Route 66 travelers, let’s talk about Hydro, Oklahoma, and a real Route 66 gem called Lucille’s! Big Mike here, your Route 66 travel guide, comin’ at you from Route 66 Road Relics in Seligman, Arizona. Now, I know you all love Arizona and my neck of the woods, but Route 66 stretches across a whole lot of America, and there’s magic to be found in every state it touches.
Today, we’re taking a virtual detour to Hydro, Oklahoma – a small town with a big Route 66 heritage.
Our first stop is Lucille’s Service Station, officially known as the Provine Service Station. Built in 1929, it’s a beautifully preserved example of an early 20th-century service station. Lucille Hamons, affectionately known as the “Mother of the Mother Road,” ran this station for decades, keeping cars fueled and travelers fed with her home cooking. While not currently open as a museum, the building itself stands as a testament to the era and Lucille’s dedication to those who traveled Route 66.
Just a short drive from Lucille’s in Hydro Oklahoma, you’ll find the Washita River Bridge. Constructed in 1931, this sturdy bridge has witnessed countless journeys along Route 66. Take a moment to imagine the Model Ts and early Ford trucks rumbling across, carrying families and dreamers westward. It’s a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Mother Road.
Now, for the fun part of the Route 66 Travel Guide for all the classic car enthusiasts and history buffs, there’s a hidden gem near Hydro Oklahoma that deserves a spot on your itinerary: RustBusters Salvage. This isn’t your typical junkyard; it’s an expansive collection of vintage vehicles, with everything from classic Chevys, Fords, and Dodges to… well, let’s just say there’s a whole lot of automotive history waiting to be discovered!
Whether you’re searching for parts to restore your own classic car or seeking inspiration for a future project, RustBusters is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. And while the setting may be rustic, it adds to the charm, offering a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to unearth a forgotten gem. You never know what treasures you might find hiding under the Oklahoma sun!
So, if you’re planning a Route 66 adventure, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover these hidden gems in Hydro, Oklahoma. And of course, if you find yourself in Seligman, Arizona, stop by Route 66 Road Relics for all your Route 66 souvenirs and memorabilia.
Keep those engines running and those cameras clicking!
Big Mike
Route 66 Attractions in Hydro, Oklahoma
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Ten miles west of Hydro, Weatherford is home to the Stafford Air & Space Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate with aircraft, Apollo-era space gear, and interactive exhibits. The town also features Route 66 murals and classic storefronts that give it a nostalgic charm.
Elk City, Oklahoma
Thirty-five miles west of Hydro, Elk City is one of the larger Route 66 towns in western Oklahoma. The National Route 66 Museum walks you through the road’s history with vintage signs, cars, and immersive displays. Just next door is the Old Town Museum Complex, including the Farm and Ranch Museum and a blacksmith shop.
Clinton, Oklahoma
Twelve miles east of Hydro, Clinton is known for the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum — one of the best on the entire route. It tells the story of Route 66 through the decades with themed exhibits, restored cars, and iconic neon. Downtown Clinton has vintage architecture and murals that add to the retro feel.
El Reno, Oklahoma
Forty-five miles east of Hydro, El Reno offers a ride on the Heritage Express Trolley — one of the last rail-based trolleys in Oklahoma. The town is also famous for its fried onion burgers and hosts a lively Onion Burger Festival each year. With old-school signage and a classic small-town main street, El Reno is a favorite for many Route 66 travelers.
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