Visit Arcadia, Oklahoma

If you’re planning a visit to Arcadia, Oklahoma, you’re in for a treat. Though small in size, Arcadia packs a surprising amount of charm, history, and Route 66 nostalgia into its narrow stretch of land. Whether you’re cruising the Mother Road, exploring quirky roadside stops, or enjoying the natural surroundings nearby, there’s more here than meets the eye.

Why Arcadia?

Arcadia is a tiny town (population under 200 as of 2020) in Oklahoma County, just northeast of Oklahoma City. It sits along historic U.S. Route 66, Arcadia has become a beloved pitstop for road-trippers seeking Americana, nostalgia, and Instagram-worthy oddities. The town’s identity is intertwined with the heritage of the “Mother Road” and its attractions lean into that.

While Arcadia may not be a full-day destination on its own, it’s well worth lingering at least a few hours (or staying overnight) to soak in its character and use the town as a base for exploring the greater region. Below is what to see, eat, and experience from the must-visits to the hidden gems and nearby outdoor escapes.

Top Attractions in Arcadia

1. Arcadia Round Barn

Why visit it
The Arcadia Round Barn is arguably the most iconic landmark in town. Built in 1898 by William Harrison “Big Bill” Odor, this barn is unique for being truly round rather than polygonal — a rare design in American barns. route66roadtrip.com+3Wikipedia+3Arcadia Round Barn+3 After decades of decline and even a roof collapse, the barn was restored and now serves as a small museum, gift shop, and events venue. Travel Oklahoma+3Arcadia Round Barn+3Wikipedia+3

What to see inside and around

• The lower floor houses exhibits of farm implements, historic artifacts, and Route 66 memorabilia. Arcadia Round Barn+2theroute-66.com+2

• A loft overlooks the main room and is sometimes used for small events, music nights, or dances. Arcadia Round Barn

• Outdoors, you can wander among primitive farm equipment displays and imagine the barn in its original agricultural context. Arcadia Round Barn+1

• Across the street, a historical Route 66 marker commemorates the barn’s role as a familiar sight for road-trippers. Travel Oklahoma+3theroute-66.com+3route66roadtrip.com+3

Visiting tips

• Admission is free (donations or gift shop purchases appreciated) Arcadia Round Barn+1

• The barn is accessible from Route 66, six miles east of Interstate 35. route66roadtrip.com+3Arcadia Round Barn+3theroute-66.com+3

• Check ahead for events; sometimes there are concerts, dances, or vintage car shows held on the premises. Arcadia Round Barn

• Because of its age and structure, parts of the barn may be less accessible to mobility-impaired visitors—plan accordingly.

If you only stop at one place in Arcadia, the Round Barn is the one.

2. POPS 66 — The Giant Soda Bottle

What is POPS?
POPS (often just called “Pops”) is a modern roadside marvel: a combination gas station, café, and gift shop, fronted by a towering 66-foot soda pop bottle lit with color-changing LED lights at night. Travel Oklahoma+3Wikipedia+3theroute-66.com+3

Inside, the walls are lined with hundreds of soda bottles in dozens of flavors and brands — more than 400 varieties. route66roadtrip.com+3Wikipedia+3theroute-66.com+3 The café serves American comfort food (burgers, shakes, etc.), and the store offers candy, snacks, souvenirs, and, of course, sodas. route66roadtrip.com+3Wikipedia+3Southern Living+3

Why it’s worth stopping

• The giant bottle makes for a dramatic photo, especially at dusk when the LED lights begin their show. Wikipedia+4ROAD TRIP USA+4theroute-66.com+4

• Even if you're not thirsty, browsing the soda selection is fun — from classics to strange / novelty flavors.

• It’s a modern nod to the roadside culture of mid-20th-century America, updated for today’s visitors.

• In 2024, readers voted POPS the best stop on Route 66 in Oklahoma. Southern Living

Visiting tips

• It tends to be busy on weekends, so parking may require a little patience.

• The bottle is especially photogenic at night — consider staying past sunset for the lighting effects.

• Grab a coffee or a shake and stroll through the store to soak in the kitsch.

