Imagine cruising down a nearly 200-mile stretch of pancake-flat plains, surrounded by quirky towns, iconic roadside attractions, and vintage architecture. This is the Texas Panhandle, where the historic U.S. Route 66 unfolds its charm.
Originally spanning 178 miles through Texas, today’s Route 66 is about 150 miles of drivable highway, offering a unique slice of Americana. As you embark on this road trip, you’ll experience the rich history of the “Mother Road” that once connected Chicago to Los Angeles.
Your journey will take you through the heart of Panhandle culture, with opportunities to explore unique art installations, historic landmarks, and authentic Texas dining experiences. Get ready to plan the perfect trip along Texas’ iconic highway.
The Historic Mother Road Through Texas
As you drive through Texas, you’ll discover the rich history of the Mother Road. Even more than in New Mexico or Oklahoma, old Route 66 has been largely replaced by I-40 across Texas. However, in towns like Shamrock, McLean, and Amarillo, the original road survives as the main business strip.
- The Texas portion of the Mother Road spans approximately 177 miles across the Panhandle.
- Much of the original Route 66 has been replaced by Interstate 40, but significant portions remain as business routes.
The road‘s history in Texas dates back to 1926, becoming a vital economic lifeline during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Preservation efforts have saved numerous landmarks, telling the story of America’s 20th-century westward expansion and automobile culture. You’ll notice how Route 66 transformed the Panhandle region, bringing tourism and development to previously isolated communities, representing an important stretch of the historic highway.
Planning Your Route 66 Texas Adventure
As you prepare for your Texas Route 66 adventure, understanding the road’s layout and planning your stops can make all the difference in your travel experience. Your Route 66 road trip through Texas requires some planning, as the historic road sometimes diverges from I-40 and can be tricky to follow without proper navigation tools.
To navigate this iconic route effectively, consider downloading a Route 66 app or purchasing a detailed guidebook that shows exactly where the original road runs through the Texas Panhandle. Allocate at least two days to properly explore the Texas portion, allowing time to stop at numerous attractions and historic sites along the way.
Plan your overnight stops strategically, with Amarillo being the largest city offering accommodations, while smaller towns like Shamrock and Adrian have limited but charming lodging options. Make a list of must-see attractions before your trip, including Cadillac Ranch, the MidPoint Cafe, the U-Drop Inn, and the Big Texan Steak Ranch to ensure you don’t miss any iconic roadside attractions.
The Texas Panhandle: Route 66’s 177-Mile Stretch
Your adventure on Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle will take you across a vast, expansive landscape known as the Llano Estacado or “Staked Plains.” This 177-mile stretch is characterized by its flat terrain, which dramatically changes from the eastern border with Oklahoma to the western border with New Mexico.
As you travel along this historic road, you’ll pass through several small towns, including Shamrock, McLean, Groom, Adrian, and Vega. Each town has its own unique stops and attractions, making the journey a memorable experience. The region’s economy, once dependent on ranching, now benefits from tourism and the preservation of Route 66 heritage.
Plan your stops strategically, as services can be limited in some areas, with miles between towns sometimes stretching 20-30 apart.
MidPoint Cafe: Standing at the Center of Route 66
Adrian, Texas, is home to the iconic MidPoint Cafe, celebrating the midpoint of Route 66. This restaurant is a mandatory stop for travelers, marking the exact geographical midpoint with 1,139 miles to both Chicago and Los Angeles.
The MidPoint Cafe offers a dining experience that transports visitors to another era with its ’50s ambiance and classic American comfort food. It’s a significant attraction on the road trip, famous for its chili cheese dog, turkey sandwich, and homemade “ugly” pies.
Visitors can commemorate their journey by taking a photo with the midpoint sign and browsing the gift shop for unique memorabilia.
Amarillo’s Historic Sixth Street District
You’ll discover a unique blend of culture and fun in Amarillo’s Historic Sixth Street District. This iconic area is renowned for its meticulously preserved buildings, showcasing a range of architectural styles.
Gothic Revival and Art Moderne Architecture
Visitors often dedicate most of their energies to ogle the meticulously preserved buildings, from the Gothic Revival Natatorium to the Art Moderne detailing of Borden’s Heap-O-Cream. The district’s architectural heritage is a significant part of its appeal, making it a fascinating stop in the town.
Shopping and Dining Along Sixth Street
As you stroll along Sixth Street, you’ll find a diverse array of shopping opportunities, from antique stores and vintage collectibles to western wear boutiques and Route 66 memorabilia shops. The district’s restaurants offer everything from classic Texas barbecue and steakhouses to international cuisine, making it an excellent place to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, day or night.
