Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Catoosa Museum Draws Visitors From Route 66 Tourism Program

Governor Kevin Stitt says tourism added nearly 12 billion dollars to our economy in 2022.

He says that amounted to $883 million in tax revenue and supported 100,000 jobs.

Route 66 covers for 400 miles across the state, the most drivable miles of any state.

State tourism officials just launched a new passport program to encourage people to visit different landmarks along the route.

What Kind Of Stops Are Featured On The Oklahoma Route 66 Passport Booklet?

The D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa says they’ve seen people from all over the world who might not have known about the museum without the passport.

The museum is just off Route 66 in Catoosa, where people can check out classic cars, 100-year-old toys, and decorative bottles.

It’s one of the stops on the Route 66 passport, and people come here to get a stamp to show the different places they visit along the mother road.

"This has been a great way of encouraging people to get more involved in the Route 66," said Alex Reiman, an assistant to the curator and a tour guide. "I've had a bunch of families come by wanting to do something over the weekend or certain breaks and encouraged by the passport to just go explore."

Reiman loves showcasing American history while combining it with the history of the Mother Road and Catoosa.

"I can't even tell you how many people who just love Route 66 and have that classic American vibe," said Reiman. "I have seen so many people with the classic cars coming here and showing it off."

He says several people from other countries have stopped in as they are traveling Route 66- and they learned about the museum from the passport.

"One of the major things you do in America is travel Route 66," said Reiman. "That is a major milestone to a lot of our international people."

Reiman says it’s helped other businesses around the museum, too.

He's thankful to have something that encourages people to spend an afternoon here and learn about the past.

"This is the best way to entertain your little kids," said Reiman. "You go to all sorts of museums, restaurants, attractions, cool little hotels, to just learn about the history."

How Can I Get An Oklahoma Route 66 Passport Booklet?

You can pick up a free passport booklet at any of the stops.

Once you get all the stamps and turn your booklet into the tourism department, you will get a prize.

To get a booklet and a complete list of the stops, click here.