Miami, pronounced “My-AM-uh”, is a small town located along Route 66 in Northeast Oklahoma. With its small-town charm, unique Route 66 attractions, and Native American culture, it is a great place to spend a day.
Having grown up in Miami, I am proud to say that I am an expert on all things to do in this small town. Growing up here, I have had the opportunity to explore and experience every corner of Miami.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Miami, Oklahoma
There are plenty of things to do in Miami, Oklahoma! Explore the town’s charming main street, learn about Miami’s history, or attend one of several annual events held in town.
1. Snap a Photo of the Miami Route 66 Gateway Sign
The Miami Route 66 Gateway Sign is a popular tourist attraction in Miami, Oklahoma. This iconic sign welcomes visitors to the city and commemorates its status as a stop on the historic Route 66 highway.
2. Tour the Coleman Theater
The historic Coleman Theater was built in the 1920s and features a beautiful Spanish Revival style. The theater is named for its original owner, George Coleman.
Today, the Coleman Theater hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. Visitors to Miami should stop by the Coleman Theater to take a tour of this architectural treasure.
3. Visit the Coleman Celebrity Park
The Coleman Celebrity Park commemorates the significant contributions of some of Miami’s famous residents. The park features plaques of celebrities such as Steve Owens, Charles Banks Wilson, and David Osborne.
There are also benches in the park to sit and relax. The park is located next to the Coleman Theater.
4. Shop at the Boutiques on Main Street
Miami Main Street is the heart of the town. After you tour the Coleman, pop into one of the nearby shops. Locally owned businesses include Ozzie’s Boutique, Wax & Hive Candle Co., and Flint Creek Bath Co..
Support local artists at the Miami Nation Gift Shop. For a cozy place to shop and relax, stop in Chapters to grab a coffee, book, or even a gift.
5. Learn About the History of Miami at the Dobson Museum
The Dobson Museum is a local museum in Miami that tells the story of the city’s history. The museum features exhibits on Native American culture, famous residents, and the city’s mining history.
It is operated by the Ottawa County Historical Society and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
6. Take Advantage of the Photo Ops with Murals
Murals have become a popular attraction in many of Oklahoma’s small towns, but Miami has to be one of the best.
You will find murals all along Miami’s Main Street. Start at the Miami Public Library and walk south two blocks to view most of the murals in town.
7. Eat at the iconic Waylan’s KuKu
If you’re looking for a meal while in Miami, you can’t go wrong with Waylan’s KuKu. This iconic restaurant is known for its burgers and fries. Be sure to save room for one of their unique Flavor Burst ice cream cones.
Snap some photos with the KuKu bird and old cars sitting outside.
8. Watch a Movie at B&B Theater
The B&B Theater is a good place to catch the latest new releases. This theater offers recliner seating and numerous showtime options to choose from. Plus, they serve popcorn and candy to complete the movie-going experience.
9. Bowl a Game at Playland Lanes
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do in Miami, head to Playland Lanes bowling alley. It is open seven days a week and features 16 lanes. Additionally, the alley has a snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks.
10. Splash Pad and Park
If you are visiting Miami in the warmer months with kids, the splash pad is sure to be a hit. There is a pirate ship playground nearby as well as a covered pavilion with tables.
11. Charles Banks Wilson Gallery at NEO A&M College
The Charles Banks Wilson Gallery, located in Kah-Ne Hall at NEO A&M College, features original work by Charles Banks Wilson and provides information on the iconic artist who called Miami home.
The gallery is free and open to the public. While there are no set hours, it is best to adhere to standard business hours of 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday.
12. Visit GAR Cemetery
A newer addition to the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery is the Angel of Hope statue. It is a memorial to all children who have died and their grieving parents. This bronze statue is located in the northern section of the GAR Cemetery.
Did you know that there are British Pilots buried at GAR Cemetery? During World War 2, there weren’t enough locations to train the pilots needed for the war. So, Britain started looking abroad for places to safely train cadets.
That is how Miami, Oklahoma gained a British Flyers Training School. Over 1,400 cadets went through the program. Tragically, there were some training crashes. Those cadets that never made it home are buried here.
For more information on the British cadets and other notable figures buried here, check out this Living History Tour.
13. Attend An Event At The Miami Fairgrounds
The Miami Fairgrounds holds a variety of events throughout the year.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show is a fun family event. Watch the monster trucks crash and ramp their way around the arena. This is typically held once a year during the summer. Make sure to bring earplugs.
The Ottawa County Fair is a Miami tradition that occurs every summer. Watch the livestock shows, walk through the animal barns, and enjoy the carnival rides.
