The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton will not expand its hours during the summer months when it reopens because of an anticipated drop in tourists from the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, the museum will maintain its winter hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Fox25 in Oklahoma City reported:
“Once the museum reopens, we anticipate a large drop in visitation with the loss of international travelers, motor coach tours and out-of-state visitors,” said Pat Smith, director of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
Though it is a state facility, most of the museum’s operating funds are generated through income from admission fees and gift shop sales, which will be impacted due to shortening hours.
“We are working on new operating procedures and cleaning guidelines to help keep our staff, volunteers and visitors safe,” said Smith. “If your out-of-state or international travel plans have been interrupted, we hope you will consider traveling closer to home and visiting some of the many wonderful museums and historic sites Oklahoma has to offer.”
The museum, operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, remains closed through May 31 because of the virus.
It looks increasingly likely that most Route 66 museums in the historic highway’s eight states will be at least partially open by June. Most of them closed in mid-March because of the pandemic.
But I would keep an ear to the ground and not have your heart set on long-term plans. The virus always could make an unpredictable turn at any time.
(Image of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism)
“But I would keep an ear to the ground and not have your heart set on long-term plans. The virus always could make an unpredictable turn at any time.” You’re correct about that Ron. Since all of our car show plans have been cancelled, we’re think of hitting the Mother Road in late summer to help support the businesses providing things don’t get worse virus wise. Nothing like social distancing in my classic car on the Mother road!