This Oklahoma Town Exists Almost Entirely Because of One Landmark

Arcadia sits along historic Route 66 in central Oklahoma, a town that would barely register on most maps if not for one towering attraction. The giant soda bottle rising 66 feet into the sky marks Pops, a roadside landmark that has transformed this quiet community into a destination for travelers from around the world.

What started as a bold architectural statement has become the beating heart of Arcadia, drawing thousands of visitors who might otherwise pass through without a second glance. The story of this town and its most famous resident reveals how a single landmark can reshape an entire community, breathing new life into a stretch of the Mother Road that had nearly faded into memory.

Today, Arcadia thrives because of Pops, proving that sometimes all it takes is one spectacular idea to put a small Oklahoma town on the map and keep it there for generations to come.

The Iconic 66-Foot Soda Bottle That Changed Everything

Rising from the Oklahoma prairie like a neon beacon, the giant soda bottle at Pops has become more than just roadside art. Standing exactly 66 feet tall to honor Route 66, this LED-lit sculpture cycles through thousands of color combinations every night, visible for miles across the flat landscape.

When it was erected in 2007, locals wondered if the ambitious structure would attract visitors or simply become another quirky roadside oddity.

The answer came quickly as travelers began pulling off the highway in droves. Photographers arrive at all hours to capture the bottle’s glow against Oklahoma sunsets and starry skies.

The structure weighs several tons and contains custom LED technology that creates mesmerizing light shows after dark, transforming the parking lot into an impromptu gathering space where strangers compare photos and share travel stories.

Before Pops opened, Arcadia was struggling like many small towns along this stretch of Oklahoma highway. Main Street businesses had closed, and younger generations were moving away.

The bottle changed that trajectory almost overnight, giving the community a renewed sense of identity and purpose.

Local residents initially skeptical of the flashy landmark now recognize it as their economic lifeline. The bottle appears on countless social media posts, travel blogs, and Route 66 guidebooks, ensuring a steady stream of visitors year-round.

What makes this landmark particularly special is how it honors both the past and future, celebrating Route 66 heritage while embracing modern design and technology in a way that feels authentic rather than gimmicky.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

A Soda Selection That Defies Imagination

Walk through the doors at Pops and you’ll face a wall of fizzy possibilities that stretches nearly the entire length of the building. Over 700 varieties of soda from around the globe line the shelves in a rainbow display that stops first-time visitors in their tracks.

Glass bottles in every color imaginable create a visual spectacle that’s part art installation, part beverage store.

The collection includes obscure regional brands, international imports, and flavors you never knew existed. Bacon soda sits next to bubble gum pop, while more adventurous souls can try pickle or peanut butter flavored carbonated drinks.

Classic favorites like Cheerwine from the Carolinas and regional root beers share space with Japanese Ramune and Mexican Jarritos.

Staff members have become unofficial soda sommeliers, offering recommendations based on taste preferences and encouraging customers to step outside their comfort zones. Many visitors adopt a strategy of buying a six-pack sampler to share during their road trip, turning the purchase into an adventure that extends beyond Arcadia.

The pricing reflects the specialty nature of the collection, with individual bottles typically running around three dollars. While some travelers balk at the cost, most recognize they’re paying for variety unavailable anywhere else in Oklahoma.

The selection constantly rotates as new brands emerge and seasonal flavors arrive, giving repeat visitors reason to return.

Children press their noses against the glass cooler doors, overwhelmed by choices, while adults experience genuine nostalgia discovering sodas from their childhood. This curated collection has become central to the Pops experience, transforming a simple beverage purchase into a memorable part of the journey.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Retro Diner Serving Classic American Comfort Food

Connected to the soda shop, the Pops diner channels mid-century American roadside culture with chrome accents, vinyl booths, and a menu focused on satisfying travelers who’ve been on the road for hours. The space manages to feel both spacious and intimate, with counter seating offering views of the kitchen and larger booths accommodating families spreading out after long drives.

Burgers dominate the menu, from classic cheeseburgers to creative variations like the Mac and Cheese Burger that layers creamy pasta directly onto the patty. The kitchen takes these comfort foods seriously, using quality ingredients and cooking each order fresh rather than relying on heat lamps and pre-made components.

Chicken fried steak arrives golden and crispy, draped in peppery gravy that locals swear rivals grandma’s recipe.

Portion sizes lean generous without becoming wasteful, and the kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions including gluten-free buns that actually taste good. Hand-cut fries come hot and crispy, though some diners note the salt can be heavy-handed.

The real stars might be the malts and floats, which pair the diner’s ice cream with any soda from the massive collection next door.

Service moves efficiently even during peak lunch and dinner rushes when the place fills with tour buses and motorcycle clubs. Servers navigate the tight spaces with practiced ease, keeping drinks refilled and checking on tables without hovering.

The atmosphere stays upbeat and energetic, with conversations bouncing between booths as travelers compare notes on their Route 66 adventures.

