Route 66 Landmarks
In OKC, travelers will find a mix of historic and modern experiences along Route 66 (not to mention the only state capitol building on the entire route). Here are a handful of must-dos to mark on your map, plus a collection of all Oklahoma City things to do and places to eat along the way.
Ann’s Chicken Fry House
4106 NW 39TH ST.
This 50’s themed diner may have funky décor and nostalgic memorabilia, but Ann's Chicken Fry House continues serving up the tastiest American grub such as chicken-fried steak, fried okra, peach cobbler and a bevy of other comfort foods. You can’t miss this trip down memory lane – just look for the pink Cadillac outside.
Tower Theatre
425 NW 23RD ST.
The historic Tower Theatre opened in 1937 and is one of Oklahoma City’s last original movie houses with an intact auditorium and iconic neon marquee. After many years of movie premieres and historic runs of classic films, the Tower Theatre closed in 1989. In 2017, Tower Theatre returned as a live music, movie and event venue in the heart of the Uptown 23rd District.
Gold Dome Building
1112 NW 23RD ST.
This geodesic dome was built in 1958 and originally served as a bank. It was the fifth geodesic dome constructed in the world, using 625 individual panels to create the landmark building. Route 66 travelers and mid-century modern enthusiasts love the unique architecture.
Lake Overholser Bridge
N. OVERHOLSER DRIVE, HALF A MILE WEST OF COUNCIL ROAD
Built in 1924, this bridge boasted a unique design for the time, using the latest steel truss technology and combining a variety of trusses in unusual ways. The Overholser Bridge lost its official association with Route 66 in 1958 when a new highway section and wider bridge was built to the north, but its size and symmetry and long-time service as part of old Route 66 solidified it as a Mother Road landmark. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Cheever’s Café
2409 N. HUDSON AVE
This stylish Art Deco building served as the Cheever family’s flower shop during Route 66’s heyday, but is now one of OKC’s most beloved restaurants. Cheever’s Café specializes in American cuisine with Southwest influences, plus a variety of sublime prime steaks, seafood and salads.
Milk Bottle Building
2426 N. CLASSEN BLVD.
Squeezed into a small piece of land on a busy city thoroughfare, this tiny brick building was built in 1930. Around 1948, its crowning glory was added – a giant metal milk bottle perched on top. Over the years, the bottle has been painted to advertise various dairy businesses, meanwhile the building has served as a grocery store, fruit stand and sandwich shop.
