Neon Glow and Mural Magic: Oklahoma Route 66 Association Lights Up Tulsa Ahead of Centennial

The official unveiling of the mural took place on Sunday, April 27th. Photo by Tim Green.

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - The Oklahoma Route 66 Association office in Tulsa has had a bit of a facelift thanks to a new neon sign and a vibrant new mural. The Association has been based in various cities across the state over the last three decades and moved to Tulsa in 2022. Just over a year ago, they located their office in the Tulsa Market District next to the Campbell Hotel and Event Center.

The new sign, perched above their door around the back of the Renaissance Square Event Center at 11th Street and Birmingham Place, is a neon representation of their logo. The eight stars represent the eight states that Route 66 passes through, a reference to the linear community of over 2,400 miles that makes up the Route 66 corridor. All eight states have a Historic Route 66 Association, with Oklahoma’s being founded on October 16th, 1989.

The sign is the 69th sign funded in part by the City of Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant, which reimburses businesses and non-profits for 50% of the cost of a sign up to $10,000. Encino Signs fabricated and installed the sign.

The Association’s new sign, with neon facing 11th Street (Historic Route 66).

“We’re a majority volunteer organization,” said Association President Rhys Martin. “Dues from our members go towards paying our part-time Executive Director and other monies we raise go towards producing our annual Trip Guide. Without the grant assistance and generous support from Cycle 66 in Edmond, this would’ve never happened. We are tremendously grateful for that support and belief in our mission.”

Cycle 66 is a bicycle competition that happens in Edmond annually; the Association is one of the organizations they support by donating a portion of the registration fees.

Another addition to their small office is a mural painted by Ryan Smart of Splinter Block. “With the Centennial coming up, we wanted to provide a unique photo opportunity for travelers that represented the entire state. That’s not easy, considering we have over 400 drivable miles of Route 66 here!” Martin said, a reference to Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s steady refrain about Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road.

The centerpiece of the new mural is the official logo of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, which was designed by University of Oklahoma student (now graduate) Lauren Cooper. “As far as I know,” Martin continued, “this is the first mural that uses that symbol. My hope is that there will be many more to come across the state.”

Due to the volunteer nature of the organization, the office is currently open by appointment only. However, people wanting to support their mission to preserve and promote Route 66 throughout the state can make purchases on their website www.oklahomaroute66.com or at their booth space in Meadow Gold Mack at 11th and Peoria in Tulsa. The Association is also currently working on a plan to have a spot in the western half of Oklahoma to offer their merchandise.

What’s next for the Association? Getting the 2025-2026 edition of their Trip Guide out into the world. “It arrived from the printer last week,” Martin said with a smile. “With this bright new mural on the cover and its ongoing popularity, we know it’ll start moving fast!”