Take a drive through the heart of central Oklahoma as we follow a storied stretch of Historic Route 66 from Oklahoma City to El Reno. This 28-mile journey carries us from urban sprawl to small-town charm, tracing one of the most iconic sections of the Mother Road. Along the way, we pass through communities where the spirit of classic Americana still lingers, over historic bridges and past landmarks that echo the golden era of road travel.
Our journey begins as we merge onto Oklahoma Highway 66 from Interstate 44 in northwest Oklahoma City. The traffic and energy of the city remain close at first, but as we follow Route 66 westward, things begin to shift. We pass through Warr Acres and Bethany, two of Oklahoma City’s original streetcar suburbs, both of which have retained a strong sense of identity despite being surrounded by metropolitan growth. These communities emerged in the early 20th century during Route 66’s heyday, and their main streets still reflect the character of mid-century commerce and residential planning. Along this stretch, old motels, vintage signage, and small churches flash by—some thriving, others fading quietly into the landscape.
As we leave Bethany behind, Route 66 makes a celebrated crossing over Lake Overholser via a historic pony truss bridge built in 1925. The Lake Overholser Bridge, now restored and preserved, is one of the oldest remaining structures on the original Route 66 alignment and a must-see for fans of transportation history. The lake itself, nestled on the city’s western fringe, offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of OKC and serves as a reminder of the important role water management and reservoirs played in the city’s development. Shortly after crossing the bridge, we pass under the John Kilpatrick Turnpike, signaling our approach to the next chapter of the journey—Yukon.
Yukon is a town that grew up with the railroad and blossomed with the highway. Known as the hometown of country music legend Garth Brooks, Yukon embraces its Route 66 heritage with a welcoming blend of old and new. The mother road slices directly through the heart of town, where modern businesses now sit alongside vintage gas stations and fading neon signs. Between Oklahoma Highway 4 and Oklahoma Highway 92, we cross a major rail line, a subtle nod to the town’s industrial roots. Though we’re just minutes west of Oklahoma City, the feeling here is unmistakably small-town—a refreshing pause from the urban rush behind us.
Beyond Yukon, the road begins to relax. The landscape flattens out as we return to the open countryside, with long stretches of two-lane blacktop giving way to gentle hills and wide skies. The farmland is dotted with grain silos, windbreak trees, and the occasional roadside attraction, all of which create the rhythm and atmosphere that make Route 66 drives so rewarding. Soon, we approach El Reno, a town that sits at the crossroads of the old and the new. At the intersection with U.S. Route 81, Route 66 turns north briefly, threading us into the heart of El Reno’s traditional downtown.
El Reno is steeped in Route 66 lore. The town once served as a critical junction during the Dust Bowl era, and today it proudly showcases that history through restored architecture and festivals. As we reach the second junction with US-81—where the highway turns back west—we pass by heritage-rich storefronts and a few Route 66 relics that speak to decades of travelers who’ve come through town. From there, the highway leads us west once more, hugging the edge of El Reno’s city limits until we finally merge onto Interstate 40, where our video concludes. But the Mother Road, as always, continues.
This short but meaningful segment of Route 66 offers an immersive blend of Oklahoma history, suburban Americana, and enduring roadside charm. It’s a drive that reminds us why this highway still captures the imagination nearly a century after its creation—not just as a route across the country, but as a pathway into its heart.
🗺️ Route Map
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