Dear Traveler,
This passport serves as your guide to Edmond’s section of historic Route 66, a 13.4-mile stretch rich with stories, landmarks, and little details that connect the past and present. For over a century, Route 66 has carried travelers through the heart of the country, and Edmond remains proud to be part of that legacy. Each stop provides a unique piece of the larger journey.
As we commemorate the Route 66 Centennial, we invite you to participate in this milestone by exploring, observing, and engaging with our city. Throughout these pages, you’ll discover photo challenges designed to help you slow down, look closer, and document your experience.
Don’t forget to share your journey using #EdmondOn66, and help us honor 100 years of America’s most iconic road.
Thank you for being a part of the story, Visit Edmond
33RD ST
E 2ND ST
E 15TH ST
E 33RD ST
History
With humble beginnings rooted in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run, Historic Downtown Edmond first emerged around a simple railroad station along what would become the iconic Route 66. In a single day, the town grew from just three settlers to over a hundred.
Today, this picturesque district blends the old and new, with brick-lined sidewalks, locally owned shops, and public art that tell the story of Edmond’s growth. It’s the cultural heart of the city, supporting the nearby university and hosting some of Edmond’s largest festivals and community events.
Upcoming Events
March–October, Heard on Hurd (Every 3rd Saturday!)
May 1-3, Downtown Arts Festival
July 4, LibertyFest Parade and Fireworks
October 4, Cycle 66
November 12, Deck The Downtown
Photo Challenge
Take a photo of your favorite historic detail, an old sign, original brickwork, or architecture that feels like a blast from the past. Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66.
124 E 2nd St, Edmond, OK | 405.715.1889
History
In the summer of 1889, just months after the Land Run, a group of determined women organized to build the first public school in Territorial Edmond. Their efforts led to the creation of a one-room school house, the foundation of formal education in the growing town. In the 1990s, a dedicated community effort led to the building's full restoration. Today, the 1889 Territorial School stands as the oldest remaining one-room school building in Oklahoma County.
Photo Challenge
There’s a mural hidden behind the school house, can you find it? Take a photo of the school house and the art that lives nearby. Tag it with #EdmondOn66 and show us what you found.
431 S Blvd, Edmond, OK |
About
Housed in a natural sandstone building once used by the 179th Infantry of the Oklahoma National Guard, the Edmond History Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, visitors can explore a collection of engaging artifacts and photographs, a non-circulating research library, and rotating exhibitions that share the history of Edmond.
Photo Challenge
Take a photo of your favorite artifact inside the museum — something you didn’t expect to find, or an interesting piece of Edmond's history. Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66.
About
Since its founding in 1890 as the Territorial Normal School, the University of Central Oklahoma has been an integral part of Edmond. Guided by the motto “ubi motus est,” or “where movement is,” UCO continues to grow alongside Edmond, offering accessible and affordable education to more than 12,000 students. The main campus is located just off Route 66 and features historic buildings, including Old North (left) and Mitchell Hall, also celebrating its centennial in 2026!
Photo Challenge
Mitchell Hall has welcomed audiences for 100 years! Take a photo at the historic entrance or strike your best “stage pose” outside. Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66 —and use code Route66 for 10% off tickets!
9000 E 2nd St, Arcadia, OK | 405.216.7470
About
Arcadia Lake was constructed on the Deep Fork River and opened to the public in 1987. Originally developed for flood control and water management, the lake has since become a popular destination for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of natural landscape, it offers facilities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, disc golf, camping, and more. Though nestled within an urban setting, Arcadia Lake serves as a scenic and accessible retreat for both Edmond locals and visitors alike.
Things To Do
Explore the lake’s multi-use trails on foot or bike
Launch a kayak or boat at UCO Boathouse
Camp overnight at one of the lake’s scenic campgrounds
Photo Challenge
Capture the moment by finding or creating a picnic spot by the water, under the trees, or near a trail. Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66 and show us how you unwind at Arcadia Lake.
About
Murals are scattered along Edmond’s stretch of Route 66, on the sides of buildings, in alleyways, and outside local businesses. Some reflect aspects of Edmond’s past, while others add personality to the area. Many of these works are created by Oklahoma artists, with the city continuing to commission new pieces as part of its expanding public art initiative. These murals serve as decoration and small reminders of the people, stories, and places that shape this town. New works are regularly added, and each one adds something different to the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled on your adventures through the city, because there’s always something to see!
