Oklahoma City Debuts First Shields on Statewide Route 66 Trail

Oklahoma City is rolling out a new look for the Mother Road. OKC Fox reported that travelers and locals are now seeing custom shields along Route 66 in Oklahoma City, anchoring districts along former alignments of the historic highway.

This isn’t just a new sign. It’s the launch of a statewide selfie trail designed to unify the Route 66 experience across Oklahoma. The project, which features 48 “unifiers” in total, invites people to pull over, snap a photo, and then discover what makes each town unique. The Oklahoma City shields are the first to debut, marking a major milestone for the initiative before Route 66’s 100th anniversary on November 11.

A Tale of Four Districts

The four new shields in Oklahoma City are more than just waypoints; they are designed to be gateways to the city’s distinct neighborhoods. Each shield was a collaborative effort between local districts and the creative agency Hampton Creative, resulting in a design that reflects the character of its area while honoring its Route 66 legacy.

The districts and their locations are:

Asian District: West side of Classen Blvd., near N.W. 24th St.
Britton District: SE corner of Britton and Western Ave.
9th Street District: 39th St. between Youngs and Flynn
Western Ave.: NW corner of N. Western Ave. and the I-44 Service Rd.

Kerry Barrick, the State Director of Route 66, sees the shields as a bridge between the collective identity of the entire Oklahoma Route 66 corridor and the individuality of each community. “Oklahoma City’s unifiers are four stops on a statewide selfie trail of 48 unifiers,” Barrick explained. “By blending a unifying visual theme with locally inspired designs, the project celebrates both the collective identity of Oklahoma’s Route 66 corridor and the individuality of each town along its path.”

From Photo Op to Main Street

The goal, according to city planners, is to turn a quick photo stop into a deeper exploration of local culture and commerce. The hope is that the shields will act as an invitation for visitors and residents alike to look beyond the sign and into the shops, restaurants, and community spaces that define each district.

Instagram

“These shields celebrate the distinct character of our districts and the local businesses and community members who bring Route 66 to life,” said Cayla Lewis, Senior Planner with the City of Oklahoma City. “We hope they inspire visitors and locals to explore beyond the photo stop – visit a shop, enjoy a meal and experience what makes each district special.”

This initiative comes at a critical moment for Route 66, which is poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The timing is no accident.

Worth a look