Route 66’s ONLY Round Barn

The 66 marker across the street from the Round Barn of Arcadia reads “whether motorists called Route 66 The Ozark Trail, The Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America or The Mother Road, all remember Arcadia’s round barn. The well-known landmark was built in 1898 by W. H. Odor.” Iconic due to its round shape, the landmark was constructed using native bur oak boards. The boards were soaked in water until they were pliable, allowing them to be bent to form the circular structure.

The barn not only served its agricultural purpose, but it became a meeting place for the town and served as the location for various social gatherings. At the turn of the 20th century Arcadia had a mostly Black and Native American population. Odor and his wife, who were white, constructed a second floor to the barn which served as a dance hall. Dances were put on which brought the community together and mingled the otherwise segregated populations. One interesting reason as to why this barn is round, is that it was believed there was paranormal activity occurring at this site. The builders felt that by making the barn round, ghosts wouldn’t be able to hide in any corner of the structure. By the 1920s a rail line and the commissioning of Route 66 led to an increase of travel through Arcadia, and solidified the Round Barn of Arcadia as a tourist destination.

The barn, well over a hundred years old, has had its fair share of struggles over time. In the late 1980s the roof of the barn collapsed. Odor’s children, who had inherited the barn, went to the city to strike a deal. They agreed to turn the barn over to the city if the city would restore the construction, and open it as a museum. An agreement was made, and a group of volunteers banded together and restored the barn to its original glory by the early 1990s. The landmark is famous along Route 66 and amongst architectural enthusiasts. It is considered the only truly round barn along the Mother Road – as opposed to other structures which are actually hexagonal or octagonal.

The Round Barn is not only a popular tourist destination, but can also be reserved for special events. The barn opens at 10:00 AM, everyday, and there is no cost to enter. Have you visited this location? We’re curious to hear if you’ve had any paranormal experiences while visiting this iconic location.