Photos of Native American Muffler Man in Calumet, Oklahoma
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Native American Muffler Man in Calumet, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.
What is the Native American Muffler Man?
The Native American Muffler Man is a fiberglass roadside giant located along Route 66 in Calumet, Oklahoma. Unlike the more common Paul Bunyan-style Muffler Men, this figure is designed as a Native American chief, sometimes referred to as the Big Indian, Big Brave, or Big Chief. With one arm raised toward the sky and a distinctive headdress, it is one of the more unusual surviving examples of these iconic roadside advertising figures.
Where is the Native American Muffler Man located?
The statue stands outside the Indian Trading Post & Art at 825 S. Walbaum Road, Calumet, Oklahoma, along the original 1926–1932 alignment of Route 66.
What is a Muffler Man?
Muffler Men are giant fiberglass advertising figures that were manufactured by International Fiberglass between the 1960s and 1970s. Most stand between 18 and 25 feet tall and were used to attract attention to businesses along highways across America.
Most Muffler Men feature a lumberjack or worker design with both arms positioned to hold an object. The Native American version is much rarer and features one arm raised overhead while the other rests at its side. It is one of many muffler men across Route 66.
Did the statue always stand in Calumet?
No. The statue originally stood outside Howe Motors, a Nissan dealership in Clinton, Oklahoma. In 2010, it was relocated to the Indian Trading Post & Art in Calumet, where it continues to greet travelers today.
Can you go inside the trading post?
Yes. The Indian Trading Post & Art offers Native American-themed merchandise and handcrafted items. Visitors can browse jewelry, pottery, moccasins, dreamcatchers, blankets, artwork, and other gifts while stopping to see the statue. Note that while this roadside attraction is always visible, the shop has more limited hours.
Where can you park to see this roadside attraction?
There is ample parking in the attached lot.
Where to Stay Near the Native American Muffler Man
Exhausted after a full day of exploring? Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these Oklahoma hotels near this Route 66 attraction.
Lucille’s Hotel
Experience classic Route 66 hospitality at Lucille’s Hotel in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Just behind Lucille’s Roadhouse and near the original station in Hydro, this renovated hotel offers modern comforts like free WiFi, hot breakfast, and a pool—plus a nod to Lucille Hamons, the “Mother of the Mother Road.”
Travel Inn Weatherford
This budget Route 66 motel features 24 rooms. The Travel Inn is within walking distance of Lucille’s Restaurant and is just a short drive away from this roadside attraction!
Classen Inn Motel
If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Oklahoma City that combines vintage charge, modern amenities, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, you’ve got to spend the night at The Classen Inn. The renovated 1963 motel compliments its original Googie architecture and neon sign with modern amenities and hip artwork and murals.
The Skirvin Hilton
This 1911 hotel was known as being the “newest, finest hotel in the Southwest.” Notable figures such as Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Bob Hope have all spent the night in this historic Oklahoma City hotel. The Skirvin Hotel is now fully restored and updated, you can experience the rich history of the building alongside luxurious amenities, comfortable furnishings, and beautiful décor.
Attractions Near the Native American Muffler Man on Route 66
Cherokee Trading Post in Calumet, Oklahoma
The Filling Station in El Reno, Oklahoma
El Reno Mother Road Monument in El Reno, Oklahoma
Route 66 Centennial Monument in El Reno, Oklahoma
