Arcadia Oklahoma – Round Barns, Neon Bottles, and Chicken Done Right

Arcadia might be small, but it holds a special place on Route 66 — the kind of town that’s got just enough charm to make you hit the brakes and take a look around.

First thing you’ll notice, just off the road, is the Arcadia Round Barn. Built all the way back in 1898, it’s not just a piece of Oklahoma history — it’s a true one-of-a-kind on the Mother Road. What makes it special is right there in the name: it’s round. Perfectly round. Built from local bur oak, it was a real engineering marvel for its time. Folks say the shape was meant to help it stand up against tornadoes — and after more than a century, it’s still proving them right.

The barn was restored in the ‘90s after years of decay, and now it’s a full-blown stop for travelers and history buffs alike. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by wooden beams curved into a dome, a small gift shop, and sometimes even a guide ready to share a story or two. If you’ve got the knees for it, climb the stairs to the loft and look out over the road — you’ll get a view that connects past and present with every creak of the floorboards.

Just down the road is a much newer addition to Arcadia, but one that’s become just as famous: POPS 66. This roadside stop blends retro style with modern flavor. It’s part soda ranch, part diner, and fully unforgettable. Inside, you’ll find rows and rows of soda — over 700 kinds from all over the world. Root beer, cola, bubblegum, bacon — if it fizzes, it’s probably here.

But what makes POPS shine — literally — is the 66-foot-tall neon soda bottle out front. By day, it stands tall against the Oklahoma sky. But at night? It lights up with a glowing color-changing display that’s hard to miss and even harder to forget. It’s a newer Route 66 landmark, but one that’s earned its place with lights, style, and a cold drink waiting inside.

If you’re feelin’ a little hungry before you get back on the road, make a quick stop at The Chicken Shack. Just a short hop from the barn and POPS, it’s a laid-back joint known for its crispy fried chicken, cold beer, and sometimes even live music. It’s the kind of place where locals and travelers alike come to unwind — picnic tables out front, friendly folks inside, and that down-home Oklahoma flavor Route 66 is known for.

So whether you’re in town for the history, the neon lights, or just a bite to eat, Arcadia’s got a little bit of everything. It may be a small town, but it sure knows how to make an impression — the kind that sticks with you long after the taillights fade into the prairie.

Route 66 Attraction in Arcadia, Oklahoma

1. Arcadia Round Barn: This iconic structure is a must-see. Built in 1898, it’s a perfectly round barn that has been beautifully restored. Visitors can explore its history, climb to the upper level, and enjoy the gift shop inside.
2. Pops 66 is a vibrant soda ranch and diner known for its extensive collection of over 700 different soda flavors from around the world. The towering, illuminated soda bottle out front is a recognizable landmark that is 66 feet tall and lights up at night.
3. The Chicken Shack is a fun place to eat and relax in Arcadia.