Lincoln County: Route 66, Lakes and History

Lincoln County combines memories of Route 66 with museums, lakes, trails and lively community festivals. Those planning a trip centered on culture, scenery and unique stories will find a variety of ways to explore together. When looking for a vacation rental, you can therefore first consider whether historic sites, water-based activities, hiking and cycling, or regional events should be the main focus.

Discover History and Route 66

The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History presents Oklahoma’s history through artifacts, archival materials, creative exhibits and genealogical research. It preserves photographs from across the county as well as artifacts from families whose histories date back to before the 1891 Land Run. Admission to the exhibits is free. This makes it easy to include a museum visit in a travel itinerary that combines different topics and interests.

Another focus is Route 66. The Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center displays memorabilia from the 1930s to the present and offers an interactive video experience that takes visitors on a journey through the history of Route 66. The center is housed in the historic Chandler Armory, which was built in 1937 as part of the New Deal. In Stroud, the Lincoln County Express commemorates Route 66 as a quirky roadside attraction. The city purchased and restored it, then placed it next to the Rock Cafe. The Route 66 Push Pin also features colorful stained-glass-style panels depicting bison, aviation, musical heritage and well-known Oklahoma landmarks.

Lakes, Trails and Active Day Trips

Several different options are available for enjoying nature. The Flat Rock Trail at Bell Cow Lake is 12.4 miles long in total, round trip. The Bell Cow Lake Trail System runs along the shore of Bell Cow Lake near Chandler and is open to horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. This allows you to choose your ideal day plan based on whether you want to travel on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, without having to fit every activity into a single outing.

Meeker Lake has a nature trail and equestrian trails. The lake covers 250 surface acres and has a five-mile shoreline. It also has boat ramps and boat docks. These clearly different options can help you choose the focus of your trip: a longer trail, a walk along the shore or time spent on the water each appeal to different interests. The Route 66 Spirit of America Museum in Stroud is located along Route 66, has street parking and offers accessible entry through the rear entrance.

Festivals, Food and Local Traditions

The events also give Lincoln County its distinct character. The annual Prague Kolache Festival celebrates Prague’s Czech heritage with polka music, dancing, food and a parade. The festival also includes a competition to determine the best kolache. The Prague Historical Museum presents the history of the Czech pioneers who founded Prague in 1902, displays memorabilia of Olympic athlete and Prague native Jim Thorpe, and features an antique fire engine, an antique buggy and an antique loom from the early 19th century in an annex.

The annual Meeker Round Up Club Rodeo includes bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and events for children. The annual Chandler Ice Cream Festival offers free ice cream, carnival rides, live music by local artists and numerous food stands; it also includes a homemade ice cream competition. Located directly along Route 66, The Butcher BBQ Stand was founded by a father-and-son team after both had gained eight years of experience in competitive barbecue.

The Right Accommodation for Your Trip

A vacation apartment or vacation home in Lincoln County can be chosen to suit the pace of your holiday. Those focusing on historical insights and Route 66 can plan visits to museums and the unique stops in Chandler and Stroud. For active days, the documented trails at Bell Cow Lake and Meeker Lake are good options. If shared experiences with children are important, events with designated activities for children, such as the Meeker Round Up Club Rodeo, may be especially appealing. For culinary and cultural impressions, the Prague Kolache Festival, the Chandler Ice Cream Festival and the BBQ stand add regional traditions to the trip.

For further destination options, you can also visit the pages for Harrah and Wellston. You can find more destination pages under Wagoner County, Choctaw, Washita County, Stephens, Marshall County and Kiowa County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Oklahoma.