Studying in America invites you to join us on our whistle-stop tour of the US following the old Route 66 highway. We're tootling along just nicely through the States of Kansas and Oklahoma for some Wild West nostalgia and Native American heritage. The Harley's pumped with gas and is ready to go so let's not keep her waiting...
Missouri/Kansas Stateline
The Harley is purring nicely as we leave Missouri behind, approaching our second Stateline into the Heartland of America. Of all the States we encounter on our Route 66 adventure, Kansas has the smallest stretch of the old highway, a mere 13 miles. But there's no need to make haste, some of the most preserved Route 66 miles are located here. Following Front Street, we enter Galena, where the ghosts of this small town's mining past still exist.
Baxter Springs
Rev the engine and wave a pistol in the air yelling, "Stick 'em up!" as we enter former Wild West territory in Baxter Springs. Legend has it that Bonnie and Clyde raided the Baxter Springs General Store twice in one week during the 1930s. Similarly, in 1933 "Tri-State Terror" Wilber Underhill and his gang robbed the American National Bank, located at the intersection with 12th St. However, there is much more to Baxter Springs than bank jobs, visit the Baxter Springs Heritage Centre and Museum for Native American, Civil War and Route 66 artefacts.
Quapaw
We've reached the end of our journey through Kansas and are entering the State of Oklahoma. Three miles in and we come across the small town of Quapaw, home of supernatural phenomenon, the 'Spooklight'. Even the hairiest of Route 66 bikers have quivered in their leathers when seeing this orange, dancing ball of light. Witnessed for over a century between the hours of 10pm and midnight, 'Spooklight' has confused many who have tried to offer an explanation for its origin.
Vinita
Continuing in a southeasterly direction, we enter Vinita, the second oldest town in Oklahoma. Known as the 'Crossroad of America', Vinita is the point where Route 66, Interstate 44, US Highways 69 and 60 and State Highway 2 all come together bringing travellers and motor freight carriers to the town. Feeling peckish? Then pull the Harley off Interstate 44 at Will Rogers Turnpike and have a Big Mac in the third largest McDonalds in the world. In a previous incarnation, this 30,000 square foot site was home to another restaurant called the 'Glasshouse', which it is still known by.
Tulsa
Leaving Tulsa. This vintage Route 66 city is the second largest in Oklahoma and has beautiful Vinita, we stick as closely to the old route as possible, passing through Chelsea, Foyil, Claremore and Catoosa before reaching former oil capital of the world, art deco architecture, Native American heritage and dozens of Mother Road signs, cafes and motels. Check out 50s style Metro Diner at 3001 E. 11th where you can tuck into a chicken-fried steak washed down by a hearty, old-fashioned shake.
Oklahoma City
It's time to give it some juice non-stop to Oklahoma City, the State capital and largest city in Oklahoma. A brilliant photo opportunity awaits you on Lincoln Boulevard, home of the State Capital Building. Keep the camera on standby as you go along the Classen Alignment where you will encounter an interesting triangular building with a giant milk bottle on top. For a real Route 66 treat, pull off 39th Street to Ann's Chicken Fry House. If you're still full from the Metro Diner then simply browse the displays of classic memorabilia including a 1950s police car, a pink Cadillac, gas pumps and more.
You better ditch those leathers for a pair of chaps as the next phase of our Route 66 expedition is through Texas, yee hah!
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