Tulsa, Oklahoma
Art Deco oil money, a giant blue whale and the friendliest welcome on the route.
Tulsa surprises people. It's richer and more stylish than you expect — the oil boom of the 1920s left a legacy of stunning Art Deco buildings, and the Route 66 alignment still runs right down 11th Street. Just before you arrive, the Blue Whale of Catoosa grins at you from a pond, and that's your cue: you're properly in the West now.
“The Blue Whale of Catoosa is daft and I loved it. The Art Deco surprised me more — an hour's walk changed what I thought Oklahoma would be.”
History
Tulsa grew rich on oil — the 1901 discovery nearby made it the 'Oil Capital of the World' for half a century. The wealth funded a cluster of Art Deco skyscrapers that survived the route's decline. Route 66 was its main street, 11th Street, and the old alignments through Oklahoma are among the longest continuous original sections left anywhere.
Why Visit
Oklahoma has more original, drivable Route 66 pavement than any other state, and Tulsa is its stylish centrepiece. The Art Deco, the roadside oddities and the warm welcome make it a standout overnight.
Best Motorcycle Roads
Old 11th Street alignment
Ride the original Route 66 straight through Tulsa's heart — neon, diners and Deco all the way.
Oklahoma 66 — Catoosa to Tulsa
The classic pre-interstate run past the Blue Whale, with genuine original concrete sections.
Best Hotels
The Campbell Hotel
PremiumA 1927 Art Deco gem on the original alignment — one of the finest stays on the entire route. Book ahead; it's small.
Hard Rock Hotel
Mid-rangeJust off the alignment with big secure parking and a pool — a fun, easy overnight.
Best Restaurants
Ike's Chili
Chili
A Tulsa Route 66 landmark serving Oklahoma chili since 1908. Order it 'two-way' with beans.
Must Try · Bowl of chili and a cinnamon roll
Clanton's Cafe (Vinita, en route)
Cafe
A 1927 Route 66 institution on the way in — the kind of place that puts your faith back in American diners.
Must Try · Chicken fried steak
Hidden Gems
- The Blue Whale of Catoosa — the most photographed stop in Oklahoma and utterly wonderful.
- The Tulsa Art Deco Museum — free, quiet and genuinely impressive.
- Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, where Route 66 meets its 'Father'.
Photography Spots
- The Blue Whale from every angle — arrive early for clean shots.
- The Campbell Hotel's restored neon at night, bike beneath it.
- The Cyrus Avery 'East Meets West' bronze sculpture of a rider and a horse-drawn wagon.
Sunrise & Sunset
Around 6:30am. The flat light across the prairie as you leave town is pure Route 66.
From the Campbell Hotel rooftop or the riverfront gathering place downtown.
Practical Information
- QuickTrip on 11th Street (Route 66) — local company, clean stations, easy bike access.
- Love's on Memorial Drive as you enter from the east.
Downtown Tulsa has free street parking after 5pm and on weekends. Surface lots around the Deco district are cheap. The Campbell has dedicated spots right out front.
Suggested Walking Routes
Deco District Loop
A 1-mile walk past a dozen Art Deco masterpieces — pick up a free walking map at the museum.
Gathering Place riverfront
A stunning modern riverfront park with miles of flat walking trails along the Arkansas River.
Weather & Ride Difficulty
Plains climate — hot summers (35°C+) with sudden thunderstorms, strong winds and a real tornado season in spring. Autumn is golden and calm. Check forecasts; severe weather here is not theoretical.
Straightforward riding on good roads. The hazards are weather-related: spring storms, summer heat and constant crosswinds on the plains.
Nearby Attractions
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
- Golden Driller statue
- Philbrook Museum (oil mansion gardens)
Frequently Asked Questions
It was built in the 1970s as an anniversary gift — a giant smiling whale in a roadside pond. It's free, it's daft, and it's the most beloved roadside stop in Oklahoma.
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