The New Park at Sapulpa’s Historic Rock Creek Bridge

If you’re looking for something new to do on Route 66 leading up to the centennial, check out the new park at Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa! If you look up Google reviews for the bridge, it’s at 4.2 — but the new park would definitely put it at a 5 for most people, I imagine! People rated it down in previous years because it used to be a fairly rickety-feeling auto bridge; and then it was closed altogether for a couple years. However, thanks to the new park, the bridge is preserved, open to pedestrians, and Route 66 travelers can pull off to enjoy some nice amenities and photo ops as well.

We visited the other day, and although the park is small, I was impressed with how many nice features there were! There is a small climbing area for kids — which I’m sure would be appreciated if you’re traveling down the Mother Road for a length of time. And if you’re journeying with dogs, they’ve thought of you, too. There’s a green space and doggie bags readily available.

In addition to these features, you’ll see a covered seating area, informative signage, and an interactive installation, “Signpost Park.” Here, visitors are invited to attach license plates or other weather-resistant memorabilia to one of several wooden posts.

And of course, there’s the bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the creek below. It was built in the 1920s so is over 100 years old! On the east side of the bridge, there’s an old, rusted truck, which adds a nice touch.

Getting to Rock Creek Bridge

Google Maps had a bit of trouble finding it when we went. The easiest thing to do might be — if you’re coming from Tulsa — to set your destination as the Tee Pee Drivein. If you’re heading west down Route 66 (Dewey Ave.), the park is just east of the drivein. (As in, I think we probably could have seen the back of the drivein screen if we’d known to look for it.) It’s very visible from the side of the road, so you can’t miss it!

After visiting the new park, we stopped by the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum. But more on that in a future post.