Located in Chandler, Oklahoma — roughly halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa — the Route 66 Interpretive Center brings the story of America’s most famous highway to life. Set along historic Route 66 in Lincoln County, the center sits in a region where prairie landscapes stretch wide beneath open skies, evoking the sense of freedom and movement that defined the Mother Road.

ABOUT ROUTE 66 INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Housed in a striking modern building designed to reflect motion and travel, the center offers immersive exhibits that trace the evolution of Route 66 from its establishment in 1926 through its heyday as a cross-country artery and eventual transformation into a symbol of American nostalgia. Visitors move through themed galleries that recreate the sounds, sights, and spirit of different eras — from the Dust Bowl migrations and wartime travel to post-war family road trips.

Interactive displays, oral histories, and multimedia presentations highlight the people who built, traveled, and depended on Route 66. Small-town businesses, roadside attractions, diners, motor courts, and trading posts all played a role in shaping Oklahoma’s identity as a crossroads state. The exhibits also acknowledge how Native Nations, long established in the region before the highway’s construction, remain integral to the cultural and economic landscape travelers experience today.

For those tracing Route 66 across Oklahoma, the Interpretive Center provides a meaningful pause — a place to understand not just the road itself, but the communities and cultures that gave it life.

GIFT SHOP

The Route 66 Interpretive Center gift shop offers a curated selection of Route 66–related merchandise and regional souvenirs that reflect the history and culture of the Mother Road. Visitors can find books on Route 66 history, maps, postcards and locally themed apparel such as T-shirts, hats and mugs celebrating the road’s iconic attractions.

The shop also features a variety of locally made and artisan products, including crafts, prints, and artwork inspired by the landscapes and communities of Oklahoma’s Route 66 corridor. These items provide travelers with meaningful keepsakes and support local and regional makers.

Hours of Operation: 

November-February: Thurs.-Sat.:  10am-5pm 

March-May: Tues-Sat. 10am-5pm & Sunday 1-5pm

June-August:  Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm & Sunday 1-5pm

September:  Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm & Sunday 1-5pm

October:  Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm

(Closed Dec. 24-Jan. 5th)

Closed Major Holidays