The Route 66 town of Historic Erick Oklahoma

Howdy folks, Big Mike here, your trusty guide to all things Route 66! Today, we’re takin’ a trip to Erick, Oklahoma, a town with a whole lotta history and a whole lotta heart. Erick sits in western Oklahoma, right on the Mother Road, and it’s a must-see for any Route 66 enthusiast.

What to See in Erick

Erick is chock-full of Route 66 gems, so let’s dive right in:

Windmill “Garden”: As you roll into Erick from the east, you’ll be greeted by a sight that’ll make ya say, “Well, ain’t that somethin’!” It’s a collection of about twenty windmills, standin’ tall against the Oklahoma sky, with dozens of old, rusty cars scattered amongst ’em. It’s a quirky and unforgettable welcome to this Route 66 town.

Texaco Gas Station: Just a bit further down the road, you’ll spot the remains of an old Texaco gas station. It’s a reminder of the days when fillin’ up your tank was a social occasion, and gas stations were more than just places to get fuel.

First National Bank: This historic building, datin’ back to 1907, is a real beauty. It’s got that classic red brick facade and a whole lotta stories to tell. It houses the 100th Meridian Museum.

Sandhill Curiosity Shop: In the heart of Erick, Oklahoma, stands the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, a Route 66 landmark housed in what is reputed to be the town’s oldest brick building. The exterior is a spectacle in itself, covered in a vibrant collage of vintage signs, signaling the unique experience within. This isn’t a store where items are for sale; it’s a living, breathing, personal collection curated by its owner, Harley Russell. He’s often found picking his guitar, providing an impromptu soundtrack to the visual feast of memorabilia, with vintage signs dominating the space alongside quirky artwork and curious collectibles. Russell’s interactive and unscripted performances make this a truly unique stop along the Mother Road. The shop and performances are generally centered around adults due to the language sometimes used.

Roger Miller Museum (Currently Closed): Erick is the hometown of Roger Miller, the legendary country music singer-songwriter behind hits like “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.” While the Roger Miller Museum sadly closed its doors in 2017 , you can still pay homage to this musical legend by visitin’ the vibrant new mural dedicated to him in downtown Erick

Sam’s Town: This captivating art installation is a real hidden gem. It’s a collection of items curated by photographer Samuel Hagen, tellin’ the unique stories of Western Oklahoma’s past. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and soak up some local history.

West Winds Motel

Located on Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, the West Winds Motel, built in 1948, is a classic example of a post-war motor court. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the motel’s design reflects the burgeoning automobile culture of the era, featuring stucco buildings with red mansard roofs, a prominent (though now faded) neon sign depicting a bucking bronco, and, unusually, surviving open garage bays integrated into the guest units. While no longer operating as a motel and now a private residence, the West Winds’ architecture, particularly its car-centric design elements and Spanish hacienda style, provides a tangible link to the heyday of Route 66 travel.

Erick Tourism Information Center: If you’re lookin’ for more information about Erick and the surrounding area, this is the place to go. Located between Exits 9 and 10 on I-40, it’s got brochures, travel resources, clean restrooms, and friendly folks to help you plan your Route 66 adventure.

More Than Just Sights

Erick is more than just a collection of sights. It’s a town with a rich musical heritage. Two of country music’s biggest names, Sheb Wooley and Roger Miller, called Erick home. Wooley, the voice behind “The Purple People Eater,” and Miller, the “King of the Road,” both left their mark on this town and on country music history.