Bridgeport to Clinton, Oklahoma

We loved Route 66 between Bridgeport and Clinton, Oklahoma. We saw one of the best Route 66 museums in the country, one of the best bridges on Route 66, some great old service stations, and a beautiful art deco neon sign, among other things.

We left Geary, Oklahoma, on US 281. US 281 was never Route 66, which ran a bit west of here on roads that are now back roads. About three miles south of Geary, US 281 turns off to the right (southwest), while Business US 281 continues straight. We stayed on Business US 281 another mile or so. Then we turned right (west) on what Google Maps calls Old US Highway 66.

In 1931, work began on a new Route 66 running straight from El Reno to Hydro, bypassing Geary. The new road was finished in 1934. This stretch of “Old US Highway 66” is part of that original 1934 road. On the right is the 1934 Bridgeport Hill Service Station, clearly built to capitalize on the new road.

1934 Bridgeport Hill Service Station in Bridgeport, Oklahoma

Just before the intersection of Old US Highway 66 and US 281, there’s a little road on the left that leads to US 281 a bit south of the intersection. This tiny arc is also part of the original 1934 Route 66.

We took US 281 south to follow the 1934 Route 66. In about one mile, we reached an engineering marvel: the bridge over the South Canadian River.

William H. Murray Bridge, also known as Canadian River Bridge and Pony Bridge, in Hinton, Oklahoma

I’ve seen this bridge called the Canadian River Bridge, the William H. Murray Bridge, and simply the Pony Bridge. Each of those humps is called a truss. This truss bridge is an example of a pony bridge, which means the trusses are not connected over the top of the road.

When this Pony Bridge was completed in 1933 or 1934 (sources give varying dates), it was considered an engineering marvel. Ninety years later, it’s still truly impressive. Look how you can't even see its end! It is the longest truss bridge on Route 66. A scene in The Grapes of Wrath was filmed at the west end.

About a mile past the Pony Bridge, US 281 bends left (south), but Route 66 continues straight west. This stretch from Bridgeport to Hydro was built between 1931 and 1934, and it was innovative for its time. The road bed is 20 feet wide instead of the then-standard 18 feet. The road also has drainage features. One was called a “parabolic crown,” which means the road tapers off on each side from the dividing line in the center to help rain run off.

This stretch of Route 66 is beautiful, with broad vistas.

Route 66 near Hinton, Oklahoma

Another view of Route 66 near Hinton, Oklahoma

Near Hydro, Route 66 runs alongside I-40.

Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma

Here is a Route 66 treasure: the Provine Service Station , also known as Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station or simply Lucille’s Place.

Provine Service Station, also known as Lucille's Place

The complex also includes a small motel. The complex is now a museum and was not open when we visited.

Lucille's Motel

Lucille’s Service Station was built in 1929. In 1934, it was sold and renamed the Provine Service Station. In 1941, the Hamons family took it over. Lucille Hamons ran it for almost 60 years. Her generosity to travelers earned her the title “Mother of the Mother Road.”

About two miles past Lucille’s, just past North 2440 Road on the left, is a railroad trestle built in 1931.

1931 railroad trestle east of Weatherford, Oklahoma

And about a mile past the railroad trestle, on the outskirts of Weatherford, Oklahoma, is Lucille’s Roadhouse, a restaurant that’s a delightful tribute to Lucille Hamons.

Lucille's Roadhouse in Weatherford, Oklahoma

We had a really nice lunch here—good food and service. It’s not a historic building but has a great retro vibe. Part of the restaurant looks like a diner, and the other part looks like an old-fashioned steakhouse. I think they both serve the same menu.

After Lucille’s Roadhouse, Route 66 becomes Weatherford's East Main Street. In about half a mile, we turned left to stay on East Main Street. At the west end of Weatherford, we turned left (south) on OK 54 (South 4^th Street) to stay on Route 66.  OK 54 soon runs along the north side of I-40. About 5 or 6 miles past Weatherford, Route 66 does a little dogleg, making a quick right (north) on North 2330 Road, then an immediate left (west) on East 1030 Road. In about a mile and a half, we turned left (south) on North 2310 Road.

At the I-40 interchange is the massive, family-owned Cherokee Trading Post and Boot Outlet

Cherokee Trading Post near Clinton, Oklahoma (from OnlyInYourState.com)

Here we took the frontage road/service road on the north side of I-40 toward Clinton, Oklahoma. It merges into Business I-40 on the outskirts of Clinton. In about a mile, on the left, is the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store.

Mohawk Lodge Indian Store (from Facebook)

The store’s roots go back to the 1890s. It was moved here in 1940 and it still sells genuine Native American crafts.

After the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store, Business I-40 becomes Choctaw Avenue and then West Gary Boulevard. We turned left (south) on 10^th Street to stay on Route 66. In less than a mile, just past Knox Avenue, we reached the stunning entrance to McLain Rogers Park.

Entrance to McLain Rogers Park in Clinton, Oklahoma

The park, including this sign, was built in 1934-1937 by the Works Project Administration. The beautifully preserved neon sign is in the “zigzag” art deco style popular at the time. (See my post on Tulsa’s art deco architecture for more information on art deco and zigzag.)

Just past the park, we took a quick detour off Route 66, turning right (west) on Jaycee Lane and another right (north) on West Gary Boulevard. On the west side of West Gary Boulevard is the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma

I had read that the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum may be the best of the many Route 66 museums. We haven’t visited every one, so I can’t confirm that, but this was by far the best one we’ve visited. Many Route 66 museums are collections of Route 66 artifacts. This one tells the story of Route 66 in a series of exhibits in chronological order. Of course Oklahoma’s role in Route 66 is highlighted! We learned so much. If you visit only one Route 66 museum, consider making it this one.

After the museum, we returned to Route 66 (South 10^th Street) and continued south out of Clinton. South 10^th Street becomes Neptune Drive. About half a mile past I-40, Route 66 (Neptune Drive) bends to the right (west). At this fork in the road is the former Y Service Station and Cafe .

Former Y Service Station in Clinton, Oklahoma

The Y Service Station was built in 1937. Its style is Southwestern Mission Revival—unusual for this part of the country.

After the Y Service Station, Route 66 becomes West Commerce Road. This was Route 66 between 1931 and 1956, and it still has the original Portland concrete.

Route 66 west of Clinton, Oklahoma

West Commerce Road becomes I-40’s South Frontage Road. Here you can compare undulating Route 66 with the flattened-out interstate.

Route 66 further west of Clinton, Oklahoma, running south of I-40

We were on our way to our next overnight stop in Elk City,Oklahoma.