Join us as we explore a short but important connector route in central Oklahoma—Oklahoma Highway 312, stretching just under 9 miles from Glencoe to the northern outskirts of Stillwater. Though compact in distance, this stretch of highway serves as a modern, limited-access link between U.S. Route 412 and U.S. Route 177, offering a quick, tolled bypass for travelers heading to or from Stillwater.
Our drive begins near the small town of Glencoe, at the interchange where OK-312 splits off from the much busier U.S. Route 412. This area is mostly rural farmland, with gently rolling fields typical of north-central Oklahoma. Almost immediately after joining the highway, we encounter the automated toll plaza—one of Oklahoma’s many PikePass and PlatePay collection points. As of April 2025, the toll for this stretch is
From there, Oklahoma 312 heads southwest through quiet countryside. There’s not much in the way of urban development along this route—it’s mostly farmland and pockets of tree-lined pastures—but the scenery is open and calming, with the occasional glimpse of a farmhouse or equipment silo in the distance. For those who appreciate wide skies and straight, uncluttered pavement, this drive delivers a classic slice of rural Oklahoma tranquility.
Just a few miles in, we approach the only exit on the highway: Perkins Road, which provides access to northern Stillwater as well as Oklahoma State University. This exit is particularly handy for travelers looking to bypass downtown Stillwater traffic and head straight to campus or neighborhoods on the city’s north side. It also serves local drivers who want a fast route toward U.S. 412 or eastward destinations like Pawnee and Tulsa.
After the Perkins Road interchange, the highway continues southwest without any further exits or significant turns. This is a fully controlled-access route, so it’s a smooth, uninterrupted ride all the way to its western terminus at U.S. Route 177. This final junction sits just north of Stillwater proper, placing travelers in a prime position to head south into town, continue north toward Ponca City, or even detour toward Lake McMurtry for some outdoor recreation.
While OK-312 might not have the notoriety of Oklahoma’s major interstates, it plays a key role in regional connectivity. It allows smoother east-west movement between two major highways without forcing drivers into local traffic, making it an efficient option whether you’re commuting, visiting OSU, or passing through on a longer trip.
Things to See Along the Way
Although the highway itself is straightforward, there are a few things worth noting nearby. Lake McMurtry, just west of US-177, offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities if you’re looking to stretch your legs after the drive. In Stillwater, you’ll find the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the bustling Downtown Stillwater district, and Boone Pickens Stadium—home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Meanwhile, Glencoe is a quiet farming town, but its peaceful setting and friendly local vibe make it a nice place to start or end a road trip.
For anyone passing through Payne County or planning a visit to Stillwater, OK-312 provides a quick and convenient path. It may be short, but it gets the job done—and like many turnpikes in the state, it reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to modern highway infrastructure.
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