Day 5 – Route 66 Royalty: From Springfield, MO to Oklahoma City

By Admin On

Distance covered by motorcycle: ~494 km
Route: Springfield, MO → Galena, KS → Chelsea, OK → Catoosa → Stroud → Oklahoma City

Day 5 on Route 66 brought one of the most photogenic stretches of the journey. From historic murals and roadside icons to ghost-town vibes and oversized whales, this was a day where the road truly became the destination.

🙏 Blessings Before the Ride

The crew kicked off the morning in Springfield with a stop at Gurudwara Sahib of Ozarks — a quiet moment of reflection and a chance to carry gratitude into the miles ahead.

🛍️ A Legendary Gas Station: Gary’s Gay Parita

After a quick visit to Maverik Adventure’s First Stop, we hit one of Route 66’s crown jewels: Gary’s Gay Parita, a lovingly restored 1930s-era Sinclair station in Paris Springs, MO. Vintage signs, classic pumps, and Route 66 vibes in every corner — it’s like stepping into a time capsule.

🎨 Murals, Memories & Cars in Kansas

After roaring through Joplin, MO, the journey took us briefly into Kansas — a short 13-mile stretch of Route 66 packed with history:

  • Route 66 Mural Park – Bright, nostalgic art in Joplin made for great photos.
  • Galena, KS – A trifecta of attractions in one block:
    • Cars on the Route – Home of the truck that inspired Tow Mater from Pixar’s Cars.
    • Gearhead Curios – A revived vintage shop full of Route 66 collectibles.
    • Sidewalk Highway – A short ride on the original 9-foot-wide “ribbon road” — one of the last surviving stretches of true early Route 66 pavement.

🤠 Nowhere, Totem Poles & Blue Whales

Oklahoma brought the weird and wonderful:

  • Nowhere on Route 66 – A quirky roadside stop with ironic souvenirs.
  • Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park – Home to the world’s largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea, OK.
  • Blue Whale of Catoosa – One of Route 66’s most iconic roadside landmarks. Originally part of a swimming hole, this friendly giant remains a top photo op for riders.

🛣️ Winding into Oklahoma City

As the sun dropped low, we passed through Bristow and Stroud, grabbing drinks at Casey’s and a rest at Cattle Country Lodge. One final fill-up at Phillips 66, and then it was a straight 86 km shot into Oklahoma City — arriving just before 8 PM.

🗺️ Highlights of the Day:

  • Total motorcycle distance: ~494 km
  • Ride time: ~5 hrs 46 mins
  • Must-See Route 66 Stops:
    • Gary’s Gay Parita (Paris Springs, MO)
    • Route 66 Mural Park (Joplin, MO)
    • Cars on the Route & Gearhead Curios (Galena, KS)
    • Ribbon Road Segment (OK)
    • Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park (Chelsea, OK)
    • Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa, OK)

✍️ Quote of the Day:

“Some roads take you places. Route 66 takes you back in time.”