• POPS also has offshoot shops (e.g. one in Oklahoma City airport) but the Arcadia location is the original. Wikipedia+1

3. OK County 66 (John’s Place) — Route 66 Memorabilia & Quirky Displays

What you’ll find
OK County 66 — run by John Hargrove — is a private, eclectic collection of Route 66 memorabilia, vintage signage, restored items, and recreations of famous roadside oddities. Tripadvisor+5Route 66 Road Map+5route66roadtrip.com+5

Expect:

• Classic signage, vintage gas pumps, automobile parts, and quirky displays.

• Replicas or tributes to well-known Route 66 attractions (for example, miniatures or homage versions of the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, the Giant Muffler Man, and more). theroute-66.com+2Route 66 Road Map+2

• Personal stories from John (if he's present) — many visitors say the storytelling is part of the charm. Tripadvisor+2Travel Oklahoma+2

• The location is a bit tucked away — use the address (13441 E Old Highway 66, Arcadia) and keep your eyes peeled from the road. Route 66 Road Map+2theroute-66.com+2

Visiting tips

• There’s generally no admission fee; donations are welcomed. Tripadvisor+2theroute-66.com+2

• Because it’s privately maintained, hours can be irregular — try calling ahead or visiting with flexible timing.

• Bring your camera: this is a treasure trove of oddball photo ops.

• Combine it with your Round Barn and POPS stops for a cohesive Route 66-themed tour.

4. Historic Route 66 Segment & Other Roadside Relics

Arcadia includes a preserved segment of original 1928–29 Route 66 paving (the “historic route”) that’s considered part of the National Register of Historic Places. theroute-66.com+2route66roadtrip.com+2 When driving through town, you can see where the old and new alignments diverge, including differences in pavement types, curves, and alignment changes. theroute-66.com+1

Some things to note:

• The Tuton Drugstore (or Tuton Pharmacy) is a sandstone building on the NW corner of Main and E 1st Street, built in 1917 and surviving a 1924 fire. It now houses an art gallery. theroute-66.com+1

• You may spot the base of an old gas station foundation near the old alignment, and interpretive markers explaining the road history. theroute-66.com+1

• The “Beatles marker” notes a quirky anecdote: Paul McCartney stopped through here in 2008 and asked for directions. theroute-66.com

Take a slow drive through Arcadia’s stretch of Route 66, pausing at marker plaques and observing the juxtaposition of old vs. new alignments.

Things to Do Near Arcadia (Within Driving Distance)

While Arcadia’s attractions form the core of the visit, you can easily spend extra time exploring nearby sites and enjoying nature.

1. Arcadia Lake (Edmond area)

Just northeast of OKC (in Edmond, but close enough to make a side trip), Arcadia Lake offers a broad range of outdoor recreation. Wikipedia+1 Its 1,820-acre surface and 26 miles of shoreline support:

• Fishing, boating, and canoeing or kayaking

• Waterskiing and jet skiing in designated zones

• Swimming at beach areas

• Hike / bike / equestrian trails

• Disc golf

• Picnicking, camping (both full-hookup RV and primitive sites)

• A heated, handicapped-accessible fishing dock Wikipedia

This is a perfect way to get outside, especially on a warm Oklahoma day or to stretch your legs between visits to roadside stops.

2. Lazy E Arena & Local Rodeo / Events

Just 10 miles north of Arcadia sits Lazy E Arena, a venue for equestrian events, rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, and other community gatherings. Town of Arcadia If your stay overlaps with an event there, it’s a fun slice of Oklahoma culture.

3. Frontier City (Oklahoma City)

About 12 miles south (on I-35) is Frontier City, an amusement park offering rides, roller coasters, shows, and family-friendly attractions. It’s a good option if you’re traveling with kids or want a full-day diversion. Town of Arcadia

4. Historic Downtown Guthrie

Approximately 25 miles north lies Guthrie, known for its well-preserved Victorian-era downtown, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and theater venues. Town of Arcadia It’s a lovely detour, especially for those interested in architecture, small-town heritage, or strolling historic districts.

