By Don Lowe
After closing last fall while the state of Oklahoma completed its renovation project, a revamped Miami, Oklahoma, Travel Information Center (TIC) shared this facility’s new look at an open house in late January.
After closing last fall while the state of Oklahoma completed its renovation project, a revamped Miami, Oklahoma, Travel Information Center (TIC) shared this facility’s new look at an open house in late January.
“We had a great turnout with a large group of city and state leadership,” says Shanda Schertz, tourism information center manager. “We also had several tourism partners and several citizens from the area. We were able to show them the newly renovated information center and tell them what services we provide.”
In speaking most specifically about a couple of exciting enhancements at the TIC, Schertz explains, “With the advent of COVID-19, touchless facilities are very important, so that we can provide a cleaner and safer environment for travelers.
“The expanded gift shop allows for us to showcase the many souvenirs we carry. We are able to social distance a little better with the expansion.
“There’s a new, large Oklahoma sign when you enter the parking lot, along with a plaza that has Route 66-themed metal art, which is great for selfies.
“And there’s a new, sleek interior that is very inviting. We also added a great dog park and new picnic area. This is a great place to stop, rest and hang out for a while.”
As for how this redesign project came about, Schertz says, “The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department wanted to add to the Tourism Information Center to help make it more of a destination, as well as make it a place where people can stay for a while.
“Our goal is to welcome you to the area and the entire state and point out destinations travelers want to see.
“We are also here to help with directions and many other questions that travelers may have for us when they stop to visit.”
Residents of the Sooner State and visitors alike will find the TIC has a clear and focused approach, and Schertz says, “We have a great team that can help you discover all the things Oklahoma has to offer.
“Our staff can help you with planning a visit to Miami, Grove and Grand Lake, as well as Claremore and any other destination in the state. We can help you with anything from Spoonbill fishing or cruising through the state on Route 66.”
Schertz is thrilled she’s part of this organization and says, “Tourism in Northeast Oklahoma accounts for $330 million in visitor spending.
“Being able to be ambassadors and on the frontlines, we are the first people visitors see when they come into our state. We are very proud to be a part of the tourism for the City of Miami, Northeast Oklahoma and the entire state.”
Renovated Miami, Oklahoma,
Travel Information Center Fast Facts
Location: 20 N. Eight Tribes Trail, Miami, OK
Phone Number: 918.542.9303
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Amenities: Clean restrooms, trained travel counselors, hundreds of free brochures, visitor’s guides and maps, unique Oklahoma products and souvenirs
Notable: As a key part of the renovation, Tourism Information Center Manager Shanda Schertz says an expanded gift shop includes “several great items that are made in Oklahoma. We have a large selection of toys, t-shirts, caps and some Oklahoma collectibles, such as shot glasses, mugs, keychains, etc. We also carry a large selection of plush animals, and a lot of them are animals you see in Oklahoma.”