October 13, 2019
Bobcat RV Park
Today we jumped from Stroud, OK to Sayre, OK. When we got to Bobcat RV Park, we had to call and wait for about 30 minutes in the office parking lot. They quickly got us checked in and mentioned that they had a food delivery service if we were interested.
After we got our trailer set up, we decided to head west.
Texola, OK
Our first destination was the small, isolated town of Texola, which sits right on the border of Oklahoma and Texas. It’s a ghost town, and as we rolled into the area, it felt like stepping into a forgotten era. We had lunch at the Tumbleweed Grill, a charming café claiming to be the oldest working café on Route 66, housed in a building that was once known as the Water Hole #2 in the 1930s. The café still retained the charm of its early days, with Route 66 memorabilia adorning the walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Walking inside felt more like entering someone’s home than a restaurant, especially when we noticed the owner seated in the corner, painting quietly. She greeted us with a welcoming smile and told us to make ourselves at home, even though she would be closing soon.
We ordered the quintessential Route 66 dish—Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes for me and a classic grilled cheese for Lisa. While waiting for our food, we took time to explore the various Route 66 collectibles scattered throughout the café, and we admired the owner’s paintings that added a personal touch to the place. When our meals arrived, they did not disappoint.
After finishing our meal, we ventured outside, where a few friendly cats roamed lazily. The town itself was in ruins, with only a handful of buildings left standing, their faded facades barely telling the story of what was once a bustling community. We asked the owner if she ever felt lonely or scared living here in the quiet, but she told us she preferred isolation, finding peace in the stillness of the town. It was a unique and strangely serene experience, and we couldn’t help but feel connected to the ghostly remnants of the past.
We continued our journey westward and crossed into Texas, where we saw one of the Will Rogers Highway monuments—another visual reminder that we were on the historic Route 66.
Shamrock, TX
Just 16 miles across the Texas border, we stopped in Shamrock, a town brimming with history. Our first stop was the Bill Mack Monument, dedicated to a native of Shamrock who was a country music songwriter and radio deejay. He helped launch the career of LeAnn Rimes and gained fame with his popular overnight radio show. The monument itself was modest—informational kiosks explaining his legacy—though it offered a glimpse into the influence of this local legend.
From there, we made our way to the iconic Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, built in 1936. This Art Deco structure was a Route 66 landmark, combining a Conoco Station, the U-Drop Inn Café, and additional seating areas. The building’s soft pink concrete, accented by green paint, exuded a retro charm that remained unchanged since its heyday. Vintage cars dotted the area, including an old ambulance parked near the station, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
We wandered through Shamrock, capturing photos of its vibrant murals and restored gas stations. There was even an old motel that offered a snapshot of the town’s golden years. We didn’t have time to visit the Pioneer Museum, but its intriguing exhibits were definitely on our radar for future trips. We also stopped by Water Tower Plaza, where we marveled at the 172-foot-tall city water tower, constructed in 1915 and still the tallest of its kind in Texas. The plaza featured a mural illustrating the town’s history and informative plaques about the tower’s construction. A short walk from here led us to Blarney Stone Plaza, where a piece of the famous Blarney Stone was displayed. Of course, I kissed it but only after wiping it off with antiseptic wipes first.
McLean, TX
In McLean, we stopped to photograph the remnants of the “Rattlesnakes” sign, a preserved relic from a Rattlesnake Ranch that operated in the 1950s and 1960s. Though the ranch was long gone, the sign remained as a quirky testament to the past.
We also visited the Devils Rope Museum but didn’t go inside. The museum was known for its collection of barbed wire artifacts, and the giant balls of barbed wire displayed at the entrance were an intriguing sight.
Continuing down Route 66, we captured more images of old buildings, murals, and roadside landmarks. One particularly fascinating stop was the restored “First Phillips 66 Station in Texas,” another piece of Route 66 history preserved for future generations.
Groom, TX
As we headed further west, we came across the Leaning Tower of Britten, an eccentric roadside attraction originally built as a water tower. Slated for demolition, the tower was purchased, moved, and tilted intentionally by Ralph Britten to serve as an advertisement for his truck stop. It now stands as an iconic, leaning structure—a quirky, offbeat symbol of Route 66’s colorful character.
A few miles later, we stopped to explore the 19-story cross near I-40, one of the largest crosses in the Western Hemisphere. At its base are life-sized bronze sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross, capturing key moments from Jesus Christ’s crucifixion journey. Additional features include statues of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, set in a tranquil garden for reflection. Informational plaques provide context, and benches offer spots for quiet contemplation. The site also includes a visitor center with a gift shop, chapel, and exhibits about the cross.
Donley County Eastbound Rest Stop
On our way back, we took a break at the Donley County Eastbound Rest Stop. The building housed exhibits on Texas history and windmills, showcasing the state’s agricultural heritage. Outside, a Route 66 sidewalk invited us to explore the grounds and stretch our legs.
Dark Drive Home
As the sun began to set, we drove back in the quiet of the night, reflecting on all the places we had visited. The road stretched out before us, dark and mysterious.
October 14, 2019
National Route 66 and Transportation Museum
Today, we decided to go east on Route 66, retracing some of our steps and discovering new treasures along the way. Our first stop was the National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City. The museum was a fantastic collection of Route 66 history, featuring numerous artifacts, antique cars, and exhibitions that captured the spirit of the iconic road. At the entrance stood Myrtle, a giant Kachina doll nearly two stories tall, a striking figure welcoming visitors. Inside, we marveled at the largest Route 66 sign, proudly displayed as the museum’s centerpiece.
The museum complex also included the Old Town Museum, the Farm & Ranch Museum, and the Blacksmith Museum. The Old Town Museum, housed in a Victorian house, displayed early pioneer life through vintage furniture and household items. Upstairs, we were drawn to the extensive cowboy and rodeo memorabilia, much of which had been donated by the Beutler Brothers Rodeo Stock Producers.
The Farm & Ranch Museum showcased the agricultural tools of the early settlers, including tractors, windmills, and collections of barbed wire. Lisa was particularly captivated by the cotton farming exhibits, where she could touch raw cotton and experience the tactile history of farming life.
The Blacksmith Museum was equally fascinating, demonstrating the craftsmanship that went into transforming iron and steel into tools, utensils, and even works of art.
Mohawk Lodge Indian Store
Next, we visited the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store in Clinton, a historic trading post that opened in 1892. Originally located in Colony, it moved to Clinton in 1940 and still operates today. The store buys, sells, and trades authentic Native American crafts and artifacts. We enjoyed exploring the collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles. The antique photographs of Cheyenne people and other Native American tribes were also an interesting window into the past.
Cherokee Trading Post
Further down the road, we stopped at the Cherokee Trading Post, a large store full of various souvenirs. Among the most interesting items were a huge selection of boots, offering a unique look at Southwestern fashion and style.
Weatherford Wind Energy Park
Our final stop for the day was in Weatherford, where we got an up-close look at a 122-foot wind turbine blade at the Weatherford Wind Energy Park. There were informative kiosks surrounding the blade, detailing the importance of wind energy and its role in Texas’ economy. It was an impressive sight and a nice educational stop, highlighting the region’s contributions to renewable energy.