Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Celebrate the birthplace of Route 66 at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, honoring its visionary founder with stunning sculptures and a historic memorial ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Celebrate the birthplace of Route 66 at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, honoring its visionary founder with stunning sculptures and a historic memorial bridge.
"A must-see for Route 66 and American history enthusiasts, this plaza commemorates a pivotal moment in travel history. "
📸 Capture the 'East Meets West' Sculpture
Get up close to appreciate the intricate details of the 'East Meets West' sculpture and its historical symbolism.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Riverwalk Trail
Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride on the new trail beneath the memorial bridge, offering beautiful river views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East Meets West Sculpture
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
A powerful bronze sculpture depicting Cyrus Avery, his family, and the evolution of travel from horse-drawn wagons to cars.
Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge
Arkansas River
This historic bridge, once a key part of Route 66, is now a memorial to its visionary founder, Cyrus Avery.
Route 66 State Flags
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Honor the eight states that Route 66 traverses with a display of vibrant flags, symbolizing the highway's cross-country journey.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Route 66's Historic Starting Point
Park Maintenance & Accessibility
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Insider Tips
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📸 Capture the 'East Meets West' Sculpture
Get up close to appreciate the intricate details of the 'East Meets West' sculpture and its historical symbolism.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Riverwalk Trail
Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride on the new trail beneath the memorial bridge, offering beautiful river views.
🚗 Park with a View
Park at the top of the hill for panoramic views before descending to the plaza via the crosswalk bridge.
🗺️ Learn Route 66 History
Read about Cyrus Avery and the significance of this plaza as the 'Mother Road's' birthplace.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the 'East Meets West' Sculpture
Get up close to appreciate the intricate details of the 'East Meets West' sculpture and its historical symbolism.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Riverwalk Trail
Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride on the new trail beneath the memorial bridge, offering beautiful river views.
🚗 Park with a View
Park at the top of the hill for panoramic views before descending to the plaza via the crosswalk bridge.
🗺️ Learn Route 66 History
Read about Cyrus Avery and the significance of this plaza as the 'Mother Road's' birthplace.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the plaza and surrounding areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza for its historical significance as the birthplace of Route 66 and its impressive 'East Meets West' sculpture. The memorial bridge and state flags are also highlighted as key attractions. However, some reviewers note that the park could benefit from better maintenance and upkeep to fully realize its potential.
"I could tell Tulsa had spent a lot of time and money on creating this park, but have not maintained it or protected it. This park has great potential to be a beautiful central feature of the 2026 100 Year Celebration of Route 66. Pull it together, Tulsa!! Cyrus Avery deserves better than this."
Steve Fader
"A beautiful 2-piece statue and pedestrian bridge commemorates a Route 66 bridge that used to lead to California. A must-see for Route 66 and American history enthusiasts.
I think the statue is called "East Meets West". You can read about Cyrus Avery and the meaning of the statue.
Go up close to the statue and walk around. There is a lot going on in the car and wagon. Very impressed with the statue."
Francisco Leung
"Nice site to stop at along Rt 66. So much history here. See the huge East meets west sculpture. Think of the symbolism it entails. Man on horse almost wrecks a man and his family in a comfortable car. RT 66 brought the country together."
Jay Biddle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The plaza is located near downtown Tulsa, accessible by car. Parking is available at the top of the hill, with a crosswalk bridge leading to the plaza. For those with mobility issues, curbside drop-off is an option.
While specific bus routes may vary, checking with Tulsa's public transit authority for routes serving the downtown or riverfront areas is recommended.
Yes, the plaza is accessible via the Arkansas River bicycle and walking pathway, offering a scenic route.
Many visitors recommend parking at the top of the hill for an initial overview and then descending to the plaza for closer shots of the sculptures and bridge.
The plaza is well-marked and situated along historic Route 66, making it a recognizable stop for road trippers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
As an outdoor public park, the plaza is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings for any specific event hours.
No advance booking is required as it's a free public space.
Standard park rules apply. Visitors are encouraged to respect the historical significance and keep the area clean.
The bridge itself is a memorial and not for vehicular traffic. Pedestrian access is available via the crosswalk bridge from the parking area.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'East Meets West' sculpture, the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge, and the Route 66 state flags offer iconic photo opportunities. The river views are also stunning. +1
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, provides beautiful lighting for the sculptures and bridge. Midday can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
Yes, the plaza is a popular spot for photoshoots, as seen in various Instagram reels.
Experiment with different perspectives to capture the contrast between the historical wagon and the modern car, as well as the figures within the sculpture.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and plaza. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the sculptures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the 'East Meets West' sculpture, walk across the historic Route 66 Memorial Bridge, and learn about the history of Route 66. There's also a park area for picnics and a walking trail along the river.
While there are no dining facilities directly within the plaza, nearby downtown Tulsa offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Information on restroom availability can be limited; it's advisable to check local park facilities or plan accordingly.
Yes, there is a park area within the plaza that can be used for picnics.
It commemorates Cyrus Avery, the 'Father of Route 66,' and marks the historic starting point of the iconic highway.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might be more for adults, the visual elements of the plaza, like the large sculptures and flags, are captivating for all ages. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the park area, making it a relaxed family outing. Remember to check for any potential maintenance issues beforehand and plan for accessibility if needed.
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
Don't miss the display of Route 66 state flags, each representing a segment of this iconic journey.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light, especially during golden hour. The riverfront trail also offers scenic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors while capturing your content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Cyrus Avery and Route 66
The plaza also honors the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge, a significant part of the original highway that once spanned the Arkansas River. This bridge, now closed to traffic, serves as a tangible link to the past, reminding visitors of the highway's early days. The presence of flags representing the eight states Route 66 passes through further emphasizes the highway's vast reach and its role in connecting communities across the nation.
With the Route 66 centennial celebration approaching in 2026, the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is poised to become an even more significant destination. Tulsa is actively embracing its role in Route 66 history, and this plaza stands as a testament to that commitment. It's a place where history buffs, road trippers, and families can connect with the enduring spirit of the 'Mother Road.'
Exploring the Plaza and Riverfront
For those looking for a more active outing, the plaza is adjacent to a park area suitable for picnics, morning runs, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The area also features various trees and foliage, adding to its natural beauty, and ducks are often seen in the water.
While the main plaza area has stairs for access, the design allows for curbside drop-off for individuals with mobility challenges. This thoughtful consideration ensures that more people can experience the historical significance and natural beauty of the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and its riverfront surroundings.
Photography Opportunities
The Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop, especially when captured with a wide-angle lens to emphasize its scale and historical presence.
The Route 66 state flags add a splash of color and patriotism to any shot. Instagram reels frequently showcase the plaza as a backdrop for creative shoots, highlighting its photogenic qualities for both casual visitors and professional photographers.
+1 The river views and the surrounding parkland also offer opportunities for landscape and lifestyle photography, making it a versatile location for capturing memories. 
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