Attractions

Miami is an unique Oklahoma town where you can find many fun-filled activities. Miami has several area attractions for your enjoyment. Whether you are visiting for a day or weekend, your schedule will be easy to fill.

The Coleman Theatre

This Theatre has been catching the eye of visitors on Route 66 since 1929. Built as a vaudeville theatre and movie palace, it hosted appearances by many early stars including Will Rogers, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. It has been restored to its original style including the return of the "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ. Today, the theatre hosts ballets, theatre performances, receptions, conferences and silent movies. Free tours are offered for visitors. Donations for tours are accepted. The Theatre is located at 103 North Main Street. Please call (918) 540-2425 for more information. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-Noon.

Coleman Theatre Conference Center & Ballroom

The new Conference Center/Ballroom Facility at the Coleman Theatre Complex is now open and ready to book for events. Located in the Historic Coleman Theatre "Beautiful" built by George Coleman and opened on April 18, 1929, the facility consists of the originally intended ballroom area plus a new entrance with elevators and restrooms. As was customary in that era of construction, the ballroom area and shops were part of the plan for the elegant "big city" Vaudeville/Movie Palace. Shortly after the opening of the theatre in 1929 and before the completion of the ballroom, the local Masonic Lodge was lost in a fire. George Coleman, a Mason, permitted the organization to move into the space planned for a ballroom in August of the same year. The Masons and their auxiliaries met there until 1961, long after the death of Mr. Coleman in 1945. The space remained empty until now, except for one period of time when Charles Banks Wilson, famous Regional Artist, used the space to paint the large murals which now line the great dome of the Oklahoma State Capitol Building. Four "giclees" of those murals were donated by Mr. Wilson and the Gilcrease Art Museum in Tulsa for display in the gathering area of the Ballroom to commemorate the creation of these works of art in this facility. When the restoration of the Coleman Theatre began more than 22 years ago the completion of the ballroom area was just a dream. Now, like the restoration of the beautiful and historic theatre, that dream is a reality. Already, many events--from wedding receptions, meetings, dinners, anniversary celebrations, school proms and more--have been held and bookings are now being taken. For the most elegant and historic setting in the four state area for your event, visit the new Conference Center/Ballroom at the Coleman Theatre. Call 918.540.2425 to book your next event.

The Gordon House

Currently owned and restored by the Miami Tribe, the house was built in 1917 by Tribal Member Emma Gordon McBee and husband Hiram at a cost of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars. The three story structure was home to the McBee's and their seven children.

The Gordon's acquired their wealth from mining royalties of the Emma Gordon mine founded on allotted land north of Commerce, Oklahoma adn with their growing family they had the means and the need to build a large home. The structure with a ballroom on the top floor was one of the finest in Miami for that day and time. The main and second floors were living quarters and the ballroom, it is said, was where many social organizations were entertained.

During the construction, many of the materials were imported ie., crystal chandeliers from Austria. They hired a decorator who, upon completion of the mansion, accompanied them to Kansas City to choose proper furnishings which included a baby grand piano.

After the death of Mr. McBee, the home was sold to the government who made apartments to house members of the armed forces during and after WWII.

The Gordon House is owned and operated by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. It is located at 317 A Street N.W. For more information or for reservations for special events, please call 918.542.1445.

The Dobson Museum

Located just 1 block off of historic Route 66, the Dobson Museum hosts more than 5,000 historical items of the areas finest Indian artifacts, china, glassware, an extensive jug collection, area mining display, early day and foreign woodworking tools, displays of furniture and toys used by first settlers and much more. The museum is also home to a native teepee and is on display. The museum is located at 110 A. Street SW. For more information or to schedule group tours, please call (918) 540-1404. Regular business hours are Sunday, Wednesday, Friday 1pm-4pm. Special arrangements can be made for group tours by calling in advance.

G.A.R. Cemetery

During World War II, fifteen British flyers with the Air Force died while training at the Spartan School in Miami preparing for duty. They are interred in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Cemetery. These soldiers are honored annually for their service to our country. Also important to note about G.A.R. Cemetery is the ornamental fence that surrounds the property and a polished granite mausoleum featuring a sculpted Hands of Prayer mural. The cemetery is located at 2801 N. Main Street. For more information, please call (918) 541-2288.

