Photos of the Route 66 Centennial Monument in El Reno, Oklahoma
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Route 66 Centennial Monument in El Reno, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.
What are the Route 66 Centennial Monuments?
In honor of Route 66′ approaches its’s 100th birthday, communities across the country are marking the milestone with Route 66 Centennial Monuments being installed all along the historic highway. These towering 16-foot structures are impossible to miss. Each features a glowing, double-sided Route 66 shield lit with internal LED lights, proudly displaying the two-letter abbreviation for the state and the centennial years: 1926–2026. A display box on the pole identifies the specific location and includes a QR code linking to local stories, history, and visitor information.
Who is behind the Route 66 Centennial Monument Project?
The Route 66 Centennial Monuments are manufactured by Oklahoma City’s VOX Industries, which collaborated with Oklahoma City public artist Stan Carroll on the design. G&S Sign Services, also of Oklahoma City, fabricates the monuments and leads installation efforts around the country. The project is part of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Where is the Route 66 Centennial Monument in El Reno, Oklahoma?
The El Reno monument is located in Petree Plaza at approximately 116 W Wade St. in downtown El Reno. It is next to the El Reno Mother Road Monument and across the street from The Filling Station visitor center.
Where can you park to see this monument?
Easy street parking is available around El Reno side streets.
How can you make the most of this Route 66 stop?
El Reno is the birthplace of the Oklahoma fried onion burger, invented in the early 1920s when restaurateur Homer Davis pressed onions into beef patties to cut costs. Today, Robert’s Grill (open since 1926), Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys (since 1946), and Sid’s Diner all serve the onion burger the traditional way, within about a block of each other. Try this famous Oklahoma food while visiting the monument.
Where to Stay Near the El Reno Route 66 Centennial Monument
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 the museum!
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 complements 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 El Reno Route 66 Centennial Monument on Route 66
Route 66 Love Locks in El Reno, Oklahoma
