Historic U.S. Highway 66 runs through Craig County. But the character of the county cannot be reduced to this historic route: the Osage Plains include fertile, gently rolling prairies, while the Neosho Lowlands encompass rougher terrain. Craig County also lies on the western edge of the Ozark Plateau and the eastern edge of the Prairie Plains. Sandstone hills and long ridges add to the landscape. Alongside the road’s history, it is well worth taking in these varied landforms.
Route 66 and Vinita
The Route 66 stretch in Vinita is characterized by historic buildings, shops, antique stores, and cafés. The Route 66 Breezeway adds a distinctive touch: this tourist attraction is both an art exhibition and a rest stop. To create it, an alley between historic buildings was transformed into an artistic, nostalgic corridor. The Breezeway also serves as a venue for several community events, including the “Steak under the Stars” fundraiser.
Vinita holds a Route 66 celebration every June; the date may vary. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for that year.
Landscape and Time Outdoors
Vinita Lake Park offers picnic areas, basic camping, and a 45-acre lake. Here, the lake and outdoor recreation take center stage—a different perspective from the historic buildings and road culture along Vinita’s Route 66 stretch. Together with the prairies, rougher terrain, sandstone hills, and long ridges, these places reveal different facets of the region.
Cherokee Culture and History
The Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center combines a permanent exhibition on the history of the Cherokee Nation with an outdoor installation honoring Anna Mitchell. The exhibition features art, artifacts, and stories, covering topics from the origins of the Cherokee Nation to the present day. Outside, visitors will find a large-scale, walk-in clay vessel. At one location, visitors can encounter both a wide-ranging historical account and a single, striking exhibit.
The Will Rogers Archway also tells a story anchored in time: it was built in 1957 and opened to the public in early 1958. In Big Cabin, Cabin Creek Battlefield was the site of two battles during the American Civil War. Monuments and information panels at the site commemorate both battles. The Eastern Trails Museum offers another perspective on history and daily life: it recreates a post office, a general store, a print shop, and a doctor’s office, and also presents the story of a local American Civil War battle.
Events in Vinita
The Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo takes place annually in Vinita and is sanctioned by the PRCA. It was established in 1935 in memory of Will Rogers. The Craig County Free Fair is also held annually in Vinita. Its offerings include exhibits and livestock shows; the evening program features ranch rodeos, antique tractor demonstrations, and shooting demonstrations. Dates may vary. Check the event dates if you want to plan your trip around a particular event.
Discover more destinations: Vinita City, Choctaw, Pushmataha County, Cimarron County, Murray County, Rogers County, Le Flore, Kiowa County.
For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.