Photo Challenge
Find one of the seven Route 66 murals in Edmond that stands out to you. Take a photo that shows the full piece or your favorite detail. Tag it with #EdmondOn66 and share what you discover.
27 E Edwards St, Edmond, OK | 405.340.4481
About
The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond began in 1985 as a conversation among four mothers concerned that their children were not receiving enough access to the arts. Since then, the Institute has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization, offering classes in drawing, painting, music, and more, continuing its mission to make the arts accessible to everyone.
Photo Challenge
Stop by a first Thursday of the month gallery opening from 5–7 p.m. and take a photo while you're there.Meet the artist behind the work! Don't forget to tag your photo #EdmondOn66.
NW corner of 2nd St and S Coltrane Rd, Edmond, OK
About
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park is opening Fall 2026 by event only; public opening May 2027. It is Oklahoma’s first, dedicated, 62-acre sculpture park where art, nature and play intersect. Enjoy more than 60 sculptures, a children’s playground, wooded acreage with nature trails, a stage and event lawn, a dog park, fishing ponds, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a pavilion for community gatherings.
Photo Challenge
Stop by the “Valley of the Horse” sculpture at the entrance of the park. Snap a photo and tag it with #EdmondOn66.
1034 S Bryant Ave, Edmond, OK
About
Hafer Park is one of Edmond’s most beloved green spaces. Set on 120 acres, you can enjoy playgrounds, a kid's fishing pond, pavilions, trails, a nature preserve, and watch baseball and softball games at the sports complex.
The park was named after E.C. Hafer, a longtime Edmond Public Schools athletic director, who devoted his life to supporting local youth.
Photo Challenge
Capture a moment of stillness, play, or your favorite view in the park. Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66 and share how you experience Hafer Park.
About
Built in 1900 by Isaac Rodkey, owner of the Rodkey Flour Mill, the historic Rodkey House is a beautifully preserved example of Territorial-era architecture. Today, it serves as a teaching space for the Edmond History Museum and a community event space. 410 S Littler Ave, Edmond, OK | 405.340.0078
Photo Challenge
Strike your best pose on the porch with a friend, a pet or someone who is exploring Route 66 with you. Remember to tag your photo with #EdmondOn66.
1129 S Broadway Ave, Edmond, OK
About
The Blue Hippo of Edmond has a curious and mysterious past. Though not originally a Route 66 landmark, he's become one of Edmond’s most beloved and recognizable figures, affectionately nicknamed “Happy.” These days, you’ll find him posted proudly along Broadway, but his early days were far more adventurous. Back in the 1990s, when Happy first appeared in Edmond, rival high school students would regularly move him around town, from rooftops to the back of pickup trucks. He became a local legend, always popping up where you least expected. While his days of mischief are behind him, the Blue Hippo now lives along Route 66, happily rooted in place and part of local folklore.
Photo Challenge
Cozy up next to Happy and take a picture! Tag your photo with #EdmondOn66 and share your love for Happy the Blue Hippo.
26 W First St, Edmond, OK
About
Edmond's Festival Market Place is a hub for local businesses and community events. After the City of Edmond's Parks and Recreation Department took over operations of the Edmond Farmer's Market, the Festival Market Place venue was constructed to give the market a permanent home in Historic Downtown Edmond. With its central location, the venue is a community gathering place for the Farmer's Market, festivals, and events.
Upcoming Events
Edmond Outdoor Farmer's Market
Recurring Every Saturday April - October 8 AM - 1 PM
Photo Challenge
Enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning by taking a stroll through Festival Market Place and discovering Edmond’s Farmer's Market! Snap a photo of your favorite booth or market find. Don't forget to tag your picture with #EdmondOn66!
Thanks for traveling with us,
This passport doesn’t hold every piece of Edmond’s story, just some places we think are worth slowing down for. Whether you saw something new, learned a bit of history, or just found a moment to look closer, we hope this helped you connect with the space around you in a different way. Remember, there is always more to explore.
Here’s to 100 years of Route 66 and wherever the road takes you next. We hope you had fun on your journey exploring our little piece of The Mother Road. Safe travels!
Please come back and see us!
Visit Edmond info@VisitEdmondOK.com