The last major stop in Oklahoma before reaching Amarillo is Elk City. Proudly located on Route 66 in western Oklahoma, Elk City is bordered by oil fields and cattle farms. The Mother Road runs through the heart of town, where strong community spirit, lively sports stands, and an annual rodeo during Memorial Day weekend create an energetic atmosphere. There is always something happening in Elk City to capture any visitor’s attention. Local vintage and clothing shops, charming motels and well-known hotels, and large locally owned restaurants make Elk City a must-see before heading farther west.

History Shaped by Community

Elk City was founded by hard-working families following the opening of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Reservation. It quickly developed into an agricultural and trade center for western Oklahoma. The arrival of the Rock Island Railroad helped establish the town as a regional hub, and the construction of Route 66 brought travelers, commerce, and national recognition.

Elk City endured the hardships of the Dust Bowl through its farming, ranching, and energy industries. Today, it remains an important economic and cultural center, proudly preserving its heritage while embracing modern growth and tourism.

Visitors can travel down Broadway Avenue—Elk City’s last remaining brick-paved road—and admire the town’s unique historic homes.

Shop Local

Elk City is a one-stop shopping center. The main street encompassing two blocks offers a diverse and welcoming shopping scene that blends locally owned boutiques, specialty retailers, and well-known national stores. Visitors can explore fashionable clothing and accessories at shops like 580 Threads (https://580threads.com/(opens in new tab)), The Vogue Boutique (https://www.thevogueboutique.com/(opens in new tab)), The Depot Trading Co., Circle A Western and Outdoor (https://www.circleawestern.com/(opens in new tab)), and Buffalo Creek Boutique (https://shopbuffalocreek.com/(opens in new tab)), while thrift and consignment stores such as Christi’s Thrift Shop and UMC Thrift Shop provide budget-friendly and unique finds.

Iconic Landmarks

The National Route 66 Museum & Elk City Museum Complex (https://www.elkcity.com/city-hall/departments/elk-city-museum-complex/(opens in new tab)) is a must-stop destination. At the National Route 66 Museum, visitors can learn about all eight states that Route 66 travels through. The entire museum complex features 18 buildings where guests can explore the history of the Mother Road, as well as pioneer life. They’ll see original buildings from the area, along with classic cars and tractors. Don’t forget to take a picture underneath the world’s largest Route 66 sign!

At Ackley Park, the “Puttin’ in the Park” mini golf course is an eighteen-hole course for all ages. As guests move through it, they’ll see miniature versions of famous Route 66 landmarks. The park also has several picnic areas with seven picnic tables and six covered pavilions (four with water and electricity), four tennis and pickle ball courts, two volleyball courts, two softball fields, playgrounds, and two ponds stocked with fish. One of the park’s main attractions is the Choctaw Express miniature train ride and the Centennial Carousel.

From Ackley Park, visitors can walk across the parking lot to Thunderbird Bay, Elk City’s local pool and aquatic center. With three water slides, a deep end, multiple kiddie pools, and wading areas, it’s the perfect place to spend a hot day with the family.

At Ackley Park West, visitors can walk or run on the track, cool off at the splash pad during the summer, rent a kayak, or use the outdoor fitness equipment. The park also includes a basketball court and a skate park. With the five-plex ball fields located to the north, Ackley Park West is often busy with sporting events. The Arrowhead Center is another popular attraction, offering an indoor walking track and basketball courts. You’ll also find a café serving a variety of sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, and other drinks, as well as an indoor play structure that’s always bustling.

Local Restaurants

Elk City is home to many locally owned and operated restaurants and cafés where visitors can experience the flavor of local life. In addition to several excellent sit-down restaurants, the town is also known for its many doughnut shops and Mexican restaurants. With so many great options, it’s hard to go wrong.

Diners can go back in time to grandma’s kitchen at Country Dove. Like many Elk City restaurants, it offers warm hospitality and a simple menu of delicious comfort food. Don’t skip the French silk pie!

A local favorite, PrairieFire Grille (https://prairiefireelkcity.com/(opens in new tab)), is located in one of the town’s historic train depots and is owned and operated by mother and daughter Mary Beth Kilhoffer and Amy Vickers. It serves an eclectic array of dishes that include chicken-fried steak, salmon sliders, bone-in rib-eyes, pastas, sandwiches, and salads.

Another popular spot is Simon’s Catch (https://simonscatchok.com/(opens in new tab)). Located just outside of town, it’s worth the short drive and is always bustling with diners. This steakhouse is famous for its juicy cuts of beef, fried catfish, shrimp, and welcoming rustic atmosphere.

Anyone looking for a great cup of coffee and a delicious sandwich should stop by Main Street Coffee & Café. The café offers specialty lattes, iced coffees, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.

Located right on the Route, 66 Sweet Spot is a convenient stop for travelers. Guests can enjoy specialty soda drinks, fresh sandwiches, soups, cinnamon rolls, pretzels, and ice cream all served with classic Oklahoma hospitality.

Hidden Gems

Located on the south side of town, the Elk City Golf Course is a full-sized course offering a scenic experience for golfers. The course and country club feature a fair yet challenging layout with a regulation 18-hole, par-71 course. Amenities include a driving range, practice putting, pitching and chipping areas, equipment rentals, and a fully stocked pro shop.

Elk City Lake is a 750-acre park centered around a 250-acre lake that is regularly stocked with fish. Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and playing on the 18-hole disc golf course. The park includes picnic pavilions, outdoor grills, playgrounds, campgrounds, and five RV parking spaces with water and electricity. RV and tent camping at Elk City Lake are available for $15 per day.

Parker Drilling Rig #114 is hard to call a hidden gem, as it dominates the skyline along Route 66 in Elk City. Rising 181 feet into the sky, it is one of the world’s tallest oil rigs. Originally built in the 1960s to drill shafts for underground nuclear testing, it was later used for oil exploration.

More Information & Events

For more information and event listings throughout the year, check out Visit Elk City(opens in new tab).