5. Museums & Attractions in Oklahoma City

Arcadia’s proximity to OKC gives you access to a wealth of experiential options:

• Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden — large zoo with diverse exhibits and botanical displays. Wikipedia

• National Western Heritage Museum & Cowboy Hall of Fame — celebrating Western heritage, cowboy culture, and regional history. Town of Arcadia

• Other museums, arts districts, food scenes, and cultural centers are accessible within 20–30 minutes of Arcadia.

Sample Itineraries

Half-Day (a few hours)

• Start at the Arcadia Round Barn, explore the exhibits and barn loft.

• Drive south/west along the old Route 66 alignment, stopping at historic markers and the Tuton Drugstore.

• Visit OK County 66 / John's Place, spending time browsing the memorabilia and chatting with the owner (if present).

• Head to POPS, grab a shake or soda, and take photos of the giant bottle.

• If time allows, swing by Arcadia Lake for a short lakeside walk or stream glance.

Full-Day Road Trip

• Begin your day at the Round Barn, then head to OK County 66.

• Follow the old Route 66 path through Arcadia, stopping at markers.

• Lunch at POPS, then drive to Arcadia Lake for paddling, hiking, or relaxing by the shore.

• In mid-afternoon, head to Guthrie for a stroll through its historic streets, galleries, and shops.

• Return through OKC, perhaps stopping at the zoo or Western Heritage Museum.

Overnight / Weekend Stay

• Stay in a hotel or bed & breakfast in the OKC area or near Arcadia (there are limited local lodging options in Arcadia itself).

• Enjoy evening events at the Round Barn (if scheduled), or drive by POPS at night for its light display.

• Use Arcadia as a base for exploring OKC’s attractions or venturing further along Route 66 (east or west).

Tips & Advice for Visitors

1. Check hours & call ahead — Some attractions (especially private ones like OK County 66) may not follow strict schedules.

2. Wear comfortable shoes — The Round Barn floor, old sidewalks, and some unpaved surfaces may be uneven.

3. Bring a map of old vs new Route 66 alignments — It helps when driving through the town so you don’t miss original segments or markers.

4. Best during daylight & dusk — Crawl through the attractions in daylight and time your visit to POPS around dusk for best lighting photos.

5. Expect limited amenities in town — Arcadia is small; for full dining, lodging, or services, be prepared to go to OKC or Edmond.

6. Respect the community — Many attractions are volunteer-run or privately maintained; donations, courteous behavior, and following rules go a long way.

7. Seasonal weather matters — Oklahoma summers can get hot; spring/fall or cooler days are ideal for exploring.

8. Combine with larger attractions — Use Arcadia as a piece of a broader Oklahoma City / Route 66 trip rather than the sole destination (unless you’re deeply into road-trip lore).

Why Arcadia Leaves a Lasting Impression

What makes Arcadia special is scale + dedication to theme. It’s not a sprawling tourist center, but it’s a place where you can feel the heartbeat of Route 66 — in oddball signage, restored barns, soda shops, and local pride. Many visitors say the conversations, stories, and serendipitous discoveries make the stop more memorable than some larger paid attractions. Atlas Obscura+4Tripadvisor+4theroute-66.com+4

The mix of historic (the Round Barn, old road segments) and modern / whimsical (POPS, neon lights, soda bottle tower) gives the town a layered feel. You can see the evolution of Americana — from practical farming to mid-century road culture to today’s nostalgic revival.

If you’re a photographer, a road-trip enthusiast, or someone who relishes small towns with character, Arcadia is a treasure. And even casual visitors often leave with more than they expected.

Making Arcadia Your Home

Imagine making Arcadia your home, settling into one of our beautiful newly built homes where every detail is designed for comfort, style, and modern living. From open-concept kitchens perfect for family gatherings to cozy living spaces that make every evening feel special, our new builds offer the perfect backdrop for your next chapter. Picture waking up in a community rich with history, friendly neighbors, and convenient access to local treasures like the Arcadia Round Barn, POPS 66, and scenic outdoor spots like Arcadia Lake. Moving to Arcadia isn’t just about buying a house, it’s about planting roots in a town where you and your family can truly belong.