Relive the early days of railroad transportation by visiting Tulsa’s Route 66 Historical Village Train and Depot. Built in Pennsylvania in 1942, the Frisco Meteor 4500 Steam Engine pulled a passenger train from St. Louis through Tulsa to Oklahoma City and back until 1947. Starting in 1948, the engine was used to pull freight trains until it retired around 1950. Volunteers from the Townwest Sertoma Club restored the engine to exhibit condition after it retired from its daily route. If you run into one of the “railroad men” during your visit, feel free to strike up a conversation to learn about their expertise and future plans for the village.

A replica of an 1883 depot, the Red Fork Depot is a newly constructed museum and event center built next to the restored steam engine. Walk the depot’s platform to see the locomotive up close and hear the hiss of the steam power. The original Red Fork Depot began operating in Indian Territory in 1883. Less than a mile away from the site of the replica, the depot became a hub for cattle drivers crossing the Arkansas River to Kansas and for oil workers after deposits were discovered in the area. Train enthusiasts, history buffs and families will find glimpses of history and unique displays at the Route 66 Historical Village.