TULSA, Okla. –
National Geographic points to the Meadow Gold district’s local shops and the city’s array of fiberglass “giants,” including Buck and Stella Atom, Cowboy Bob and most recently Rosie the Riveter, as reasons Tulsa is one of the most lively stretches along the Mother Road.
Tulsa and Green Country’s must-see stops
The story walks readers through many Green Country landmarks: the Blue Whale in Catoosa, the Tee Pee Drive-In in Sapulpa, and cultural centers such as the Bob Dylan Center and the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa.
It also calls out local restaurants and businesses that give the route its character, including Nātv in Broken Arrow and Dilly Diner in Tulsa.
Iconic pit stops outside the city
National Geographic also highlights Pops in Arcadia, a working gas station known for more than 700 varieties of bottled sodas, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton as essential stops for anyone planning a Route 66 road trip through the state.
Centennial celebrations and events to watch
The magazine recommends attending Route 66 Centennial events in 2026. Among the slate of celebrations, Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of classic cars, an anchor event for the centennial festivities.
Why it matters
National Geographic’s pick puts a global spotlight on Oklahoma as Route 66’s centennial approaches, likely boosting interest from visitors planning road trips for 2026.
For travelers, the feature is a reminder that Oklahoma’s portion of the Mother Road offers a mix of roadside kitsch, music history and local dining that spans small towns and city neighborhoods.
Planning to go? National Geographic’s full coverage and practical trip notes are available in its Best of the World 2026 feature and the Route 66 in Oklahoma spotlight.
