Space City (Weatherford, OK)

Route 66 centennial monument DESTINATION

Space City (Weatherford, OK)

Route 66 centennial

monument destination

Major Tom, a 30-foot-tall fiberglass astronaut statue, at Centennial Park, Weatherford, OK

Weatherford, Oklahoma – Route 66 Spaceman Monument

A towering tribute to the “Space City of Oklahoma”

Standing proudly at the northwest corner of Broadway and Main Street, Weatherford’s Route 66 Spaceman soars 30 feet into the air. Clad in silver with a NASA patch on one arm and a bold Route 66 shield on the other, this larger-than-life figure captures both the city’s history along the Mother Road and its ties to America’s space program.

Downtown Weatherford, Route 66, Weatherford, Oklahoma

Downtown Weatherford, OK

About the Monument

The Route 66 Spaceman was installed in August 2025 as part of a citywide effort to celebrate both the upcoming Route 66 Centennial and Weatherford’s space heritage. It was designed to be a destination landmark, one that would inspire road-trippers to stop, take photos, and explore the community.

The monument’s shimmering finish reflects Oklahoma’s big skies by day, while subtle lighting ensures it remains a beacon for travelers after dark. It stands in McPhetridge Centennial Park, backed by a colorful mural that reads: “Discover our space; land yourself here.”

 

Space City — Weatherford, OK Route 66

Space City — Weatherford, OK

History of McPhetridge Centennial Park

McPhetridge Centennial Park was established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Weatherford community, serving as a lasting tribute to its rich heritage and growth. In 1998, Richard McPhetridge and family generously donated the corner property for the centennial celebrations. Once the site of a gas station and car lot, this space has been transformed into a beautiful park thanks to the vision of local leaders dedicated to revitalizing downtown Weatherford.

Heartland of America Museum — Weatherford, OK Route 66

Heartland of America Museum — Weatherford, OK

Honoring a Hometown Hero

General Thomas P. Stafford was a Weatherford native who became one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts. Stafford’s storied career includes commanding Gemini VI, Apollo 10, and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, helping pave the way for international space cooperation.

Stafford Air and Space Museum Weatherford, OK Route 66

Stafford Air and Space Museum — Weatherford, OK

Route 66 Connection

Broadway and Main once carried the original path of Route 66 through Weatherford before I-40 bypassed the city in the early 1970s. Today, the monument stands as a reminder that Weatherford is still a vital stop along America’s most famous highway, offering travelers a blend of nostalgia, small-town charm, and forward-looking pride.

SWOSU Campus Weatherford OK Route 66

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Campus — Weatherford, OK

 

While You’re Here

Make the most of your visit to Weatherford with these local highlights:

  • Stafford Air & Space Museum – World-class exhibits including spacecraft, rockets, engines, and flown space suits.
  • Heartland of America Museum – Displays of life in the early- and mid-1900s, complete with Route 66-era buildings and artifacts.
  • Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) – Beautiful campus, athletic events, and cultural performances
  • Heritage Park – Located across from City Hall, this must-see stop on your Route 66 travels features iconic signposts, a towering wind turbine blade adorned with a mural honoring both Weatherford’s Route 66 heritage and our veterans, and several photo-worthy spots. The park also proudly displays a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. In addition, Heritage Park is home to the Bulldog and Friends Dog Park providing a welcoming space for four-legged friends and their families to enjoy.
  • Weatherford Chamber of Commerce – Your go-to for maps, local events, and business recommendations.
  • City of Weatherford – Information on parks, community programs, and visitor services.

Visitor Info

Location: McPhetridge Centennial Park, NW corner of Broadway & Main Street, Weatherford, Oklahoma.
GPS: 35.5269° N, 98.7073° W
Route 66 Status: On the original alignment of U.S. Route 66.
Photo Tip: Stand back on Broadway for a shot that captures both the Spaceman and the mural backdrop.

Keep the Journey Going