“Prepare for a journey into the heartland, because today, you'll get a taste of not one, not two, but three distinct states!”

Even though Kansas only boasts a tiny 13-mile section of Route 66, don't be fooled. Every inch is packed with charm and charisma, especially if you take your time to immerse in the warmth of this once-bustling mining area.

Next, you'll delve into the compelling mosaic that is Oklahoma, a state that straddles the unique flavors of the Midwest and South. Oklahoma is proud to be the birthplace of Cyrus Avery, the architect and “Father” of Route 66, and you'll find a wealth of signs and museums illuminating its rich heritage.

As you journey through a patchwork of quaint towns, each with its own unique spirit, you'll finally arrive in Tulsa. This vibrant metropolis beckons with an array of fascinating attractions, promising a fitting end to a day of exploration and discovery.

Spencer Station is coming up to you right, just after Johnson Creek Bridge, and has one of the only original untouched and unpaved sections of Route 66 at its front door.

Red Oak II, an artist-built community just outside of Carthage, is a time capsule teeming with vintage buildings and art installations. Just remember to respect the locals!

Carthage offers a Civil War Museum, Precious Moments Park & Chapel, and the Route 66 Drive-In. 

Get your capes on; Carterville's SuperTAM on 66 Ice Cream Parlor is bursting with Superman goodies, and oh, the ice cream!

In Webb City, the stoic King Jack Park's massive kneeling miner will leave you awestruck. Picnic near giant praying hands, stroll along walking paths, or hop on the trolley.

Joplin's mining echoes are everywhere! Giant Coke bottles, vintage gas stations, and the Missouri-born muralist Thomas Hart Benson's masterpiece await. Don't miss the historic Joplin History & Mineral Museum, or the spellbinding Grand Falls on a short detour.

Say hello to Kansas, the Sunflower State. Only 13.2 miles (or 18.9 depending on what alignment you chose) of Route 66, bubbling with mining history. Engage with friendly locals, and you'll leave enriched.

Galena's attractions? Ever seen the movie “Cars”? Well, "CARS on The Route" will fuel your nostalgia, and the Mining & Historical Museum digs deep into history.

Hold onto your cowboy hats and dust off those boots, because we're galloping into Tulsa, Oklahoma! A vibrant city that meshes Southern charm with big city excitement, Tulsa's rich Route 66 history shines through Art Deco buildings, old motels, eateries, and the Route 66 Historical Village. Newer gems like the Mother Road Market, Fuel Stop 66, and the sculpture "Route 66 Rising" add flavor.

The iconic Golden Driller! Standing tall at 75 feet, this oil man statue is more than just a tribute to the city's rich oil history. It's a symbol of the determination, innovation, and the spirit of Tulsa itself. Snap a selfie with this golden guy and you're officially part of the Tulsa tribe.

Now, who's up for some art? The Philbrook Museum of Art is no ordinary gallery; it's a sprawling mansion-turned-museum filled with classical and modern masterpieces. But wait, there's more! The stunning gardens will make you feel like you've been whisked away to a European royal estate. It's a feast for the eyes and soul.

And speaking of feasts, Tulsa's food scene is as eclectic and unique as the city itself. Dive into a world of flavors, from sizzling barbecue to innovative fusion cuisines. Each bite is a culinary journey, and each dish tells a story.

Kids and kids-at-heart, gear up for the Tulsa Zoo! From majestic elephants to playful penguins, it's a wild adventure right in the heart of the city. Want to go bigger? The Oklahoma Aquarium will plunge you into the deep blue sea, with sharks, sea turtles, and other aquatic wonders.

Dying for a Broadway show? The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is your ticket to world-class entertainment. With ballet, opera, musicals, and concerts, it's a celebration of creativity that will leave you standing in applause.

And if you’re feeling nostalgic, the Greenwood Historic District pays homage to the once-thriving Black Wall Street and offers a reflective insight into Tulsa's African American heritage.

Tulsa is more than a destination; it's an experience. From cultural wonders to culinary delights, from history to mystery, it's a city that invites you to explore, taste, and fall in love. So pack your bags, and let Tulsa sweep you off your feet.

Your adventure awaits, filled with history, quirks, art, and timeless memories!

Here's a full and detailed list of great places to eat along the way. The blue “thumbs up” dots state our top recommendation(s):

PS: since we don’t know when you’re feeling peckish, we have included an “along the way list” - pick your poison…

Congrats! You have successfully mastered Day 4 of Route 66