Prices fall into the moderate range for a tourist destination, and the quality justifies the cost for most visitors. The diner has become a destination in itself rather than just a convenience attached to the soda shop.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Route 66 Memorabilia and Nostalgic Souvenirs

Beyond the sodas and burgers, Pops functions as a treasure trove of Route 66 collectibles and Oklahoma-themed merchandise. T-shirts featuring the iconic bottle design hang alongside vintage-style highway signs, postcards, and magnets that help travelers document their journey along the Mother Road.

The selection strikes a balance between kitsch and quality, offering items that feel authentic rather than mass-produced tourist traps.

Local artisans contribute handmade goods that reflect Oklahoma character, from pottery featuring prairie motifs to artwork depicting the state’s dramatic skies. Arbuckle Fried Pies, made in Oklahoma, occupy prime shelf space and frequently sell out by afternoon.

These hand pies come in flavors ranging from traditional apple to more adventurous options, wrapped individually for easy road snacking.

Vintage candy lines another section of the store, featuring brands that disappeared from most retailers decades ago. Wax bottles filled with sweet liquid, candy cigarettes, and other nostalgic treats transport older visitors back to childhood while introducing younger generations to confections their grandparents remember.

The candy selection complements the retro soda theme perfectly, creating a cohesive experience throughout the store.

Stickers have become surprisingly popular purchases, with many travelers collecting them to decorate water bottles, laptops, or camper vans. The Pops logo appears on everything from keychains to coffee mugs, and the designs generally avoid feeling cheap or tacky.

Prices vary widely, from affordable postcards to premium leather goods and jewelry.

The merchandise area never feels pushy or overwhelming despite the variety. Displays are thoughtfully arranged with clear sightlines, and staff members offer assistance without hovering.

For many visitors, leaving with a small memento helps preserve the memory of their stop in Arcadia.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Modern Architecture Meets Roadside Tradition

The building housing Pops represents a bold architectural statement that honors Route 66 heritage while embracing contemporary design principles. Sweeping curves and extensive glass walls create a structure that feels open and inviting rather than cramped like typical gas station convenience stores.

Natural light floods the interior during daytime hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating an airy atmosphere that encourages browsing.

Architect Elliott Nelson designed the space to accommodate multiple functions seamlessly. The gas station, convenience store, restaurant, and gift shop flow together without feeling disjointed or confusing.

Careful attention to traffic patterns keeps the various customer groups from colliding, with separate entrance areas for diners and shoppers who just want to grab sodas and hit the road.

The curved metal roof echoes the swooping lines of classic car designs from Route 66’s golden era, while the extensive use of glass and steel anchors the building firmly in the 21st century. This fusion of old and new captures the essence of what makes Route 66 endure as a cultural touchstone.

The structure has won architectural recognition and appears in design publications, unusual acclaim for a roadside gas station in rural Oklahoma.

At night, the building’s exterior lighting coordinates with the giant bottle’s LED display, creating a cohesive visual experience that’s become Arcadia’s signature. The parking lot can accommodate tour buses, motorcycles, and everything in between, with thoughtful landscaping that includes native Oklahoma grasses and plants requiring minimal water.

The building’s design proves that roadside architecture doesn’t have to choose between nostalgia and innovation. By respecting the past while looking toward the future, Pops created a landmark that feels timeless rather than trendy.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

A Gathering Place for Route 66 Travelers

Step into Pops on any given afternoon and you’ll witness an impromptu convention of road trippers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and international tourists united by their love of the Mother Road. The space functions as a natural meeting point where strangers become temporary travel companions, swapping stories about quirky motels, hidden attractions, and the best stretches of remaining original pavement.

Motorcycle clubs from across the country include Pops as a mandatory stop on their Route 66 runs, with gleaming bikes lining the parking lot during peak season. The outdoor seating areas and grassy spaces provide room for groups to gather without feeling crowded, and the casual atmosphere encourages lingering rather than rushing.

Tour buses arrive throughout the day, disgorging passengers who spread out to explore, photograph, and refresh before continuing their journeys.

International visitors, particularly from Germany and Japan where Route 66 holds almost mythical status, make pilgrimages specifically to visit landmarks like Pops. Staff members have become accustomed to language barriers and communicate through gestures, pointing, and patience.

The universal appeal of cold soda and good burgers transcends cultural differences, creating moments of connection between people who might never cross paths otherwise.

The energy level fluctuates throughout the day, from quiet morning coffee stops to bustling lunch rushes to evening gatherings as the giant bottle begins its nightly light show. Families with restless children appreciate the open spaces where kids can run off energy before getting back in the car.

Solo travelers find it easy to strike up conversations at the counter or while browsing the soda selection.

This community aspect, however temporary, gives Pops significance beyond its commercial success. The landmark has become a modern version of the town square, a place where diverse people intersect briefly but meaningfully.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

How One Business Revitalized an Entire Town

Before Pops opened in 2007, Arcadia was fading into obscurity like countless other small Oklahoma towns bypassed by interstate highways. Population had dwindled, storefronts stood empty, and the community’s connection to Route 66 felt more like a nostalgic memory than a viable economic foundation.

