Miami, OK Road Trips

The town is named for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (the traditional name Myaamia, plural Myaamiaki, comes from an older native term meaning 'downstream people'). In a typical Oklahoman fashion, "Miami" is pronounced mia-muh by the locals. Miami is the capital of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians, Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, and Shawnee Tribe; there are various native-owned businesses, including casinos, in the area. Visit Miami, Oklahoma website

1 Coleman Theatre, 103 North Main St., ☏ +1 918-540-2425. Live theatre with elegant Louis XV interior, opened by George L. Coleman Sr. on April 18, 1929 and donated to the City of Miami in 1989. Tours available Tu-Sa. Dobson Museum, 110 A S.W., ☏ +1 918-542-5388. W F Su 1-4PM. Ottawa County Historical Society museums cover topics such as Oklahoma artist Charles Banks Wilson, the history of mining in Picher, Texaco marketing memorabilia, native artefacts (including a teepee), military veterans, Mickey Mantle and some of the early sports teams in the area. Miami Garden Club and historical society volunteers maintain the elaborate gardens. Miami Nine-Foot Section (Route 66 Ribbon Road), starts at E. 130th St. and South 550, rejoined US66 three miles later. A stretch of original Route 66 in use from 1921-1937 south of Miami is paved only nine feet wide. This segment predates US 66 itself (1926) as it was earlier part of an existing state highway.

Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run (off Hwy 69A), ☏ +1 918-542-7140. Peoria Ridge Golf Course, 10275 South 600 Rd, ☏ +1 918-542-3805. 18 hole, par 72, slope 127, rating 74.1. The Stables Casino, 530 H St, ☏ +1 918-542-7884, toll-free: +1-877-774-7884. Always open. High Winds Casino, 61475 E. 100 Rd. Gaming, dining and sports bar. (updated Feb 2020)

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger, 915 N Main St, ☏ +1 918-542-1696. Popular Route 66 retro burger joint, the last location of what was a once-popular 200-store Midwest fast food chain in the 1960s. Food is made-to-order (owner Eugene Waylan usually mans the grill personally) and takes a bit longer to prepare than standard fast-food fare. Ask to hold the ice for fountain drinks, as there is a tendency to put too much ice in and a charge (about $0.27) for refills. under $10.

Buffalo Run Hotel, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd, ☏ +1 918-542-7140, fax: +1 918-542-2908. Includes Internet, coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave, breakfast. Business facilities and ten-seat executive boardroom, exercise room, indoor pool. Adjacent to namesake casino and restaurants (Joe's Outback Casino, Coleman House Restaurant, Joe's Grill). $91-111. Days Inn by Wyndham Miami, 2120 East Steve Owens Blvd, ☏ +1 918-542-3382. Such a nice indoor pool area, with hot tub. Little waffle maker in the breakfast room. Microtel Inn & Suites, 2015 East Steve Owens Blvd, ☏ +1 918-540-3333. Indoor pool and hot tub here as well.

By car, Miami may be reached by old US 66, US Route 69 or Interstate 44.

Pelivan Transit, 333 Oak Street, Big Cabin, ☏ +1 918-783-5791, toll-free: +1-855-735-4826, fax: +1 918-783-5786. Rural bus transportation over a wide area from Tulsa northeast to the state boundary.