14. Swim at the City of Miami Municipal Pool
The City of Miami Municipal Pool is a great place to cool off during the summer months. It is the largest municipal pool in Oklahoma and features a large swimming area, a wading pool, and water games.
15. Route 66 Ribbon Road / Sidewalk Highway Landmark
If you’re looking for a unique Route 66 roadside attraction to check out while in the area, then be sure to visit the Route 66 Ribbon Road / Sidewalk Highway Landmark. This landmark is located just outside of town. You can drive the only remaining 9-foot section of Route 66.
16. Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park
If fishing is your thing, Twin Bridges State Park is the place for you. They have a fishing center where you can buy all the bait and tackle you need. The park also offers tent camping and RV hookups as well as one-room lake huts for rent.
17. Catch Prehistoric Fish with Spoonbill Wreckers
For a unique fishing experience, be sure to check out Spoonbill Wreckers. This company offers guided tours for catching the prehistoric spoonbill that passes through the area in March and April.
These licensed guides will provide all of the necessary tackle and guarantee that you will catch a fish or you don’t pay! The 4-hour guided fishing trips are available in the morning or afternoon.
18. Peoria Ridge Golf Course
For a challenging golf experience, visit Peoria Ridge Golf Course. This 18-hole course lets you test your skills with its rolling hills, fast greens, and water hazards on several holes. You’ll also encounter sand traps ready to catch your ball.
Things to Do Near Miami, Oklahoma
While there are plenty of things to see and do in Miami, you may be interested in visiting some other towns and attractions in the area.
19. Mickey Mantle’s Boyhood Home Commerce, Oklahoma
Known as the “Commerce Comet”, Mickey Mantle is possibly one of the most well-known baseball players ever. Before his rise in fame, he had humble beginnings in Commerce, Oklahoma. You can walk around the house where he grew up.
The story goes that he and his dad used to play catch in the yard after he got home from working in the nearby mines. They used the old barn that is still standing today as a backstop.
You can also snap a photo with the Micky Mantle statue in front of Commerce High School’s baseball field.
The Mickey Mantle Boyhood Home is located at 319 S Quincy St in Commerce, Oklahoma. The statue is located right off Route 66 at 400 S Mickey Mantle Blvd.
20. Northeast Oklahoma Route 66 Stops
While you are in Commerce, drive over to Main Street to see a few classic Route 66 sights. Allen’s Conoco Fillin’ Station is a great photo op along with Dairy King across the street.
Drive a little further north to Quapaw to grab a bite to eat or a milkshake at Dallas’ Dairyette. If you haven’t already, make sure to pick up an Oklahoma Route 66 Passport book. You can get your book stamped at the many iconic spots along Route 66 in Oklahoma.
21. Visit Grove, Oklahoma
Grove is a nice town to visit near Miami. Popular attractions in Grove include Lendonwood Gardens, Grand Lake, and Harber Village.
22. Visit Vinita, Oklahoma
To learn more about the history of the area, stop at the Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita. This museum features exhibits including vintage photographs, Cherokee pottery, and a general store.
It is small and only takes 20 minutes to go through. If you are driving by, it is worth the quick stop. The museum is free and closed on Sundays.
23. Annabelle’s Fun Farm Welch, Oklahoma
If you visiting in October with kids, a visit to Annabelle’s Fun Farm is a must! This family-owned and operated business has been a fall staple in the area since 2010.
Some of the attractions include games, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a “Train” ride, a pumpkin cannon, and a carousel. The list keeps growing with a new attraction being added every year.
It is one of the best pumpkin patches in the state. It is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
24. Creation Safari Wildlife Park Wyandotte, Oklahoma
With over 200 animals, the family-owned and operated Creation Safari Wildlife Park is a fun family activity near Miami. They have a sloth, petting zoo, African Serval, Fennec Fox, and many other species to see.
Where to Stay in Miami, Oklahoma
The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Buffalo Run Casino and Resort are all great accommodation options in Miami for an overnight stay.
Places to Eat in Miami, Oklahoma
Miami has a small selection of places to eat. El Tenampa is the best option for Mexican cuisine. Woody’s Bar and Grill serves up delicious burgers, fried food, and barbecue.
For a nice restaurant, the casinos are the best. Coal Creek Restaurant at Buffalo Run, Winner’s Circle at The Stables, and The Steakhouse Restaurant at High Winds are all good options.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Miami, OK
From unique local history to iconic Route 66 sights, there’s a bunch of interesting and fun stuff to do in Miami. I hope this list of activities, along with places to eat and stay, helps you plan an amazing trip to Miami, Oklahoma.
Interested in checking out more of Northeast Oklahoma? Check out these posts:
