Route 66 Historical Village

The Route 66 Historical Village in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an open-air museum that lets you step back in time to the days when Tulsa was the “Oil Capital of the World.” As you stroll through the village, you’ll get a glimpse into the city’s rich history in oil production, refining, and transportation—a key part of Tulsa’s past and its Route 66 legacy.

Here’s what you can explore at the Route 66 Historical Village:

• Neon Sign: As you roll into the village, the first thing to catch your eye is the retro neon sign welcoming you in true Route 66 style. Neon has long been a staple of Route 66, and this glowing beacon, funded by Vision 2015, perfectly sets the tone for your visit.
• The Depot: Opened on October 22, 2021, the Red Fork Depot is a nod to the original 1883 station that once operated nearby in Indian Territory. Today’s depot serves as both a museum and a venue for special events, offering a glimpse into Tulsa’s railroad past.
• The Train: One of the stars of the village is the train—a collection of historic cars that tell their own stories. The Frisco 4500 Meteor Steam Engine, built in 1942, once powered the “METEOR” passenger train between St. Louis and Oklahoma City, passing right through Tulsa. Also on display is a 1929 Tulsa-Sapulpa Union Murray Hill Car, originally built for the Pennsylvania Railway, and a 1917 double-domed oil tank car, reminiscent of the ones used during Oklahoma’s oil boom.
• Centennial Derrick: Towering above the village at 154 feet, the Centennial Derrick is the tallest in North America. Built to commemorate Oklahoma’s Centennial in 2007, this massive structure marks the spot of the area’s first oil strike in 1901 and serves as a proud reminder of Tulsa’s oil-rich heritage.
• Phillips Cottage-Style Gas Station: Take a step inside this charming 1920s-30s cottage-style gas station, a reminder of the early days of roadside service along Route 66. Open on weekends, this station also doubles as an information center for your journey.
• Historic Oil-Field Pump Jacks: Under the shadow of the giant derrick, you’ll find several vintage pump jacks that once dotted the Tulsa landscape. These machines, dating back to the 1880s, were essential in extracting crude oil during the height of Tulsa’s oil boom.
• Tulsa 66 Shield: For a classic Route 66 photo op, don’t miss the giant “Tulsa 66” shield sign in front of the oil derrick. At 12 feet tall, it’s the perfect spot to capture a memory from your stop at the Route 66 Historical Village.

With its mix of oil history, transportation relics, and classic Route 66 charm, the Route 66 Historical Village is a must-see for anyone traveling through Tulsa on the Mother Road.