Yukon Motel (Removed)
Yukon, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Check out the huge marquee that once stood in front of the Yukon Motel along Route 66. This colorful, eye-catching sign did exactly what it was designed to do—grab the attention of passing motorists. Unfortunately, rumors of its removal turned out to be true. The sign is now gone.

The motel originally opened as the Yukon Courts during the mid-1900s and later became the Yukon Motel. While the buildings have survived under different ownership, the giant Googie-style neon sign was the property's real claim to fame. Its bright colors and changing message board made it one of the more memorable motel signs along Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66. Photo taken before the sign was removed.

The loss of the marquee is another reminder of how many classic motel signs disappeared during the era when custom neon was replaced with generic plastic signs. Thankfully, photographs like this preserve what travelers once saw while cruising the Mother Road.

UPDATE: The motel buildings still stand and now operate as the Economy Inn, but the original Yukon Motel marquee was removed in the early 2000s and replaced with a modern backlit sign. Despite persistent rumors, the fate of the original neon sign has never been confirmed. 06-26

Cabana Motel (Closed)
Erick, OK
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

This old roadside sign is all that remains of the Cabana Motel in Erick. Topped with its distinctive metal crown, the weathered marquee still stands blankly along Route 66 long after the motel itself disappeared. Many thanks to Clarke Ingram for helping identify the motel's name.

Built during the heyday of Route 66 travel, the Cabana Motel advertised "Ultra Modern Comfort" to motorists making their way across western Oklahoma. While the motel is gone, the sign remains one of those fascinating reminders of the businesses that once depended on eye-catching roadside advertising to bring travelers through the door.

The crown is what makes this sign so memorable. Even without its neon or lettering, it still has plenty of personality and serves as a lonely reminder of the Mother Road's motel era.

UPDATE: The motel buildings have been demolished, but the crowned roadside sign still stands beside the former property. Although its neon is long gone, the empty marquee remains one of Erick's more recognizable Route 66 relics. 06-26

Rest Haven
Afton, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's an old motel sign for the Rest Haven Motel  in Afton. Located along Route 66, the weathered sign and faded motel have definitely seen better days. Even with most of the neon missing, it's still one of those roadside relics that's hard to drive past without stopping for a photo.

The property dates back to the 1940s, when it operated as the Rest Haven Cabins before the permanent brick motel was built around 1959. Like many small Route 66 motels, it welcomed travelers during the highway's busiest years before traffic gradually disappeared after Interstate 44 bypassed the town.

Today, the old Art Deco-style sign is the real attraction. Most of the neon has vanished, leaving behind a rusting steel frame that somehow has even more character than when it was new. It's a fitting reminder of the countless mom-and-pop motels that once lined the Mother Road.

UPDATE: The motel is long closed, and the building has been converted into a private residence. Although the business is gone, the vintage Rest Haven sign still stands along Route 66, making it one of Afton's most photographed roadside landmarks. 06-26

Round-up Motel (Gone)
Claremore, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

An oft photographed sign, the marquee for the Round-up Motel in Claremore features a neon cowpoke. Not sure if this sign still lights up anymore. Even with most of the neon missing, it's still one of those roadside relics that's hard to drive past without stopping for a photo.

The property's roots date back to the 1940s, when it operated as Rest Haven Cabins before the permanent brick motel was built around 1959. Like many small Route 66 motels, it welcomed travelers during the highway's busiest years before Interstate 44 bypassed the town and traffic gradually faded.

Today, the old Art Deco-style sign is the real attraction. Most of the neon has disappeared, leaving behind a rusting steel frame that somehow has even more character than when it was new. It's a fitting reminder of the countless mom-and-pop motels that once lined the Mother Road.

UPDATE : The Round-up Motel marquee is gone and is now in the hands of a private collector. 03-09

UPDATE: The motel has long been closed, and the building has been converted into a private residence. The vintage Rest Haven sign still stands along Route 66, making it one of Afton's most photographed roadside landmarks. 06-26