Cruising west from the heart of downtown Tulsa, our journey along U.S. Route 412 to Stillwater spans just over 55 miles across the varied terrain of northeastern Oklahoma. This route follows a mix of free and tolled highways, blending urban travel with sweeping rural vistas. Whether you’re a daily commuter, college-bound traveler, or road trip enthusiast, this corridor offers a little bit of everything—from city interchanges to scenic dam crossings and small-town glimpses.
We begin at the bustling interchange with Interstate 244 in Tulsa. Almost immediately, we pass the junction with the Gilcrease Expressway, a key north–south route around the west side of the city. As we climb out of the urban landscape, the highway opens up through Sand Springs. Here, the surroundings start to shift: dense development gives way to wooded ridges and the Arkansas River Valley. We pass Oklahoma Highway 97, a common access point for travelers heading south to Sapulpa or north toward Skiatook Lake. This stretch also marks the beginning of some of the best rolling terrain in the Tulsa metro area.
Heading further west, we approach Keystone Dam, where OK-151 intersects just south of Mannford. This is a great place to take a detour into Keystone State Park, which offers lake access, camping, and excellent fishing opportunities. As we pass the dam and the Arkansas River, the road briefly shifts northeast before entering Shady Grove. Not far ahead, U.S. Route 64 peels away to the north while U.S. 412 continues westward as the Cimarron Turnpike—a modern, limited-access toll road connecting Tulsa and I-35.
Now officially on the Cimarron Turnpike, the landscape stretches into classic Oklahoma prairie. This portion of the route is lightly trafficked and quick-moving, with few exits and expansive views of farmland and gently rolling hills. We pass near the small town of Hallett, known for its nearby raceway, and continue west across Pawnee and Noble counties. Along the way, travelers might notice the remote beauty of the area—especially during sunrise or sunset when the skies light up over the plains.
Our journey concludes just outside Glencoe at the interchange with Oklahoma Highway 312, which provides a direct connection to Stillwater. From here, it’s just a short drive southwest into town. Stillwater is home to Oklahoma State University and a vibrant downtown filled with dining, shopping, and college-town energy. Whether you’re heading to a game at Boone Pickens Stadium or just passing through, this stretch of U.S. 412 makes for a fast and scenic connection between two of Oklahoma’s most notable cities.
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