Creek County: Route 66, Museums and Nature Trails

Route 66, local history and time outdoors offer different ways to spend a stay in Creek County. In Sapulpa, historic sections of road tell the story of Route 66’s development; museums in Sapulpa, Drumright and Bristow each offer a distinct perspective. Those who prefer the outdoors can find trails along Rock Creek and at Pretty Water Lake. Seasonal events are also part of the calendar—keep their dates and details in mind when planning.

Route 66 and Transportation History

Bridge No. 18 crosses Rock Creek on the West Sapulpa section of Route 66. The steel truss bridge is 120 feet long and has a brick deck. The 3.3-mile section was built in 1924–1925 to connect Sapulpa and Bristow with a paved road. It was designated Route 66 in 1926; in 1952, a wider, straighter alignment farther north replaced it. The dates therefore tell a story of several stages: first the road’s construction, then its designation, and finally a new alignment.

Sapulpa’s former streetcar and interurban railway are also part of its transportation history. Streetcar service began in March 1908. The Sapulpa Interurban ran through the entire city and connected Sapulpa with Tulsa, Kiefer and Mounds. Together with the history of Route 66, they offer a look at different forms of transportation: a regional rail connection and a road whose route changed over time.

Museums and Historic Sites

The Sapulpa Historical Museum showcases different aspects of local life. Exhibits include a kitchen from around 1900 and the Egan Brothers General Store from 1894. Dioramas feature the Frisco Railroad, Sapulpa in 1929 and the Euchee Mission Boarding School; photographic stories focus on the Indigenous and African American communities. The collection ranges from everyday objects to the history of the city and its communities.

In Drumright, the Historical Museum is housed in a 1915 Santa Fe depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eight-foot-high murals tell the story of Drumright and Oklahoma in five sections. The Oil Room adds to this account with memorabilia and tools used in drilling oil fields. The Sapulpa Fire Museum explores the roughly century-long history of Sapulpa’s fire department and displays horse-drawn wagons and ladder trucks from around the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can arrange a tour of the Fire Museum through the Sapulpa Historical Museum; they can also arrange a tour of the Waite Phillips-Barnsdall Filling Station Museum there. Group tours of this museum require an appointment.

In Bristow, the Historical Museum & Train Depot preserves original wooden floors from 1923, ticket windows, desks, equipment and railroad artifacts. The depot and water tower are the only surviving combination of a Frisco train depot and water tower on the original route. Visitors can enter the Frisco caboose. Please confirm access before your arrival.

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum displays classic cars, unusual vehicles and Route 66 memorabilia. From May through September, it offers rides to Pretty Water Lake in a 1922 Packard or Cadillac by reservation. The rides are seasonal and depend on a reservation and vehicle availability. In Glenpool, the Frankoma Pottery Company offers historic or custom-made pottery at its retail store. Its stoneware is made by skilled craftspeople from locally sourced raw clay.

Events Throughout the Year

The Route 66 Blowout has been held annually in downtown Sapulpa since 1989. The program includes a car, motorcycle and truck show featuring more than 250 vehicles, historic walking tours, live music, arts and crafts, and vendor booths. Dates and programming may vary. In Kellyville, the Creek County Fall Free Fair is an annual event featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, rodeos and fair exhibits. Fair food and handmade goods from local artisans are also part of the event; dates and offerings vary here, too. The Route 66 Farmer's Market in Sapulpa takes place during the summer and fall months, though its schedule may vary from year to year.

Walking Trails and Time by the Water

At Kelly Lane Park, the approximately one-mile Rotary Trail crosses Rock Creek and enters a wooded area. Walkers may spot deer and other wildlife; trail conditions and sightings vary. The Kiwanis Trail runs for about 0.3 miles along Rock Creek. Alongside the paved main path, there are unpaved nature loops on both sides. The two trails therefore differ both in stated length and route.

Pretty Water Lake has a scenic, paved one-mile walking trail. The lake covers 25 acres and is spring-fed; there is also a trout stocking program, whose schedule may change. Boating with non-gasoline-powered motors is permitted during the day, and visitors can fish from accessible piers. Permit requirements may change.

Heyburn Lake is on Polecat Creek in Creek County, about 13 miles southwest of Sapulpa. Its recreation areas offer picnic sites, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, a boat ramp and swimming opportunities; available facilities may vary. The Heyburn Public Hunting Area covers more than 6,000 acres. Seasonal hunting opportunities include squirrel, rabbit, quail, waterfowl and wild turkey, subject to applicable regulations.

Explore more destinations: Mannford, Drumright, Washington County, Beckham County, Bryan County, Atoka County, Mcintosh County, Seminole County.

For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.