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Route 66: Eastbound Icons & Pony Bridge

A 1-day journey through Oklahoma's official Route 66 museum, aviation heritage, and the historic reconstructed Pony Bridge.

1 Day
85 miles
2 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Experience the best of eastern Route 66 heritage in Oklahoma with this comprehensive one-day adventure. Start at the state's official Route 66 museum in Clinton, explore world-class aviation history at the Stafford Air & Space Museum, visit the iconic Lucille's service station in Hydro, and conclude at the beautifully reconstructed Pony Bridge over the South Canadian River. Perfect for Route 66 enthusiasts, aviation buffs, and anyone seeking authentic Mother Road experiences.

Highlights

  • Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (state's official Route 66 museum)
  • Stafford Air & Space Museum (Saturn V & Soviet N-1 rocket engines)
  • Lucille's/Provine Service Station historic gas station
  • Bridgeport Pony Bridge (freshly reconstructed & reopened May 2024)
  • Route 66 heritage corridor
  • Aviation and space exploration exhibits
  • Historic service station architecture

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Custer CountyCaddo County

Cities:

ClintonWeatherfordHydroBridgeport

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Eastbound Route 66 with realistic drive times
85 miles
8-10 hours

A perfect day exploring eastern Route 66 heritage in Oklahoma, combining the state's premier Route 66 museum, world-class aviation exhibits, historic service station architecture, and the beautifully reconstructed Pony Bridge with realistic drive times between all stops.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton)
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Start at the state's official Route 66 museum with comprehensive Mother Road exhibits and immersive galleries. Plan 60-75 minutes for full exploration.

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, OK
GPS: 35.51, -98.99
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Next: 20-25 minutes (20 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • State's official Route 66 museum
  • • Comprehensive Mother Road exhibits
  • • Plan 60-75 minutes
  • • Free parking on-site
(580) 323-7866Website
🏛️
Stafford Air & Space Museum (Weatherford)
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

World-class aviation museum with Saturn V and Soviet N-1 rocket engines on display. Smithsonian affiliate open 360 days/year.

Stafford Air & Space Museum
3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford, OK
GPS: 35.53, -98.7
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 10-12 minutes (8 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Saturn V & Soviet N-1 rocket engines
  • • Smithsonian affiliate
  • • Open 360 days/year
  • • 60-90 minutes recommended
(580) 772-5871Website
🏛️
Lucille's Historic Highway Gas Station (Hydro)
1:15 PM - 1:35 PM

Classic two-story "out-thrust porch" station - iconic Route 66 photo stop. Historic Provine Service Station site.

Lucille's/Provine Service Station
Old US-66, ~0.5 mi W of OK-58/I-40 Exit 88, Hydro, OK
GPS: 35.53702, -98.58835
Duration: 20 minutes
Next: 20-25 minutes (15 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Classic Route 66 architecture
  • • Photo stop only - no fuel
  • • Respect the historic site
  • • 15-20 minute visit
🏛️
Bridgeport "Pony" Bridge (South Canadian River crossing)
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Freshly reconstructed and reopened May 2024. ODOT retained the iconic pony truss look with wider deck and new viewing area. Perfect for golden-hour river shots.

Bridgeport "Pony" Bridge
US-281 at South Canadian River, near Bridgeport/Geary, OK
GPS: 35.54, -98.4
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Freshly reconstructed May 2024
  • • Retained iconic pony truss elements
  • • New viewing area added
  • • Great for golden-hour river shots
🚗
Meander Old 66 back toward Clinton
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Photo stops at windmills, grain elevators, and vintage signage along Business 40/Old Route 66. Scenic drive with multiple photo opportunities.

Old Route 66 / Business 40
Business 40/Old US-66 between Bridgeport and Clinton
GPS: 35.52, -98.7
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 45-55 minutes (to Clinton) (45 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Multiple photo stops available
  • • Windmills and grain elevators
  • • Vintage Route 66 signage
  • • Scenic Mother Road driving
🏛️
Optional: Return museum visit or Clinton exploration
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Optional return to Stafford Museum if skipped earlier, or explore Clinton's Route 66 heritage and downtown area.

Clinton Area
Various locations in Clinton
GPS: 35.51, -98.99
Duration: 1 hour
Special Notes:
  • • Flexible based on earlier timing
  • • Clinton Route 66 heritage
  • • Downtown exploration
  • • End of Route 66 adventure

Overnight: Return home or Clinton area

Plan to stay in Return home or Clinton area area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Camera for Route 66 landmarks and aviation exhibits
  • Cash for museum admissions
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Route 66 guidebook or app

Additional Recommendations:

  • Water bottles
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Phone charger for GPS navigation
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Important Notes

  • Museum hours can be seasonal - call ahead
  • Route 66 Museum typically Mon-Sat 9-5
  • Stafford Museum open 360 days/year
  • Lucille's is a photo stop only (no fuel)
  • Pony Bridge fully open following May 2024 reconstruction
  • Respect historic sites and private property
  • Check museum websites for any temporary closures
  • Allow extra time for photo stops along Old Route 66

Quick Facts

Duration

1 Day

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Year-round (indoor museums with outdoor photo stops)

Total Distance

85 miles

Estimated Cost

$50-100 per person (excluding meals)

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GPS Quick Reference

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
35.51, -98.99
Stafford Air & Space Museum
35.53, -98.7
Lucille's/Provine Service Station
35.53702, -98.58835
Bridgeport "Pony" Bridge
35.54, -98.4
Old Route 66 / Business 40
35.52, -98.7
Clinton Area
35.51, -98.99

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