Road to the Hall of Fame: Honoring the Legends of Oklahoma Route 66
Release Date: 05/04/2026
Only in OKlahoma Show
Welcome to Erick, Oklahoma—the "Town of Legends" that packs more history and "cool factor" per square foot than almost anywhere else on the Mother Road. In this episode of The Only in OK Show, we’re stopping at the corner of Route 66 and Sheb Wooley Ave to explore the 100th Meridian Museum. Housed in a stunning 1907 bank building, this museum is the guardian of the "## Title: The 100th Meridian Museum: Where the West Begins (and Texas Ends?) Description Welcome to Erick, Oklahoma, the "Town of Legends" that packs a serious punch for its size. Known as the home of Roger Miller (King of the...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to LA, the soul of the Mother Road lives in the hearts of those who preserved it. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we’re heading to Clinton, Oklahoma, to go inside the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. As we look toward the massive 2026 Centennial, we explore the museum that serves as the ultimate shrine to the Will Rogers Highway and the icons who kept the neon buzzing. Inside the Episode The Hall of Fame: Honoring the Legends Every two years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts individuals who have dedicated their lives to the road. We dive...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2026! Tulsa is officially claiming its title as the Capital of Route 66 with a historic attempt to shatter the Guinness World Record for the largest classic car parade. As part of the Route 66 Centennial (the Mother Road’s 100th birthday), this isn't just a car show—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we break down everything you need to know about the Capital Cruise. From the 5.5-mile route along historic 11th Street to the massive pre-party at Expo Square, we’ve got your guide to the ultimate Oklahoma road trip...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
Get ready for the "Main Event" of the century! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are diving into the massive Kickin’ It on 66 festival happening May 30, 2026, at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. Oklahoma holds more miles of the historic Mother Road than any other state, and we are celebrating 100 years of the Main Street of America with a sunrise-to-sunset party you can't miss. From retro roller skating to a high-tech drone finale, this is how OKC honors the spirit of the road. In this episode, we cover: Morning Kickoff: Starting the day right at the OKC Farmers Market....
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
Think a trip down the Mother Road requires a massive budget? Think again! In this episode of the Only In OK Show, we’re proving that you can experience some of the most iconic sites in the world for basically the cost of a tank of gas. From vintage motorcycles and steam engines to public art and roadside oddities, Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 is packed with high-memory, low-cost adventures. We’re breaking down 10 incredible stops where admission is free (or very close to it), so you can enjoy the ultimate road trip without the "vacation debt" hangover. In this episode, we explore: ...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
2026 isn't just another year in the Sooner State—it’s the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and Oklahoma is the undisputed heart of the journey. With over 400 drivable miles of the Mother Road, we have more history, neon, and kitsch than almost anywhere else on the map. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to navigate the Route 66 Centennial like a pro. Whether you’re piloting a vintage pink Cadillac or taking the "kitchen and bedroom on wheels" approach in an RV, we’ve got the tips to make your trip legendary. In this episode, we...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
It’s the first Saturday in May, and the air in downtown El Reno, Oklahoma, doesn't just smell like spring—it smells like caramelized onions and nostalgia. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we’re previewing the 38th Annual El Reno Burger Day Festival (May 2, 2026). As the "Official Birthplace of the Fried Onion Hamburger," El Reno turns a Great Depression-era necessity into a world-renowned delicacy. We dive deep into the history of how Ross Davis of the Hamburger Inn used paper-thin onions to stretch meat during the 1930s, creating a culinary icon in the process. What’s on...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
From the 1860s to a $400 million modern oasis, we’re covering the best of Oklahoma’s "then and now" in this episode! Part 1: Step Back in Time at Har-Ber Village Museum We’re heading to the shores of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Grove, OK, for Civil War Era Historical Days. Discover the fascinating history of Har-Ber Village, founded by Harvey and Bernice Jones, which evolved from a private retreat into a six-acre pioneer settlement with over 100 exhibits. Highlights include: Living History: Union and Confederate camps, blacksmithing, and open-hearth cooking. The Conflict in Indian...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we’re traveling from the serene canopy of the Kiamichi Mountains to a revived 1930s speakeasy in Oklahoma City. First, we explore Mount Mirabelle, a luxury cabin in Hochatown that feels like a romantic movie set, complete with cathedral ceilings and sunset views. Then, we head to OKC to visit Carletti’s, where a 200-year-old Bolognese recipe is being served inside a historic hillside building once known for its "shady" nightlife. Part 1: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway – Mount Mirabelle Looking for a "workcation" spot or a romantic escape? We’re...
info_outlineOnly in OKlahoma Show
In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are exploring the crown jewel of the 918 and a massive new tribute to an Oklahoma music legend. Part 1: The Power of Tulsa – Gathering Place We dive into why Gathering Place was recently voted the #1 City Park in the Nation for 2024 by USA TODAY. From the vision of the George Kaiser Family Foundation to its mission of unifying Tulsa across all zip codes, find out what makes this $465 million gift so special. The Bloom Watch: Learn about the 70+ cherry blossom trees expected to hit full bloom March 20–23. Adventure Awaits: We break down the...
info_outlineWhile Route 66 stretches from Chicago to LA, the soul of the Mother Road lives in the hearts of those who preserved it. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we’re heading to Clinton, Oklahoma, to go inside the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame.
As we look toward the massive 2026 Centennial, we explore the museum that serves as the ultimate shrine to the Will Rogers Highway and the icons who kept the neon buzzing.
Inside the Episode
The Hall of Fame: Honoring the Legends
Every two years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts individuals who have dedicated their lives to the road. We dive into the stories of the legends whose plaques line the museum walls:
-
Cyrus Avery: The visionary known as "The Father of Route 66."
-
Lucille Hamons: The "Mother of the Mother Road" and her legacy in Hydro.
-
The Russells: Harley and Annabelle of Erick—true Oklahoma "characters" who define the road’s quirky spirit.
-
Doc Mason: The 2003 Hall of Famer, owner of the Tradewinds Motel, and key consultant for Pixar’s Cars.
Save the Date: The 2026 Centennial Induction
The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony isn't just a local event—it's a national milestone. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and the induction ceremony will be the heart of the celebration.
-
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
-
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
-
The Event: Two new Oklahomans will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Join history buffs and preservationists as we honor the newest guardians of the road.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum Experience
The Hall of Fame is housed within a chronological journey of the highway. Before the ceremony, take time to explore:
-
The Dust Bowl Era: Real stories of the "land of promise" during the drought years.
-
The 1950s Diner: A fully immersive exhibit where you can sit in a booth and soak in the neon-soaked family vacation era.
-
The Gift Shop: Support the mission! Proceeds from admission and the shop go directly toward the daily operations and preservation programs of the museum.
Plan Your Trip to Clinton
If you are attending the July 25th induction, plan to arrive early at the museum located at 2229 West Gary Boulevard. This is a landmark year and the building fills up fast!
-
Website: okhistory.org/route66
-
Phone: 580-323-7866
-
Follow for Updates: Check the Oklahoma Route 66 Association for announcements on the 2026 inductees.
Subscribe to the Only in OK Show to stay updated on all things Oklahoma history, travel, and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebrations!
#OnlyInOKShow #Route66HallOfFame #OklahomaRoute66 #MotherRoadLegends #ClintonOK #Route66Centennial #WillRogersHighway #OklahomaHistory #Route66Museum #ExploreOklahoma