays, including a classic vintage gas station. It’s a perfect place to rest and take a break.
7. Elk City – Western Americana
National Route 66 Museum: This museum is another great stop that won’t break the bank. It features exhibits about the history of Route 66 and the impact on the local towns, especially during the Dust Bowl era.
Free Outdoor Attractions: Explore the Old Town Museum District in Elk City, where you can wander and discover free historical landmarks.
8. Amarillo (Just Outside Oklahoma) – Quirky Stops
Cadillac Ranch: This famous public art installation is a must-see, and it’s completely free! You can even leave your mark by spray-painting one of the Cadillacs.
Route 66 Historic District: If you’re venturing into Texas just across the Oklahoma border, stop in Amarillo to walk the Route 66 historic district, which has fun murals, statues, and other budget-friendly attractions.
9. Budget-Friendly Lodging and Camping
Route 66 Motels: Many vintage Route 66 motels along Oklahoma’s stretch are very affordable. Look for places like The Route 66 Inn in Tulsa or the Classic Motel in Clinton, which offer basic but clean rooms for budget-conscious travelers.
Camping: If you're up for some camping, consider staying in affordable state parks or campgrounds along the way, like Lake Thunderbird State Park or Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.
10. Free and Cheap Local Eats
Classic Diners: Stop by affordable classic diners like Eischen’s Bar in Okarche, one of Oklahoma’s oldest bars and a Route 66 icon. Get a chicken dinner for a reasonable price!
Food Trucks: Many cities along Route 66 have food trucks or small joints that serve up great meals for low prices. Tulsa’s Mother Road Market is also a food truck park with diverse options.