Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural

Chelsea, Oklahoma

OklahomaRoadside Attraction

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links from which we make a commission from your purchases. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided may have changed since initial publication.

Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Most Route 66 attractions are all about what’s on the road, but in Chelsea, Oklahoma, one stop takes you underneath the pavement and deep into local history.

The Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass in Chelsea, Oklahoma offers something rare on the Mother Road: a chance to walk under the highway itself. Built during the heyday of Route 66, when traffic was heavy and constant, the underpass provided a safe way for pedestrians to cross from one side of town to the other without having to dodge passing cars.

Today, this walkway is more than just a relic of the past, it’s a work of art. Chelsea’s underpass is one of only a handful that still exist along Route 66, joining the ranks of similar structures in Pontiac and Odell, Illinois, and Sayre, Oklahoma. But here in Chelsea, the underpass has been transformed into a destination in its own right.

After years of neglect, the tunnel got a fresh start in 2016 with a thorough cleaning and a new artistic vision. Local artist Kenneth Hollingshead was commissioned to create a mural inside the underpass that turns its concrete walls into a series of framed snapshots from Chelsea’s past. The mural captures key scenes and historic sites from the community’s roots, including:

  • Frisco Depot
  • Indian Territory
  • Chelsea, OK 1907
  • Oklahoma’s First Oil Well
  • Feed Mill & Cotton Gin
  • Phillips 66 Gas Station
  • Pryer Creek Bridge
  • Chelsea, I.T. Est. 1889
  • The Sears House
  • End of the Trail
  • The Chelsea Motel
  • A Cattle Drive
  • Route 66

At the center of it all is a bold Route 66 shield proudly displaying the words “The Mother Road.” The opposite wall is intentionally left blank, giving visitors the chance to sign their names and become a part of the story themselves.

To check out the mural, park in the nearby pharmacy lot and head down into the underpass. Outside look for directional signs pointing toward legendary Route 66 destinations like the Blue Whale, Coleman Station, Chicago, and Santa Monica and a U-Haul Truck once painted and driven by Bob Waldmire. Several signs around the roadside attraction remind you to “Get Your Kicks Under Route 66.”

Last Modified:

State:

Directional signpost at the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma

Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural

Be the first to write a review

Address:

600 Walnut St, Chelsea, OK 74016

Hours:

Open 24/7

Cost:

Free

Get Directions
Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Photos of the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma

Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Cattle Drive and Route 66 Murals - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Chelsea Motel Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
End of the Trail Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Chelsea Sears House Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Chelsea 1889 Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Pryor Creek Bridge Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Route 66 The Mother Road Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Phillips 66 Gas Station Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Feed Mill and Cotton Gin Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Oklahoma's First Oil Well Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Chelsea 1907 Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Indian Territory Map Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Frisco Depot Mural - Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma
Directional signpost at the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural?

The Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural is a colorful public art installation inside a historic pedestrian tunnel beneath Route 66 in Chelsea, Oklahoma. The mural highlights important people, places, and events from Chelsea’s past. Featured scenes include a Phillips 66 gas station, the Frisco Depot, the Hogue House, Oklahoma’s first oil well, cattle drives, Route 66 imagery, and other historic landmarks connected to the town’s development.

Where is the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural located?

The mural is located in the pedestrian underpass at Walnut Street and East 6th Street in Chelsea, Oklahoma, directly beneath historic Route 66. You can access the tunnel from either side of the highway.

Why was the underpass built?

The underpass dates to the era when Route 66 carried heavy traffic through Chelsea. It was constructed to allow pedestrians, including schoolchildren, to safely cross beneath the busy highway rather than navigating traffic at street level.

Where can you park to experience the Route 66 underpass?

Park in the pharmacy parking lot to walk under Route 66 via the underpass.

Where to Stay Near the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these Oklahoma hotels near this Route roadside attraction.

Chelsea Motor Inn

Chelsea Motor Inn features comfortable and affordable rooms on Oklahoma Route 66. Enjoy rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, air conditioning, and cable television, each with its own theme.

Will Rogers Inn

Will Rogers Inn is a Route 66 motel in Claremore, Oklahoma. It features free wireless internet, an outdoor pool, guest laundry, an on-site restaurant, and an on-site lounge.

Desert Hills Motel

Desert Hills Motel is a classic Route 66 motor court that has been providing travelers with a good night’s sleep since 1953. The remodeled motel offers clean, comfortable rooms at a budget price. Look for the bright neon sign with the glowing green cactus!

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.

Heading to Tulsa on your Route 66 road trip? Enhance your visit with a tour! Whether you love history, architecture, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural

Plan Your Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trip

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning
Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

Be the first to write a review

Leave a Review of Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural in Chelsea, Oklahoma

Rate and Leave a Review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.