Route 66, a former motel for motorists, and places commemorating musicians give Erick a distinct historical focus. If you’re looking for a hotel in Erick, you can first consider whether this combination of road and cultural history fits your travel plans. The following places tell stories of past routes, regional heritage, and music—and show how their present-day use differs from their former use.
Erick and the History of Route 66
The section of Route 66 that runs through Erick was renamed Roger Miller Boulevard. Even before U.S. Highway 66, Erick was on the National Old Trails Road, a predecessor route to the highway. Nearby, between Sayre and Erick, abandoned northbound lanes of the original Route 66 remain. These road references distinguish an earlier route from the later highway’s history and the section named after Roger Miller.
The West Winds Motel also tells the story of travel along Route 66: it was built in 1948 for vacationers and other motorists. Its Mission-style architecture recalls a Spanish hacienda. Today, the building is used as a private home. Its construction date, architecture, and present-day use belong to different chapters of its history; the motel is therefore a historical point of interest, not a lodging recommendation.
Brick Buildings and Regional Heritage
The First National Bank in Erick, also known as the 100th Meridian Museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The First National Bank Building is a substantial, two-story brick structure and was one of the town’s first completed buildings. As the 100th Meridian Museum, it preserves and displays the region’s heritage and artifacts. The history of an early building and a collection of regional keepsakes thus come together here.
Another brick building is the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, considered the oldest brick building in Erick. On display are oak furniture from around the turn of the century, artworks, historic musical instruments, and other curiosities. At the shop, Harley Russell performs live for visitors in an informal, interactive style. Hours vary; check them before your visit if you’d like to include the performance in your plans.
Music History in Several Places
The Roger Miller Mural depicts the singer-songwriter in five poses, with a Route 66 road sign in the background. The mural is on the building that once housed the Roger Miller Museum. Miller’s connection to Erick goes beyond the mural: during his youth, he attended Erick High School, and for part of his childhood he lived on a small farm outside town. Erick was also the hometown of musician Sheb Wooley. These different connections bring together a visible commemorative image, biographical milestones, and a hometown remembrance.
Practical Information and Nature
Near Erick is the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, a 25,000-acre prairie wildlife refuge. If you visit the area and are not hunting or fishing, you need a Wildlife Conservation Passport or a currently valid hunting or fishing license from the Wildlife Department.
The Erick Tourism Information Center offers brochures, travel information on attractions, events, and accommodations around the state, as well as guidance from trained travel advisors. The center also has restrooms, a sales area, and a gift shop. Outside the entrance is a fenced dog park with a shaded area and drinking fountain. Here you’ll find both information to help plan the rest of your trip and the facilities mentioned above.
Discover more destinations: Elk City.
Return to the broader travel overview: Beckham County.
