Milk Bottle Grocery
This quirky Route 66 landmark features a giant, three-dimensional milk bottle perched atop a tiny, triangular brick building. Originally built in 1930, the structure served as a grocery store, with the iconic bottle added in 1948 to advertise a local dairy. It remains one of the Mother Road's most beloved and photographed roadside oddities.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7 for exterior viewing
- Duration
- 5-15 minutes
- Parking
- Street parking available nearby
- Access
- Easy viewing from the flat paved sidewalk
Read more
Built in 1930, the Milk Bottle Grocery is a historic landmark along Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66. The small, triangular brick building originally served as a neighborhood grocery store.
In 1948, a giant, hand-painted metal milk bottle was added to the roof as an eye-catching advertisement for Townley's Dairy. This whimsical structure quickly became one of the Mother Road's most beloved and photographed roadside icons.
Today, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has housed various local businesses over the decades. While the interior usage changes, the exterior remains a must-stop photo opportunity for travelers tracing the historic highway.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Pull over safely on the side streets rather than trying to park on busy Classen Boulevard.
- ◆ Visit during the day for the best lighting to capture the vibrant colors of the giant milk bottle.
- ◆ Take a moment to explore the surrounding Asian District, which offers fantastic dining options.
- ◆ Combine your visit with other nearby Route 66 landmarks in Oklahoma City, like the Gold Dome.
Heads Up
- ◆ The building is located at a busy intersection, so watch for heavy traffic when taking photos.
- ◆ The interior of the building is often occupied by private businesses, so please respect their privacy and do not disturb operations.
Common questions
Can you go inside the giant milk bottle?
No, the giant milk bottle is a hollow metal sculpture mounted on the roof of the building and cannot be entered. You can only enter the small brick building below it when a commercial business is actively operating inside.
Is the Milk Bottle Grocery still an active grocery store?
No, the building no longer functions as a grocery store and has housed various tenants over the years, including a Vietnamese sandwich shop. It is primarily visited today as a quick roadside photo stop.
Where is the best place to park to take a photo of the building?
You can find street parking on the nearby residential side streets, as the building sits on a busy, narrow triangular junction on Classen Boulevard with no dedicated parking lot. Use caution when taking photos near the active lanes of traffic.
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