Route 66 Ribbon Road

Miami, Oklahoma

OklahomaOutdoor ActivitiesRoadside Attraction

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Tucked just outside of Miami, Oklahoma lies a stretch of pavement unlike any other on Route 66. Known as the Ribbon Road or the Sidewalk Highway, this narrow, nine-foot-wide roadway is the last surviving segment of its kind from the entire 2,400-mile span of the Mother Road.

Built between 1921 and 1922 as part of Oklahoma State Highway 7, the Ribbon Road predates Route 66 by several years. When U.S. Highway 66 was designated in 1926, the new alignment incorporated this existing path between Miami and Afton, Oklahoma. The story goes that budget constraints forced planners to make a tough decision: build a full-width road for part of the route or pave the whole way with just one lane. The result? A 15-mile-long, single-lane road with six sharp 90-degree turns and long, straight stretches flanked by concrete curbs.

Though much of the original Ribbon Road has since been lost or widened, two historic sections still remain, with the most accessible being a three-mile drive just southwest of Miami. You can still experience what it was like to roll down this historic strip of concrete and asphalt. This remaining segment is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and marked with a roadside marker commemorating its place in transportation history.

The marker, installed in 2012, reads:

Completed in 1922 as Federal Highway Project No. 8. Running 15.46 miles from Miami to Afton. The only remaining 9′ section of original pavement on the old Route 66 system, taken out of service in 1937. A National Register of Historic Places Site.

Driving the Ribbon Road today is like time-traveling down a path laid more than a century ago. But while it remains drivable, it’s showing its age: gravel wear, missing sections, and damage from local farming equipment have taken their toll. Still, it continues to draw Route 66 enthusiasts from all over the world, eager to drive the narrow lane where the past still rolls on.

Plans to rehabilitate and preserve this rare piece of road are underway. Local advocates and Route 66 preservationists are pushing for funding and restoration to ensure that this unique slice of America’s highway history continues to be experienced by travelers for generations to come.

Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma

Route 66 Ribbon Road

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Address:

E 140 Rd, Miami, OK 74354

Hours:

Open 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma

Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma
Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma
Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Route 66 Ribbon Road in Miami, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Route 66 Ribbon Road?

The Route 66 Ribbon Road is the last remaining nine-foot-wide segment of the original highway, earning it the nickname “Sidewalk Highway.” Built in the early 1920s before Route 66 even existed, it later became part of the Mother Road in 1926. The road is only nine feet wide because of budget constraints when it was built. Instead of paving fewer miles, Oklahoma chose to pave the full route, but only half as wide.

Where is the Ribbon Road located?

The Ribbon Road is located just outside Miami in northeastern Oklahoma, stretching between Miami and Afton. It zigzags through the countryside for roughly 13 miles. The listed address (E 140 Rd, Miami, OK 74354) is for the historical marker.

Can you still drive on the Ribbon Road on Route 66?

Yes, you can still drive on portions of the Ribbon Road today. It’s a single-lane road, but there is gravel on either side to allow vehicles to pass carefully. The road is difficult for larger vehicles, like RVs, and in rainy weather.

Where to Stay Near the Route 66 Ribbon Road

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 close to Miami, Tulsa has many hotels to choose from and is just a short drive away.

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 Route 66 Ribbon Road

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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!

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