Clinton, OK — The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, a historic site of the Oklahoma Historical Society, recorded the highest single-day revenue in its more than 30-year history this week, a milestone driven by record visitation and gift shop sales as travelers from around the world celebrate the Route 66 Centennial.
The record-setting day on Tuesday, June 30, generated more than seven times the museum’s typical daily revenue, reflecting sustained growth in visitation and increased engagement from travelers exploring Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road.
The milestone reflects a larger trend for the museum. Through the first six months of 2026, attendance has increased by 300% compared with the same period last year, putting the museum on pace for its strongest year ever.
“This milestone is about much more than one exceptional day,” said Cory Cart, APR, director of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. “We are seeing unprecedented interest from travelers around the world who want to experience the history, culture and communities that make Route 66 so special. The Centennial has created incredible momentum, but our team has worked intentionally to ensure every visitor leaves with an experience worth sharing.”
Interest in the museum has extended well beyond visitor traffic. During the past several months, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum has welcomed travel writers, journalists and content creators representing 13 states, resulting in interviews with national and international media outlets, including The Washington Post, CBS Chicago, the BBC and numerous other publications and broadcast organizations.
To meet growing demand, the museum has made significant investments in the visitor experience. The museum recently expanded its staff, launched a volunteer docent program to enhance visitor experiences and significantly expanded its gift shop. The reimagined retail space is now approximately twice its previous size and features hundreds of new Route 66-themed gifts and souvenirs.
“Our investments have been focused on creating an experience that encourages visitors to stay longer, learn more and take a piece of Route 66 home with them,” Cart said. “Whether someone is traveling from elsewhere in Oklahoma or from another country, we want every visitor to discover why Clinton is an essential stop on America’s Main Street.”
“Under Cory’s leadership, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum keeps its ‘must-see’ status on the route,” said Chantry Banks, director of the Museums and Historic Sites Division at the Oklahoma Historical Society. “This single-day record is a remarkable achievement, and I’m so proud of the entire team in Clinton.”
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum tells the story of America’s Main Street through immersive exhibits, historic artifacts and interactive experiences that explore the people, places and culture that shaped the nation’s most famous highway. As Route 66 enters its Centennial celebration, the museum continues to serve as one of Oklahoma’s premier destinations for heritage tourism and Route 66 enthusiasts.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is located at 2229 W. Gary Blvd. in Clinton.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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