Miami Marathon Oil Company Service Station

Thought to be the oldest standing Marathon Oil Station, this landmark was built in 1929. It is significant due to its association with Route 66 and its "House with Canopy" architectural style. The station has recently undergone an exterior renovation and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in February of 1995. It currently operates as a beauty salon. Plans are in place to install replica gas pumps and new historic signage is scheduled to be added in 2010. The station is located at 331 South Main Street. For more information, please call (918) 541-1615.

Lavern's Wedding Chapel

In business since 1954, this chapel is a landmark in Northeastern Oklahoma. Located conveniently next to the Ottawa Country Courthouse, getting married has never been easier! Lavern's does not require prior reservations and operate on a first come/first serve basis. Requirements: must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license or birth certificate, must obtain a Marriage License from the Ottawa County Courthouse. The chapel is located at 15 B. Street SE. For more information, please call (918) 542-4806. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum

This large motorcycle museum features more than 25 vintage motorcycles including a 1919 Australian GCS motorcycle, the only one left in existence! It is also home to a large Steve McQueen collections including his personal racing trophies. The museum recently opened a new Evil Knievel collection. The museum is located at 128 South Main Street. For more information, please call (918) 542-6170. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-8pm. Tours are free and donations are accepted.

City of Miami Municipal Pool

The largest municipal swimming pool in the state of Oklahoma has six wading pools, a 45 foot speed slide, a 35 foot circular slide and water games for the entire family. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through August and is located at 14 B. Street SE. For more information, please call (918) 541-2315 or (918) 542.6185. Hours are 1pm-7pm.

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger

In business for more than three decades, this famous international hot-spot is the last of its kind and has become an icon located right on historic Route 66. The restaurant is full of Route 66 memorabilia and is famous for its hamburgers and unique giant Ku-Ku clock. The Ku-Ku is located at 915 North Main Street. For more information, please call (918) 542-1696.

The Miami Original Nine-Foot Section of Route 66 Roadbed ("Ribbon Road")

This three mile section is one of two sections of the original nine-foot wide road that remains intact. "Ribbon Road" continues to maintain a high degree of integrity because of the width of the road, the original setting, the original material which remains visible through gravel and eroded overlays of asphalt and conveys the feeling of its past environment. It is listed as an Oklahoma National Historic Landmark. The road is located south of Miami at the junction of E. 140th Road & S. 550 Road. Historic markers and directional signage is scheduled to be added in late 2009.

Mickey Mantle's Boyhood Home

Mickey grew up and lived at this home in Commerce for many years. The house was home to Mickey, his parents (Mutt & Lovel), his sister (Barbara) and his three brothers (Roy, Ray & Larry). The home can be viewed from the outside and you can walk in the yard and near the barn where Mickey once threw baseballs with his family. Groups may tour the grounds of the home at anytime. You can view the inside of the home by looking through the windows and see the way the home was set-up years ago. The house is located at 319 South Quincy Street in Commerce, Oklahoma.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

Formerly known as the Miami School of Mines, this institution's creation was indicative of the importance of mining in Northeastern Oklahoma in the early 1900's. The school changed its name to Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College in 1924 and became Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in 1943. NEO A&M offers associate degrees in arts, science and applied science, as well as one and two year certificate programs. The college campus is located at 200 I. Street NE. For more information, please call (918) 542-8441.

"The Spooklight"

This unexplained phenomenon has been attracting visitors since 1866 and has created such a mystery that even the Army Corps of Engineers officially concluded that it was a "mysterious light of unknown origin." People come from far and near for their chance at this experience. The road is located near the Devil's Promenade Area which is located in Ottawa County. It is also referred to as Spooklight Road. It is near Quapaw, Oklahoma.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake O' The Cherokees was created in 1940. It is one of the premiere lakes in the Midwest and the crown jewel of a chain of lakes in the northeastern Oklahoma region.
Its 46,500 surface acres of water are ideal for boating, skiing, fishing, swimming and sailing. With 1,300 miles of shoreline meandering through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, everything from bustling lakeside communities to quiet secluded coves and lakeside resorts can be found along its shore. Grand Lake is located south of Miami.