Oklahoma Highway 66: Bristow to Edmond

Oklahoma Highway 66: Bristow to Edmond – Cruising the Mother Road Through the Heart of Oklahoma

Our journey along Oklahoma Highway 66 from Bristow to Edmond is more than just a 64-mile drive—it’s a nostalgic cruise down one of America’s most legendary highways: Route 66. This stretch captures the character of small-town Oklahoma, the changing landscapes of the state’s heartland, and the quirky roadside attractions that have made this route iconic for nearly a century.

We kick things off in Bristow, a town that still clings proudly to its Route 66 heritage. Starting at the corner of Main Street and 4th Street, we briefly head south on Roland Street before making our way westward into the countryside. The early miles pass through quiet farmland, where fields and forests alternate in that quintessentially Oklahoma way. Just down the road, we roll through Depew, a tiny town that gives off a real back-in-time vibe. Not far beyond, the route gently curves southwest as we exit the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s lands and arrive in the larger town of Stroud.

Stroud offers a welcome change of pace with a wider, busier four-lane Main Street. It’s a solid stop for gas, a bite to eat, or just a quick look at the local charm. From here, we continue west and cross U.S. Route 377, eventually turning southwest into Davenport. This part of the route feels peaceful—classic Midwestern highway with light traffic and big skies. The road bends west again just before Chandler, one of the most interesting towns along this drive. Chandler isn’t just another dot on the map; it’s home to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, an essential stop for anyone wanting a deeper dive into the Mother Road’s past. We navigate through town on 1st Street, curve down Manvel Avenue, and then turn sharply west at 15th Street, where we cross OK-18 and continue our way westward.

Between Chandler and Wellston, we intersect U.S. Route 177 and pass through the rural community of Warwick. This segment is as quiet and pastoral as they come. As we near Wellston, we reach the interchange with I-44, one of the few major highway connections on this stretch. After crossing Oklahoma Highway 102 and passing the rolling countryside, we enter the town of Luther. Here, Route 66 briefly widens into a four-lane road, hugging the north edge of town and offering a smoother ride as we approach the Oklahoma City metro area.

From Luther westward, things start to change. The surroundings become more suburban, and the landscape flattens as we approach Edmond. But before we get too deep into the metro area, we make a notable stop in Arcadia—a must-see for any Route 66 traveler. The town’s iconic Round Barn stands proudly right off the highway and is a perfect photo op or rest stop. This spot symbolizes the quirky spirit that makes Route 66 so memorable.

Our final stretch takes us from Arcadia back into Edmond, where suburban sprawl begins to emerge. The road continues west until we meet Interstate 35, where we head south and wrap up this scenic, culture-rich drive. From historic small towns to unique attractions and peaceful countryside, the trip from Bristow to Edmond showcases why Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 is such a cherished part of American road trip lore.

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