Photos of the Chef Muffler Man in Vinita, Oklahoma
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to Chef Muffler Man in Vinita, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.
What happened to the Chef Muffler Man in Springfield, Missouri?
The Chef Muffler Man was originally installed at Route 66 Food Truck Park at 1530 E St. Louis St. in Springfield, Missouri. The food truck park closed in 2022 and in 2025 the muffler man was put up for sale through an auction. It was purchased by and moved to Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma.
What other roadside attractions are nearby?
Hi-Way Cafe is home to a number of fun roadside attractions. At this location you can also find the Big Bill Muffler Man, The Big Indian, a record-holding stickered car, and the Western Motel.
Where can you park to see this roadside attraction?
There is plenty of parking around the restaurant.
What is the best time to visit?
Daylight hours are best for seeing the muffler man’s detail and taking photos, but there ae lights around the property for after-dark photo sessions. Since there are no gates or entrance fees, you can stop at any time, even if the restaurant is closed.
What is a muffler man?
Muffler Men are giant fiberglass statues, usually between 14 and 25 feet tall, that were originally created in the 1960s and 70s by International Fiberglass in California. Built as roadside advertising figures, they often stood outside businesses holding props like mufflers, hot dogs, or tools to draw in passing drivers. Over time, these towering figures have become beloved roadside attractions, especially along Route 66, where both original and newly made Muffler Men keep watch as quirky, larger-than-life icons of Americana. Learn more about all the Route 66 muffler men here.
Where to Stay Near the Chef Muffler Man
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these hotels near this Route 66 attraction. While there are a couple of options for hotels in Vinita (including one right next door), nearby Tulsa also has many hotels to choose from and is just a short drive away.
Western Motel
You can’t get any closer than this. Across the parking lot from the Hi-Way Cafe find Western Motel. This small hotel is clean, affordable, and right on Route 66!
Relax Inn
Relax for the night at Relax Inn in Vinita. Guest rooms offer air conditioning, a seating area, cable TV, WiFi, coffee maker, and a compact refrigerator. On site parking is available for cars and larger vehicles.
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is a boutique hotel located on Santa Fe Square in the Blue Dome District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Blue Dome District is one of Tulsa’s most popular entertainment districts with a wide variety of local restaurants, bars, and venues. The interior of this Tulsa hotel pays homage to the surrounding area with an industrial-inspired modern look. Murals and artwork throughout the hotel are inspired by local attractions and history.
The Campbell Hotel
The Campbell Hotel offers a luxury experience in lavish and historic accommodation that is on National Register of Historic Places. Originally opened as the Casa Loma Hotel inside the Max Campbell Building in 1927, the property was conveniently located at the end of the trolley line that ran from downtown to Delaware Avenue on 11th Street.
Attractions Near the Chef Muffler Man on Route 66
Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma
The Big Indian in Vinita, Oklahoma
Big Bill Muffler Man in Vinita, Oklahoma
I love muffler men and this one is so much fun to visit! Loving that so many new muffler men are popping up across Route 66!