Lincoln County: Route 66, Pioneer History and Lakes

In Lincoln County, memories of Route 66 meet pioneer history, lakes and local festival traditions. This makes different approaches to travel possible: you can explore collections and historic places, plan time by the water and on trails, or build your trip around an annual event. The places and topics below give you specific ideas for planning.

Route 66: Collections, Roadside Art and History

Lincoln County is home to stops along Route 66. In Chandler, the Route 66 Interpretive Center displays memorabilia spanning the 1930s to the present day. An interactive video experience takes visitors through the road’s history. The building itself also has a place in history: the center is located in the Chandler Armory, built in 1937 as part of the New Deal. The collection, video and building history offer different ways to explore the subject of Route 66.

The Route 66 Push Pin adds another highlight: its colorful stained-glass-style panels depict bison, aviation, musical heritage and well-known Oklahoma landmarks. In Stroud, the Lincoln County Express is a quirky roadside attraction along Route 66. The City of Stroud bought it, restored it and placed it next to the Rock Cafe. Also on Route 66 in Stroud is the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum. Street parking is available; step-free access is through the rear entrance. If you need this entrance, include it in your plans.

Pioneer Stories and Collections

The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History presents Oklahoma’s history through artifacts, archival materials, creative exhibits and genealogical research. Admission to the exhibits is free. The collections include photos from across the county as well as artifacts from families whose history goes back to before the 1891 Land Run. Anyone interested in family and local history will find an approach here that goes beyond individual events.

The Prague Historical Museum focuses on the history of Czech pioneers who founded Prague in 1902. The museum also displays memorabilia of Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, who was born in Prague. An outbuilding adds an antique fire engine, an antique buggy and an antique loom from the early 19th century to the collection. The presentation of local history thus encompasses the town’s founding, personal memorabilia and historic everyday objects.

Lakes and Trails

Meeker Lake covers 250 acres of water and has a five-mile shoreline. The lake has a nature trail and horseback riding trails; boat ramps and docks are also available. These details help distinguish the different offerings by the water: trails and riding routes sit alongside facilities for boats.

The Bell Cow Lake Trail System runs along the shore of Bell Cow Lake near Chandler and can be used for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. The Flat Rock Trail at Bell Cow Lake is 12.4 miles long, round trip. So the stated length refers to the total distance, not just one way—a useful distinction when planning how much time to allow for a trip.

Festivals and Annual Events

The annual Prague Kolache Festival celebrates Czech tradition in Prague with polka music, dancing, food and a parade. It also includes a contest to determine the best kolaches. The annual Chandler Ice Cream Festival has a different culinary focus: its program includes free ice cream, carousel rides, live music by local performers and numerous food stalls. A homemade ice cream contest is also part of the festival.

The annual Meeker Round Up Club Rodeo features events including bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, as well as activities for children. The festivals and rodeo offer different reasons to plan your stay around an event. If a date is important to your trip, check the dates for the relevant year before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Harrah, Wellston, Craig County, Stephens, Love, Garfield County, Marshall County, Mccurtain County.

For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.