Woody Guthrie Itinerary
This Woody Guthrie road trip reveals hot spots relating to the Dust Bowl icon including his childhood home and the historic theater where he once performed. Pay homage to the late American folk artist by traveling to murals painted in his honor and spend time in an interactive museum that houses his guitars along with original drawings and handwritten lyrics. Woody’s hometown of Okemah features many stops dedicated to icon, including his former high school and a memorial marker placed in his memory.
Okemah
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Okemah, OK
Stop 1: Okemah High School
Woody Guthrie attended Okemah High School from 1926 until 1929. While attending this high school, Guthrie was the “joke editor” of the school annual and even sang in the choir.
Start from: 704 E Date St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Woody Guthrie Blvd, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 2: Woody Guthrie Boulevard
During the 1998 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, Woody’s hometown of Okemah renamed Old Division Street in honor of the famous folk singer and musician. Woody Guthrie Boulevard runs north and south from I-40 to Columbia Street.
Start from: Woody Guthrie Blvd, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: N 1st St & Birch St, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 3: Boyhood Homesite, London House
The London House is where Woody Guthrie spent his childhood years growing up in Okemah. Make a stop at where this two-story, six-room house once stood to see a unique tree carved as a memorial to Woody’s legacy.
Start from: N 1st St & Birch St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Broadway St & 4th St, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 4: Woody Guthrie Statue & Murals
The Woody Guthrie statue in Okemah was created by Creek Indian sculptor Dan Brook in honor of the first Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. This beautiful bronze statue features the famous folk singer with his guitar along with the phrase, “This machine kills fascists.” The surrounding park also includes two colorful murals on nearby buildings, as well as a plaque designating the area as a literary landmark.
Start from: Broadway St & 4th St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 401 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 5: The Crystal Theater
Built in 1921, the historic Crystal Theater was a popular attraction during Woody Guthrie’s childhood. Originally a vaudeville stage, the Crystal Theater hosted Guthrie’s early performances and serves as a venue during the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. Throughout the year, this theater shows new films and blockbusters.
Start from: 401 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 407 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 6: Okemah Chamber - Woody Guthrie Tours
Take the Okemah Chamber’s Woody Guthrie tour and visit the places around town that Guthrie frequented during his lifetime.
Start from: 407 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 411 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 7: Okfuskee County History Center
The Okfuskee County History Center proudly displays pieces from Woody Guthrie’s life including old photographs, original hand-written lyrics, cartoons drawn by Guthrie and much more.
Start from: 411 W Broadway St, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: N of Town on Woody Guthrie Blvd, Okemah, OK
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Okemah, OK
Stop 8: Highland Cemetery
The Guthrie family plot is located in Highland Cemetery with a memorial marker for Woody. To get to the family plot, drive through the main gate of the cemetery and turn right on the unpaved road that is parallel to the main road. Turn left on the next unpaved road lined with trees. The family plot is at the base of the fifth tree on the left side of the road.
Start from: N of Town on Woody Guthrie Blvd, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 102 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK
Tulsa
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Tulsa, OK
Stop 9: Woody Guthrie Center
A unique and interactive museum, the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa gives visitors the chance to learn about Woody’s philosophies, music, politics and much more. Located in the Brady Arts District, the museum includes some of the folk singer’s guitars, original lyrics, drawings, videos, photographs and other memorabilia.
Start from: 102 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , , OK
More To Do in Tulsa
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Woody Guthrie-Related Events
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