Miami, Oklahoma (population ~13,000) is located on historic Route 66 and just of I-44 in northeastern Oklahoma. The town boasts several attractions to enjoy when traveling through this charming part of the Mother Road.  Perhaps more importantly, Miami is also famous for being the hometown of my wife, Kasie.  In this video and blog, we outline some things all travelers should to know about Miami – including some of the FAMOUS THINGS to do in Miami and FAMOUS PEOPLE from Miami.

How do you say Miami Oklahoma?

First, and foremost, Miami is pronounced MI-AM-AH.  Not Mi-am-ee.  

The locals are 100% in agreement on how to say Miami.  In contrast, neighboring Missouri can be pronounced as both Missour-ah and Missour-ee.

What is a Wardog?

Miami, Oklahoma is home to the Miami Wardogs.  Fun fact:  the Miami high school has the only wardog mascot in the nation!   Many of the games are played at nearby by Northeast Oklahoma A&M College or “NEO” for short.  (Btw, the college acronym is pronounced En-EE-Oh, and not Nee-Oh).

During our last trip to Miami, Kasie was inducted into the Wardog Athletic Hall of Fame, along with five other girls on the 1989-1990 girls golf team.   Their golf coach, Harley Turner or “HT”, was also inducted in to the Wardog Athletic Hall of Fame.   The induction plaque reads:

1989 & 1990 Miami Lady Wardogs Golf Teams

The 1989 & 1990 Girls Golf Teams at Miami High School won back-to-back state championships in 1989 and 1990. Both state championships took place at Lake Hefner Golf Club in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The team placed in every tournament they played in during these two years and won the 1989 & 1990 regional championships on their way to both state titles. This same group were also state runner-up in 1987, and finished third in 1988.

The teams were both comprised of the same six ladies: Shawna (Fitzgibbon) Geiger, Jennifer (Gatewood) Davis, Jan (Haney) Dominguez, Lori Lillard, Paige Parrott, and Kasie Sly.  Paige Parrott and Kasie Sly were both all-state golfers. Paige Parrott won the individual state championship in 1990. This was before female golfers were separated by class, so she was the best female golfer in the state of Oklahoma that year.

The teams were led by head coach Harley Turner, who was also inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame on October 6, 2023, the same day as the girls' golf teams

Look at that! My wife, Kasie, is truly FAMOUS!

What Famous People are from Miami Oklahoma?

Well, aside from the 1989-90 Wardog girls golf team, there are other famous athletes from Miami, Oklahoma. 

• One of the major roads in Miami is named for Steve Owens, the 1969 Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Bowler who played for the Detroit Lions.

• Tinker Owens, Steve’s little brother, also played in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints.  Tinker’s also has a street named after him, but it’s not as prominent as Steve’s street.

• Mickey Mantle (a/k/a the Commerce Comet) grew up just north of Miami in Commerce, Oklahoma. More on that below…

Other famous people once called Miami Oklahoma home.   Those folks include:

• Charles Banks Wilson was world renounced artist. Several of Wilson’s portraits and murals are on display in the Oklahoma state capital building. 

• Steve Gaines (guitarist) and Cassie Gaines (vocalist) were a brother-sister duo who were part of the Lynard Skynyrd Band.  They tragically died in a plane crash in 1979.

• Moscelyne Larkin became a famous ballerina in the 20th Century and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1978. 

• David Osborne was known as the "Pianist to the Presidents" for having entertained several spanning U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama. 

What Famous Things Are There to See In Miami?

#1: Coleman Theatre

Located on Route 66, the Coleman Theatre is an architectural gem in the heart of Miami and a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. Built in 1929, this beautifully restored theater, which includes gorgeous Wurlitzer pipe organ, is a testament to the golden age of cinema and vaudeville. Even if you're not attending a show, you can take a guided tour to appreciate the stunning Spanish Revival architecture and learn about the theater's rich history and its reconstruction.  The story of the Coleman is really a story about the Miami community coming together to save this iconic landmark.

#2: Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger

No visit to Miami would be complete without a stop at Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger on Route 66. This iconic diner is a beloved local institution that has been serving up delicious, old-fashioned burgers and shakes for decades.  The interior is currently closed but there are a few picnic tables outside to enjoy the drive-through meal. 

#3: Miami's Murals

One of the most striking aspects of Miami is its vibrant and diverse collection of murals that adorn the town's buildings. These murals tell the story of Miami's history, culture, and spirit. These works of art located mostly along Route 66, and they provide fascinating insights into the community's past and present.

#4: Newell Coach

For those interested in luxury motorhomes or just have $1M+ to spend, stop by the Newell Coach factory in Miami.  These custom-built motorhomes are some of the most opulent and technologically advanced on the market. We took a private tour a few years ago, and it was so much fun to dream!

#5: Donut Palace

Located on E. Steve Owens Boulevard, the Donut Palace is home to the BEST DONUTS ever! Seriously, I hate to say “best ever” about anything, but these donuts are truly the best ones I’ve ever eaten. Make sure and get a blueberry donut or an apple fritter with your order.

Another great thing about the Donut Palace is ordering. The owner, who has a thick Asian accent, always remembers us, even if we haven’t been to Miami in over a year. She will always try to make us buy more donuts as well, which is part of the fun of going there. “You like more donut? You big girl. You need more donut?” Sure, we’ll take another dozen.

How much do I love these donuts? I have dozens of donut photos on my phone. And yes, I did just post a photo of my food in this blog.

#6: The Stables Casino

Miami (and Oklahoma in general) is home to lots of casinos. I don’t enjoy gambling, but I like cheap beer and good food.   While there’s no craft beer at The Stables Casino (unless you count Blue Moon, which I don’t), there are several cheap domestic drafts on tap to help wash down a really tastey and generous helping of nachos. They aren’t the best ever, but they may be the best bang for the buck at just $9.95.

Did I take ANOTHER picture of my food? Yep, I did. #ClassCBroad #ClassyBroad

#7: Mickey Mantle's Childhood Home

Disclaimer: Okay, this stop is admittedly not in Miami.

Keep driving a little north on Route 66 and then take a left on Avenue C in nearby Commerce, Oklahoma to see the childhood home of the legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle.   Visitors cannot go inside the home, but you can picture Mickey’s dad throwing a few pitches to Mickey between the house and the tin barn that served as Mickey’s backstop.

I got chills just walking through the yard.

Is Miami Oklahoma worth visiting?

The short answer is “yes.” On your next road trip through Oklahoma, be sure an plan to stop in Miami Oklahoma.  It’s a small town with several famous attractions for out-of-town guests to enjoy. If Kasie is in town, she’ll also give you her autograph.