Just a short detour west of El Reno, along the lesser-traveled “El Reno Cutoff” of Route 66, you’ll spot something unexpected that will make you smile: three larger-than-life cutouts standing in a field—18 feet tall, colorful, and full of character. These are the Muffler Men brought to life (or, rather, tribute) by artist John Cerney, in collaboration with Scott Farmer.
Instead of the classic fiberglass giants of the 1960s, these are flat, painted panels featuring a Paul Bunyan-style Muffler Man, a Uniroyal Gal, and a twist-dancing Muffler Man dressed as a retro gas station attendant. Seeing them out in the open, against the wide Oklahoma sky, they’re part nostalgic symbol, part joyful roadside surprise.
This little hidden gem isn’t just art—it’s a moment of delight for anyone tracing the Mother Road. It’s a place to stop, snap a photo, stretch your legs, and feel the playful spirit of Route 66.
Why It's Worth the Stop:
- Unexpected whimsy: These giant, flat figures feel like roadside winks to travelers who aren’t expecting them.
- Local art with heart: Cerney’s work brings public art to unlikely rural landscapes, making the ordinary feel magical.
- Route 66 lore: Set on a historic alignment abandoned in the mid‑1930s, this makes the installation a nod not just to Americana but also to the evolving story of the Mother Road.
