Located on I-44 just 60 miles from both Tulsa and Joplin, Vinita is intersected by Highways 60 and 69, State Highway 2 and Route 66. Plan a weekend retreat at Vinita where you can wake up to a lakeside sunrise and explore Mother Road attractions.
Where to Stay:
Water’s Edge RV & Cabin Resort
Head to southeast Vinita on Grand Lake and you’ll find Water’s Edge RV & Cabin Resort. This peaceful resort offers large shade trees, fresh air and clean water. Book a stay at one of their cabins or bring along your RV and park in one of their spacious sites. You’ll have a great time with an on-site swimming dock, club house and boat slips. Two cabins, Casa Del Lago and Casa Antiqua, are located right on the water’s edge.
What to Eat:
Clanton’s Cafe
Loosen your belt a notch and head to the oldest continually family-owned restaurant on Route 66. Clanton's Cafe has served hungry travelers along the Mother Road since 1927. While you can find menu options like chicken and dressing, homestyle pot roast and even calf fries, Clanton’s Cafe is famous for their chicken fried steak, which racked up numerous accolades in Gourmet Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, Oklahoma Living Magazine, Paula Dean Magazine, and Garden & Gun Magazine, as well as the hit TV show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri.
What to Do:
Eastern Trails Museum
Learn about Vinita’s early years at the Eastern Trails Museum where you can explore a recreated post office, general store, printing office and doctor's office. This free museum also has displays on a local Civil War battle, Native American history, Route 66 and more.
Will Rogers Archway
Any visitors to Vinita on I-44 are sure to spot the incredible Will Rogers Archway, aka the Glass House. This magnificent piece of architecture spans the entire turnpike and opened to the public in 1958 as the first over-the-road service plaza. For a time, it was also home to the world's largest McDonald’s. While that title has since been usurped, this unique roadside structure still houses a McDonald’s, as well as a Subway and a convenience store. Stop by to stretch your legs and watch the cars whiz by right beneath your feet.
66 Apparel
Snag some Route 66, Vinita and Oklahoma-themed gear at 66 Apparel. This custom t-shirt shop also offers embroidered items and seasonal merchandise like hats, hoodies and beanies.
Vinita Festivals & Events
As the seat of Craig County, Vinita hosts a wide variety of events every year, from free fairs and car shows to renaissance festivals and more. Be sure to check out the city’s upcoming events to see what’s happening during your visit.
