Gene Autry Itinerary
Uncover a wealth of history about Gene Autry, the famous Western film actor and singing cowboy, in the Oklahoma town that bears his name. Follow this road trip and you’ll find gems like the small town where Autry famously met Will Rogers while working as a railroad telegraph operator. Travel this Autry trail and you’ll also find impressive memorabilia collections, as well as the radio station where Autry first got the name “Oklahoma’s Yodeling Cowboy.”
Chelsea
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Chelsea, OK
Stop 1: Downtown Chelsea
In the mid-1920s, Gene Autry famously met Will Rogers while working as a telegraph operator at the railroad depot in Chelsea. After hearing Gene sing and strum his guitar, Rogers told him he was good enough to play on the radio. This chance meeting inspired Gene Autry to pursue a career in music. While the railroad depot is no longer there, this stop will drive you through the town of Chelsea, crossing over the railroad tracks that gave Autry one of his first jobs.
Start from: Route 66 & W 6th St, Chelsea, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Wright Building, 115 W 3rd St, Tulsa, OK
Tulsa
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Tulsa, OK
Stop 2: KVOO Radio
Oklahoma’s Yodeling Cowboy got his nickname while performing for KVOO when the station operated out of the Wright Building, a neo-classical gem with a brick façade, in Tulsa.
Start from: Wright Building, 115 W 3rd St, Tulsa, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK
More To Do in Tulsa
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Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City, OK
Stop 3: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
One of Oklahoma’s most influential performers, Gene Autry was recognized by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers for his influence on American media.
Start from: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 47 Prairie Street, Gene Autry, OK
More To Do in Oklahoma City
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Gene Autry
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Gene Autry, OK
Stop 4: Gene Autry Museum
Located in the town named after him, the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum features artifacts, collectibles and town history.
Start from: 47 Prairie Street, Gene Autry, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Grand Ave & Easton Ave, Ravia, OK
Ravia
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Ravia, OK
Stop 5: Downtown Ravia
Gene Autry’s family homesteaded in Ravia, Oklahoma, during the singer’s childhood. Before he moved west to California to become a Western icon, Gene Autry worked at the old Frisco Railroad Depot in Ravia as a baggage handler. While the depot is no longer there, drive through Ravia and check out the small town Gene used to call home.
Start from: Grand Ave & Easton Ave, Ravia, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , , OK