Clinton Oklahoma – A Museum for the Mother Road and a Motel Lost to Time

Rolling into Clinton, Oklahoma, there’s one place every Route 66 traveler should pull over for — the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. It’s not just another roadside stop — this place is the heartbeat of the town and one of the best ways to experience the history of the Mother Road, all under one roof.

From the moment you walk in, you’re transported through time. The museum is laid out decade by decade, starting with the dust and grit of the 1930s and working its way through the golden age of the 1950s and into the freewheeling road culture of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Each room is built to feel like the time it represents — with classic cars, neon signs, diner booths, gas pumps, and the sounds of each era echoing through the halls. It’s not just what you see — it’s what you hear and feel. The museum does a great job telling the story of how Route 66 shaped America, and how America shaped it right back.

Out front, there’s a big red neon Route 66 shield, shining bright over the lawn. It’s one of those signs that still grabs the eye, even if you weren’t planning to stop. That glow alone is enough to pull a traveler in, just like the old highway signs used to do back in the day.

But not everything in Clinton has made it into a museum. Some things have been left behind — and one of those is the old Glancy Motor Hotel. It used to be a classic Route 66 stop, with its mid-century design and big, bold sign that lit up the night for weary travelers. Over the years, the Glancy saw its share of changes — and eventually, time caught up with it.

Luckily, I was able to capture footage of the motel before it was torn down, along with shots of the sign that still stands today. It’s part of a “go back in time” moment I wanted to share — not just the polished pieces of Route 66 history, but the ones that are disappearing too. That old Glancy sign might be all that’s left, but it still carries weight. It reminds us that this road isn’t just about what’s been saved. It’s about what we’ve lost, and how much of it we’re still trying to hold on to.

Clinton gives you both sides of the story. Inside the museum, you see what we’ve preserved — the chrome, the culture, and the dreams that built the highway. But just a few blocks away, you see the remnants of what’s slipping away — and that contrast is what makes this town feel real.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or learning the history for the first time, Clinton, Oklahoma delivers. It’s a town that understands the value of remembering — and for anyone travelin’ Route 66, that’s something worth stopping for.

Route 66 Attractions in Clinton, Oklahoma

1. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum: As mentioned, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Route 66. It features exhibits on the road’s development, its impact on American culture, and the unique roadside attractions that dotted the route. 2229 W Gary Blvd Clinton, OK 73601
2. Trade Winds Motel: This historic motel, with its neon sign, is a classic example of the type of accommodations that once lined Route 66. While it’s no longer operational as a motel, the neon sign and building serve as a nostalgic reminder of the past.
3. The Glancy Motor Hotel Once a vibrant Hotel now all that remains is the sign