Bridge No. 18 over Rock Creek is an impressive piece of road history: the 120-foot steel truss bridge with a brick deck is part of the West Sapulpa section of Route 66. Nearby are museums in Sapulpa, Drumright, and Bristow, as well as trails and lakes for nature experiences.
Route 66 and Early Transportation Routes
The 3.3-mile West Sapulpa section was built in 1924–1925 to connect Sapulpa and Bristow with a paved road. In 1926, it was designated as Route 66. In 1952, it was replaced by a wider, straighter route farther north. The city’s early transportation connections also tell their own story: streetcar service in Sapulpa began in March 1908. The Sapulpa Interurban ran through the entire city and connected Sapulpa with Tulsa, Kiefer, and Mounds.
Sapulpa’s central downtown district is located along Historic Route 66. This combines a look at the historic road alignment with a walk around the city, without requiring a specific route. Those interested in the road and its vehicles can find classic cars, special vehicles, and Route 66 memorabilia at the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum. From May through September, rides to Pretty Water Lake in a 1922 Packard or Cadillac are available by reservation; vehicle availability may change.
Museums Exploring Railroads, Oil, and Local History
The Sapulpa Historical Museum covers topics ranging from a circa-1900 kitchen and the 1894 Egan Brothers General Store to dioramas of the Frisco Railroad and Sapulpa’s 1929 cityscape. Exhibits also depict the Euchee Mission Boarding School and feature photographic histories of Indigenous and African American residents. The collection explores local history from different perspectives, including commerce, railroads, and the lives of diverse groups of residents.
In Drumright, the Historical Museum is housed in a 1915 Santa Fe depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eight-foot-high murals tell the story of Drumright and Oklahoma in five sections. The Oil Room contains memorabilia and tools used to drill oil fields. In Bristow, the Historical Museum & Train Depot preserves original 1923 hardwood floors, ticket windows, desks, and railroad items, among other things. The depot and water tower form the only surviving combination of a Frisco railroad depot and water tower on the original route. Visitors can enter the Frisco caboose; confirm access before your visit.
The Sapulpa Fire Museum is dedicated to the roughly 100-year history of Sapulpa’s fire department and displays horse-drawn wagons and ladder trucks from around 1900. A tour can be arranged through the Sapulpa Historical Museum. You can also arrange a tour there of the Waite Phillips-Barnsdall Filling Station Museum; group tours are available by appointment. Confirm availability in advance.
Trails and Lakes for a Nature Break
Sapulpa’s trails vary in both length and layout. The Rotary Trail at Kelly Lane Park is an approximately one-mile loop: it crosses Rock Creek and leads into a wooded area where walkers can spot deer and other wildlife. Sightings and trail conditions may vary. The Kiwanis Trail runs for about 0.3 miles along Rock Creek. In addition to the paved main trail, there are unpaved nature loops on both sides.
Pretty Water Lake is a 25-acre spring-fed lake. Its paved walking path is one mile long; there are also daytime boating opportunities for boats with non-gasoline-powered motors and accessible fishing piers. A trout-stocking program is also offered; stocking dates may change. At Heyburn Lake, on Polecat Creek in Creek County, the recreation areas are about 13 miles southwest of Sapulpa. Facilities at the three areas by the lake include picnic areas, restrooms and showers, playgrounds, a boat launch, and swimming opportunities. Available facilities may change.
Seasonal Events in Sapulpa
The Route 66 Farmer’s Market takes place during the summer and fall months; specific dates may vary from year to year. The Route 66 Blowout has been held annually in downtown Sapulpa since 1989. The program includes a car, motorcycle, and truck show featuring more than 250 vehicles, historic walking tours of the city, live music, arts and crafts, and vendor booths. Dates and program details may vary. Check current event information before planning your stay.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Mannford, Drumright, Texas, Grady County, Atoka County, Cimarron County, Pontotoc, Oklahoma.
For the overview of the wider region: Oklahoma.
