Texola OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Texola, Oklahoma.
1. Texola One Room Jail
HISTORIC TINY PRISON
The Texola One Room Jail is a tiny historic jail cell located on Route 66 near the Oklahoma-Texas border. This small stone structure features just one door and one window, making it a popular photo opportunity for Route 66 enthusiasts. Visitors often stop to imagine what it would have been like to be confined in this small space during the hot Oklahoma summers.
2. Historic Magnolia Service Station
PRESERVED ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Historic Magnolia Service Station in Texola is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and represents a 1930s Route 66 gas station. Built with a distinctive 'box and canopy' design, it features a cube-shaped office facing the filling bay covered by a streamlined canopy. Though now a crumbling structure, it remains an important reminder of Route 66's heyday when it operated until the 1960s.
3. Tumbleweed & Water Hole #2 Cafe
ICONIC ROUTE 66 EATERY
The Tumbleweed & Water Hole #2 Cafe is housed in what's claimed to be the oldest building on Route 66 operating as a restaurant. This classic cafe offers home cooking, souvenirs, and an authentic slice of Americana. The owners renovated the ancient structure while preserving its historic character, making it a must-visit stop for road trippers.
4. No Place Like Texola Bar
NOSTALGIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The No Place Like Texola Bar features iconic signage that has made it a popular photo stop along Route 66. Although no longer operational, its rusty sign and vintage pickup truck emblazoned with Route 66 continue to attract visitors. The building's famous slogan, 'There is no place like Texola,' has become an enduring symbol of this small Oklahoma town.
5. Will Rogers Highway Marker
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 MONUMENT
The Will Rogers Highway Marker in Texola commemorates the rededication of Route 66 as the Will Rogers Highway. A painted Route 66 shield on the road nearby adds to the historical significance of this marker. Texola was chosen as one of the special locations to host a dedication ceremony for this important highway designation.
6. Texola Baptist Church
CHARMING HISTORIC CHURCH
The Texola Baptist Church stands as a testament to the town's enduring spirit despite its small size. This well-maintained church building provides a picturesque contrast to many of the town's more weathered structures. Its presence reinforces that Texola, while small, continues to maintain signs of community life.
7. 100th Meridian Museum
GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY SHOWCASE
The 100th Meridian Museum near Texola explores the significance of this important longitudinal line that historically divided the eastern and western United States. Visitors can learn about the geographic, cultural, and historical implications of this boundary through various exhibits and artifacts. The museum provides context for understanding the development of western Oklahoma and the surrounding region.
8. Sandhill Curiosity Shop
ECLECTIC ROUTE 66 COLLECTION
The Sandhill Curiosity Shop is a popular Route 66 attraction featuring an eclectic collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Located near Texola, this quirky shop draws visitors with its unique atmosphere and variety of interesting items. Its high rating of 4.1 stars indicates its popularity among travelers exploring this stretch of the Mother Road.
9. Erick Tourism Information Center
ROUTE 66 TRAVEL RESOURCE
The Erick Tourism Information Center serves as a valuable resource for travelers exploring Route 66 in western Oklahoma. With a stellar 4.6-star rating, this center provides maps, brochures, and local knowledge to enhance visitors' experiences. Staff members can direct tourists to nearby attractions including those in neighboring Texola.
10. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD HERITAGE CENTER
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton offers a comprehensive exploration of Route 66's history and cultural significance. Exhibits guide visitors through the evolution of the iconic highway from its early days through the mid-20th century. The museum features period settings, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring the Mother Road experience to life.
11. Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet
WESTERN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Cherokee Trading Post & Boot Outlet in Clinton is a popular shopping destination for travelers seeking authentic western merchandise. This establishment offers a wide selection of boots, Native American crafts, souvenirs, and other regional items. Its convenient location along Route 66 makes it an accessible stop for those traveling between Texola and other Oklahoma destinations.
12. McLain Rogers Park & Historic Amphitheater
NEW DEAL ERA LANDMARK
McLain Rogers Park & Historic Amphitheater in Clinton is a beautifully preserved New Deal-era public recreation space. The park features a historic amphitheater that has hosted community events for generations. Its WPA-era architecture and landscaping make it both a functional community space and a living piece of Depression-era history.
13. Jigg's Smokehouse
LEGENDARY BARBECUE JOINT
Jigg's Smokehouse is a renowned barbecue restaurant that has been serving delicious smoked meats to hungry travelers and locals. This establishment has built its reputation on authentic Oklahoma barbecue traditions and hearty portions. Its popularity makes it a worthwhile detour for those exploring the Route 66 corridor near Texola.
14. Elk City Museum Complex
MULTI-MUSEUM HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
The Elk City Museum Complex houses several museums in one convenient location including replicas of an opera house, chapel, doctor's office, and train depot. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning from territorial-era history to the 1950s, providing context for understanding western Oklahoma's development. The complex also includes the Farm & Ranch Museum and Blacksmith Museum, offering a comprehensive look at regional history and culture.
15. Blarney Stone
UNIQUE CULTURAL LANDMARK
The Blarney Stone in Texola represents a curious cultural connection to Irish heritage in this small Oklahoma town. Visitors often stop to see this unique landmark while exploring other Route 66 attractions in the area. Though smaller than its famous Irish counterpart, this Blarney Stone adds an unexpected cultural element to Texola's Route 66 landscape.