The Route 66 Ribbon Road - history you can drive on in Miami, Oklahoma
Route 66 Ribbon Road: Discover Oklahoma’s Nine-Foot Highway
There are plenty of memorable stops along Route 66, but few are as unusual as the Ribbon Road near Miami, Oklahoma. This narrow stretch of historic pavement is a reminder of the days when America's highways were still being built and every mile of pavement was a big deal.
For RV travelers exploring the Mother Road, Ribbon Road offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of automobile travel. It is a little piece of history that proves sometimes the smallest roads have the biggest stories.
A nine foot center paved section is flanked by wide gravel sides for passing on this iconic section of Route 66
What Is Route 66 Ribbon Road?
Ribbon Road, also known as the Nine-Foot Highway or Sidewalk Highway, is an unusual section of historic Route 66 located just south of Miami, Oklahoma.
Built in the early 1920s, the road was originally part of the Miami-Afton highway. It was completed in 1922, several years before Route 66 was officially established in 1926.
What makes it so special? The original pavement was only nine feet wide.
That is barely enough room for two modern vehicles to squeeze past one another, but in the early days of automobile travel, this narrow strip of pavement was considered a major improvement over dirt roads.
The center section of this roadway is, indeed, paved and then there are large gravel shoulders on either side. The objective is to enjoy the smooth (not as much nowadays) center section but then pull to the side along with whomever is heading toward you doing the same thing. This allows two vehicles to cross paths but does slow down travel.
Today this section is mostly a historic novelty but imagine the days when Route 66 was a major thoroughfare and you had cars and trucks on their way to somewhere - that would be quite a bit of traffic on a one-lane country road.
Ribbon Road became part of U.S. Route 66 when the highway was established in 1926. It remained part of the Mother Road until 1937, when a newer, wider alignment replaced it.
Why Was the Road Only Nine Feet Wide?
The story behind Ribbon Road is often connected to Oklahoma's limited highway construction budget.
According to local legend, officials faced a choice: build a shorter section of highway with two lanes or pave a longer stretch with only one narrow lane. They chose to stretch the pavement farther, creating a road that was just nine feet wide.
Although the budget explanation is part of the road's folklore, the exact reason for its unusual width remains uncertain.
Whatever the reason, the result was a unique stretch of highway that became one of the most recognizable pieces of early Route 66 history.
Driving the Original Route 66 Ribbon Road
Imagine traveling across Oklahoma in the 1920s, when automobiles were becoming increasingly popular but paved highways were still relatively uncommon.
Instead of a wide, modern highway, you would find a narrow strip of pavement running through the countryside. Drivers traveled along the middle of the road, using the gravel shoulders when they encountered oncoming traffic.
The narrow pavement was a practical solution for its time, but it would certainly feel unusual to anyone accustomed to today's highways.
Today, surviving sections of the original road offer a rare opportunity to experience the early days of America's highway system.
A Historic Road Worth Preserving
Ribbon Road is more than just a quirky attraction for Route 66 travelers. It is an important part of Oklahoma's transportation history.
The original roadbed illustrates how early highway engineers worked with the materials, technology and resources available at the time. Its narrow design also tells the story of how rapidly American highways evolved as automobile travel became more common.
The road has been recognized for its historic significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Like many historic roads, Ribbon Road has faced challenges from age, weather and modern traffic. Preservation efforts have focused on maintaining its historic character while keeping the road usable for local residents and visitors.
For travelers who appreciate the history of Route 66, the road is a reminder that preserving the Mother Road means protecting more than old signs and vintage buildings. Sometimes, the pavement itself is the attraction.
Visiting Ribbon Road on an Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trip
Ribbon Road is located near Miami, Oklahoma, making it an interesting detour for anyone traveling Route 66 through northeastern Oklahoma.
Miami is already a worthwhile stop on a Route 66 road trip, with its historic downtown, vintage attractions and classic roadside character.
While visiting the area, consider exploring some of these nearby attractions:
Coleman Theatre: A beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Miami.
Waylan’s KuKu Burger: the last remaining example of a chain of restaurants that once had over 200 branches.
Historic Route 66 in Miami: Explore the city's connection to the Mother Road and its distinctive downtown.
The smart thing to do is to travel the Ribbon Road with just a passenger vehicle and not an RV, but I never claimed to be smart. We were still caravanning with Kate (and Bailey!) and each had our travel trailers hooked to our trucks, so those got to experience the Ribbon Road as well.
Of course we came across a few other vehicles heading the opposite direction so you get to drive halfway off the paved center section and each lets one another pass. This does work okay for a slow, country road but wouldn’t be good at all for a major thoroughfare and this section of unusual road was destined to become a portion of Route 66.
Ribbon Road is best experienced slowly and with an appreciation for its age.
Always check local road conditions and access restrictions before visiting, as the condition and availability of historic road sections can change.
Is Ribbon Road Worth a Stop?
Absolutely!
Ribbon Road may not have the bright neon signs or giant roadside attractions found elsewhere along Route 66, but it offers something just as interesting: a chance to see how the Mother Road began.
For history lovers, road-trip enthusiasts and RV travelers, this unusual stretch of pavement is a reminder of the ingenuity and determination that helped connect communities across America.
The next time your Route 66 adventure takes you through Miami, Oklahoma, take a little time to discover Ribbon Road. It is a small piece of pavement with a big story, and one that deserves a place on your Oklahoma Route 66 itinerary.