Local residents watched younger generations leave for opportunities elsewhere, wondering if their town had a future.

The transformation began when Aubrey McClendon, an Oklahoma City businessman, decided to create something extraordinary rather than simply building another gas station. His vision for Pops was ambitious and risky, investing millions into a location that skeptics thought would never generate sufficient return.

The giant bottle alone cost hundreds of thousands to design and construct, money that could have funded a dozen conventional convenience stores.

Within months of opening, the gamble paid off spectacularly. Traffic through Arcadia increased dramatically as word spread about the unique destination.

Other businesses began to stabilize and new ones opened, capitalizing on the steady flow of visitors Pops generated. Property values rose, and suddenly Arcadia had something many small towns desperately lack: a reason for people to stop rather than simply pass through.

The economic impact extends beyond direct spending at Pops itself. Visitors often explore the surrounding area, discovering other Route 66 remnants and supporting additional local businesses.

The town’s tax base improved, allowing for infrastructure upgrades and community investments that had been impossible during the lean years.

Arcadia’s story illustrates how thoughtful development can breathe new life into struggling communities. Rather than abandoning its Route 66 heritage, the town embraced it through a landmark that honors the past while creating something genuinely new and exciting.

The success has inspired other towns along the Mother Road to invest in their own unique attractions.

Photography Paradise for Social Media and Road Trip Documentation

In the age of Instagram and travel blogs, Pops has achieved something many attractions struggle to accomplish: genuine photogenic appeal that translates beautifully across all platforms. The giant bottle provides an instantly recognizable backdrop that signals Route 66 adventure to anyone scrolling through their feed.

Photographers arrive at golden hour specifically to capture the bottle against Oklahoma’s dramatic skies, and the results have helped make Pops one of the most photographed locations along the entire Mother Road.

The structure’s LED lighting creates different moods depending on the color combination, giving photographers endless creative options. Some visitors return multiple times to capture different lighting conditions, from bright afternoon sun to moody twilight to full darkness when the colors really pop.

The surrounding landscape, flat and uncluttered, keeps the focus on the bottle itself without distracting elements.

Inside, the soda wall creates another irresistible photo opportunity. The rainbow of bottles arranged by color creates visual impact that works equally well for professional cameras and smartphone snapshots.

Visitors spend considerable time arranging shots, often selecting specific bottles to hold or positioning themselves to maximize the colorful background.

The parking lot regularly hosts impromptu photo sessions with classic cars, motorcycles, and vintage campers positioned strategically near the bottle. Car enthusiasts coordinate meets at Pops, knowing the location provides the perfect setting for showing off their restored vehicles.

These gatherings generate additional content that spreads across automotive and travel communities online.

What makes Pops particularly effective as a photography destination is its lack of restrictions. Unlike some landmarks that limit photography or charge fees, Pops welcomes cameras and encourages visitors to share their images.

This approach has generated millions of dollars in free marketing as photos circulate globally, each one potentially inspiring another traveler to add Arcadia to their Route 66 itinerary.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Seasonal Transformations and Year-Round Appeal

While many roadside attractions experience dramatic seasonal fluctuations, Pops maintains steady traffic throughout the year by adapting to Oklahoma’s changing seasons. Summer brings the heaviest crowds as families embark on road trips and motorcycle clubs organize their Route 66 runs.

The air conditioning provides welcome relief from Oklahoma heat, and the cold soda selection becomes particularly appealing when temperatures soar into the triple digits.

Autumn transforms the landscape surrounding Pops as native grasses turn golden and the intense summer heat gives way to comfortable temperatures. This season attracts photographers chasing the contrast between the colorful bottle and the prairie’s muted earth tones.

Fall also brings harvest festivals and events throughout Oklahoma, with Pops serving as a convenient stop for travelers exploring the state’s rural character.

Winter might seem like an unlikely time to visit a roadside attraction, but Pops actually gains a special quality during colder months. The giant bottle’s lights reflect off snow when winter storms sweep across the plains, creating scenes that feel almost surreal.

Holiday travelers stopping for hot food and warm drinks appreciate the diner’s comfort, and the reduced crowds allow for a more relaxed experience.

Spring brings wildflowers to the Oklahoma prairie and mild temperatures that make outdoor seating particularly pleasant. Storm chasers following tornado season often use Pops as a base or meeting point, adding another subculture to the diverse mix of visitors.

The dramatic skies that accompany spring weather systems provide spectacular backdrops for the giant bottle.

The business adjusts its offerings subtly with the seasons, featuring cold treats during summer and heartier comfort foods during winter. Special soda flavors rotate through the inventory, giving repeat visitors reason to return.

This adaptability ensures that Pops remains relevant and appealing regardless of when travelers happen to pass through Arcadia.

Address: 660 OK-66, Arcadia, Oklahoma