Family Adventure Road Trip
THROUGH MIAMI & OTTAWA COUNTY
Welcome to Ottawa County, where family comes first! Whether your family is connected by blood or by the
bonds of friendship, you’ll find a place to belong here. Ready for a memorable road trip around
our county? Let’s hit the road and discover what makes Miami and Ottawa County a perfect
destination for everyone!
Stop 1: Miami - The Heartbeat of Ottawa County
Our journey begins in Miami, the largest town in Ottawa County and the perfect starting point for your
adventure. At the heart of Miami is the legendary Route 66, a slice of American history that still
thrives today. As you cruise along the longest stretch of Route 66 Main Street, be sure to detour to
Ribbon Road at the junction of E. 140 Road and S. 550 Road. This is the last section of the original
9-foot-wide highway, giving modern travelers a glimpse of what it was like to drive cross-country in
rural America back in 1926.
Stop 2: Explore the Cultural District in Downtown Miami
As you continue along Route 66 Main Street, you’ll enter the Cultural District of Downtown Miami.
Here, you’ll find The Coleman Theatre Beautiful, a stunning historic theatre built in 1929 by
George L. Coleman, a local mining magnate. This architectural gem has hosted legends like Bing Crosby,
Will Rogers, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie. Today, The Coleman Theatre
continues to bring culture to life with concerts, plays, and classic films—some even accompanied
by the theatre’s original Wurlitzer Pipe Organ.
Just a few doors down, visit Celebrity Park, where you can learn about other notable figures from the
area. Across the street, Mural Park offers a vibrant display of murals by renowned artists. Explore
Downtown Miami and you’ll find even more artistic treasures that bring the town’s history
and culture to life.
Stop 3: A Taste of Route 66 Americana
No trip along Route 66 is complete without a stop at Waylan’s KuKu Burger. Located just a short
drive from Downtown Miami, this iconic eatery is a must-see for Route 66 enthusiasts. With its giant
yellow cuckoo bird in a chef’s hat and glowing neon sign, Waylan’s KuKu Burger invites
travelers to enjoy a nostalgic meal at one of the last-standing franchisees of a once-thriving fast-food
chain.
Stop 4: Dive into History
For those who love history, Miami offers two excellent museums just steps apart—The Dobson Annex
Museum and the Miami Nation Museum. Explore the rich history of the area and the heritage of the Miami
Nation. A short distance away, the Miami Public Library’s Genealogy Department is a treasure trove
for anyone interested in tracing their roots and learning more about the people and places of Oklahoma
and the surrounding states.
Stop 5: Outdoor Adventures and Sports in Miami
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Miami’s 11 public parks, which offer facilities for
swimming, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, disc golf, and skateboarding. If you prefer
the great outdoors, the Neosho River is the place to be for spoonbill fishing, kayaking, and
canoeing.
The Miami Fairgrounds is a year-round hub of activity, hosting seasonal farmer’s markets, the
Ottawa County Fair, rodeos, monster truck rallies, and more.
Stop 6: NEO A&M College - A Hub of Culture and Sports
Before leaving Miami, make sure to visit NEO A&M College. Beyond the numerous athletic events, the
campus offers cultural experiences at the NEO Fine Arts Center and the Charles Banks Wilson Art and
Cultural Education Center at Kah-Ne Hall, where you can enjoy performances and browse art exhibits.
Stop 7: Commerce - The Legacy of Mickey Mantle
Continue your journey north to the City of Commerce, located on Route 66. This small town is home to
the boyhood memories of baseball legend Mickey Mantle, commemorated by a nine-foot-tall bronze statue.
At City Hall, dive into the dramatic story of how local constable Cal Campbell met his fate at the hands
of infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde in 1934.
Stop 8: Quapaw - A Tribal Tribute
Further up Route 66 is Quapaw, named after the Quapaw Tribe. In the heart of town, stop by the Route 66
Stone next to the fire station, then shop at the Quapaw Farmers Market and Food Hub. South of town on
County Highway 137, the Quapaw Nation Tribal Museum offers a deeper look into the tribe’s history
and culture.
Stop 9: Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake
Heading south on County Highway 137, you’ll reach the Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake, a favorite
spot for locals and visitors alike. This area offers camping, day-use areas, and boat ramps. During
spring, summer, and fall, bring your binoculars for birdwatching, including sightings of egrets and
pelicans. In the winter, don’t miss the Twin Bridges Park of Lights, a dazzling holiday display
that attracts over 20,000 visitors each year.
Stop 10: Wyandotte - A Historic Community
To the east of Twin Bridges is Wyandotte, a town with a unique history. In the 1920s, Wyandotte made
headlines with an all-female city government, led by Oklahoma’s first female mayor, Mamie Foster.
Today, Wyandotte continues to grow, with Riverbend Casino and Hotel at the heart of its prosperity.
Stop 11: Fairland - A Close-Knit Community
Just west of Twin Bridges State Park is Fairland, a small town where community spirit thrives. Play
tennis or basketball at the town park, attend local church services, cheer for the Owls at school sports
events, or pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial.
Stop 12: Afton - Where the Adventure Ends
As our road trip nears its end, we arrive in Afton, just 9 miles west of Fairland on US 60.
Afton’s town park, community center, school district, and churches are the heart of social life
here. Visitors can also enjoy area resorts along Grand River/Grand Lake O’The Cherokees. And for
Route 66 travelers, Afton offers quirky roadside attractions, including a buffalo ranch, a unique
museum, and remnants of The Mother Road.
For the Grownups: Casino Entertainment Hub
Before you head home, consider exploring the casino entertainment available within a 30-mile radius of
Miami. Ottawa County is a hub for casino fun in Northeast Oklahoma, with twelve area casinos offering
live entertainment and concerts.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through Miami and Ottawa County! Whether you’re here
for a day or a lifetime, our community welcomes you with open arms. Safe travel!
