Coleman Theatre
Miami, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Coleman Theatre, built in 1929, is one of Route 66's true treasures. Financed by mining entrepreneur George L. Coleman Sr., the lavish theater was constructed at a cost of approximately $600,000 and was promoted as one of the finest entertainment venues between Dallas and Kansas City.

The theater's Spanish Colonial Revival exterior gives little hint of the ornate Louis XV-inspired interior waiting inside. During the golden age of Route 66, generations of travelers and local residents filled its 1,600 seats for vaudeville performances, concerts, and the latest motion pictures. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s, helping ensure its long-term preservation. 08-17

UPDATE: Thanks to decades of restoration by dedicated volunteers and community supporters, the Coleman Theatre once again serves as the cultural centerpiece of downtown Miami. The beautifully restored landmark hosts concerts, theatrical productions, classic films, and special events throughout the year, while its historic Wurlitzer organ and remarkable architecture continue to make it one of the highlights of Oklahoma's Route 66. 06-26

Stovall Theatre
Sayre, OK
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Stovall Theatre along the main route through Sayre had been closed for many years when this photo was taken. Check out the bucking bronco in the close-up of the blade sign at the far right. It's one of the more distinctive theater signs you'll find along Route 66.

Built by local theater owner George Stovall, the 800-seat movie house opened in 1950 and quickly became Beckham County's premier place to catch the latest films. The vertical marquee and western-themed bronco reflected the ranching heritage of western Oklahoma while giving the theater a memorable identity all its own.

Although the movies eventually stopped, the building remained one of downtown Sayre's most recognizable landmarks. Fortunately, local preservation efforts helped ensure that both the theater and its iconic sign would have another chance. 09-08

UPDATE: After years of vacancy, the Stovall Theatre was restored through the efforts of the Sayre Main Street Program and community volunteers. Today the building serves as a performing arts and community venue, while its restored marquee and bucking bronco once again brighten historic Route 66. 06-26

Tivoli Theatre
Ardmore, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The Tivoli Theatre is located along the main drag in Ardmore. When this photo was taken, the theater had found a new life hosting live performances after years as one of the city's favorite movie houses.

The building's history stretches back to the late 1800s, but it officially became a theater in 1915 and adopted the Tivoli name in 1935. After a devastating fire destroyed much of the interior in 1958, the theater was rebuilt and continued showing movies until closing as a cinema in 1983.

Thanks to local preservation efforts, the Tivoli avoided demolition and once again became a gathering place for the community, hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other live events in downtown Ardmore. 10-05

UPDATE: The Tivoli Theatre remains standing and continues to be one of Ardmore's best-known historic landmarks. After changing ownership in 2022, the building was placed on the market in 2026, leaving its next chapter yet to be written. Hopefully this longtime Main Street theater will continue serving the community for years to come. 06-26

Redland Theatre (Closed)
Clinton, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Clinton is home to the Redland Theatre. Word is this theater is now closed and a beauty supply type of business is inside.

Originally opened as the Rialto Theatre in 1922, the building entertained generations of western Oklahoma moviegoers before receiving a modern makeover in 1950 and adopting the Redland name. Located on Frisco Avenue, an early alignment of Route 66 through Clinton, the theater became a familiar landmark for both local residents and travelers passing through town.

Although movies have long since disappeared from the marquee, the building has remained an important part of downtown Clinton, adapting to changing times while preserving its distinctive mid-century appearance. 10-05

UPDATE: The Redland Theatre has entered yet another chapter in its long history. After serving for a time as a beauty supply business, the building was renovated and reopened as the Redland Event Venue, offering event space and overnight accommodations. The property was listed for sale in 2025, leaving the future of this Route 66 landmark waiting for its next owner. 06-26

Englert Theatre
Iowa City, IA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Check out the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. The Englert originally opened on September 26, 1912, and quickly became one of the city's premier entertainment venues, hosting vaudeville acts, concerts, and motion pictures.

Like many historic theaters, the Englert faced an uncertain future. It closed in 1999 with plans to convert the building into a nightclub, but strong community support helped save the landmark. After an extensive restoration, the theater reopened in 2004 as a live performance venue, giving the century-old building a new lease on life.

Today, the beautifully restored marquee continues to light up downtown Iowa City, reminding visitors that some of the best theater stories don't end when the movies stop—they simply find a new audience. More information can be found at the Englert Theatre website. 10-08

UPDATE: The Englert Theatre remains one of Iowa City's premier performing arts venues, hosting concerts, theater productions, films, comedy, and community events throughout the year. More than a century after opening its doors, the historic theater continues to serve as one of downtown's most recognizable landmarks. 06-26

State Theatre
Larned, KS
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

Here is the marquee at the State Theatre in Larned. According to the theater's Facebook page, the theater is owned by the community and operated entirely by volunteers.

Originally opening in the late 1940s, the State Theatre served as the only movie theater in Pawnee County for generations. Like many small-town theaters, it eventually faced financial and structural challenges, forcing it to close for a time before local residents stepped in to save it.

Thanks to an extensive community-led restoration, the State once again became a gathering place for downtown Larned. The restored marquee remains a familiar sight, reminding visitors that some of America's best small-town theaters survive because local people simply refuse to let them disappear. More information can be found at Cinema Treasures. 11-10

UPDATE: The State Theatre continues to operate as a volunteer-run community theater, showing first-run movies and hosting special events throughout the year. More than 75 years after opening, it remains one of the best examples of a hometown theater kept alive through local dedication and community pride. 06-26