Many shops and restaurants maintain late hours, making Sixth Street an excellent evening destination where you can enjoy dinner and nightlife after a day of exploring other Route 66 attractions. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their work in galleries and specialty shops throughout the district, offering unique souvenirs.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Home of the 72-oz Challenge
If you’re looking for a challenge on your Route 66 journey, look no further than the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. This iconic restaurant has been a staple on the historic route since 1960, attracting visitors from all over the world with its famous 72-oz steak challenge. The challenge is simple: consume a massive 72-oz steak in one hour, and your meal is on the house.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch has documented thousands of successful challenge completions, with their winner’s list spanning 39 pages and growing continuously. Many have tried, but not everyone succeeds. The challenge has become a legendary part of Route 66 culture, drawing in competitive eaters and curious travelers alike.
The Famous Steak Challenge: Rules and History
The Big Texan Steak Challenge has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1960. The rules are straightforward: contestants have one hour to devour a 72-oz steak, including the accompanying sides of salad, bread, baked potato, and fries. The challenge is not just about the quantity of food but also about the quality of the dining experience.
Notable Winners and Record Attempts
The current record holder for the Big Texan Steak Challenge is competitive eater Molly Schuyler, who consumed three complete 72-oz steak dinners in just 20 minutes in 2015. Celebrity challengers have included professional athletes, television personalities, and food show hosts, bringing national attention to this Amarillo landmark. The restaurant recorded 11 successful challenges in just the first three months of 2015, showcasing the enduring popularity of this Route 66 tradition.
Cadillac Ranch: An Iconic Roadside Art Installation
Route 66 travelers flock to Cadillac Ranch, where ten Cadillacs are half-buried in the dirt at an angle mirroring the Great Pyramid of Giza. This iconic attraction stands as perhaps the most photographed stop along the Texas portion of Route 66.
Created in 1974 by the art collective Ant Farm, this public art installation has become an interactive experience. You’re encouraged to bring spray paint and add your own colorful contribution to the constantly changing cars, making it a unique stop on your journey.
The installation represents the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin from 1949 to 1963, symbolizing American automotive design during the golden age of Route 66. You’ll find this iconic landmark just west of Amarillo, with the Cadillacs buried nose-first, creating a surreal juxtaposition between the vintage automobiles and the flat Panhandle landscape.
U.S. Route 66, Texas: Driving – Attractions, Landmarks, Fun for Art Lovers
The Texas segment of Route 66 is a visual feast, offering art lovers a unique blend of intentional art installations and spontaneous folk art. As you travel along this iconic road, you’ll encounter numerous artistic attractions that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Many towns along the route feature outdoor art galleries, with Amarillo’s Sixth Street district being a notable example. Here, you can explore galleries showcasing works by local Panhandle artists inspired by the region’s landscape and history. Additionally, you’ll find Route 66-themed public art frequently, including sculptures and painted water towers that add to the road’s charm.
For photography enthusiasts, the dramatic lighting across the Panhandle’s open landscapes creates perfect conditions for capturing the iconic attractions, making it a paradise for art lovers and photographers alike.
Tower Station and U-Drop Inn: Art Deco Masterpiece
The U-Drop Inn, a Conoco tower station, stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco design. This iconic landmark, located in Shamrock, Texas, has been a staple on Route 66 since the 1930s. Its striking architecture, featuring a distinctive tower and ornate details, makes it a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling along this historic route.
The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn has not only become a symbol of Route 66 but has also gained recognition for its architectural significance. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its beauty and take in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
The Pixar Connection: Inspiration for “Cars”
The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn gained renewed fame when Pixar animators used it as direct inspiration for Ramone’s House of Body Art in the 2006 animated film “Cars.” The architectural influence is evident when comparing the real U-Drop Inn to its animated counterpart, with the distinctive tower and Art Deco styling faithfully recreated in the movie.
The Pixar connection has brought a new generation of visitors to this historic Conoco tower station. Inside the nearby visitor center, you’ll find displays acknowledging the Pixar connection, including movie memorabilia and information about how Route 66 landmarks influenced the fictional town of Radiator Springs.
Quirky Roadside Attractions in Groom
Groom, Texas, a hidden gem on Route 66, boasts an array of quirky attractions that are perfect for a quick stop and some memorable photos. As you explore this charming town, you’ll come across unique landmarks that showcase the creativity of Route 66’s roadside attractions.
The 19-Story Cross
One of the notable attractions in Groom is the 19-story cross, a towering structure that stands out on the horizon. This impressive landmark is not only a significant religious symbol but also a striking visual presence on the Texas landscape.
The Leaning Water Tower
Another attraction is the Leaning Water Tower of Groom, which playfully mimics the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The water tower’s nose is tilted toward the ground, creating an optical illusion that makes it appear as though it’s about to topple into the dirt at any moment. Installed at an angle in the 1980s as an advertisement, this tilted tower has become a beloved roadside attraction.
Devil’s Rope Museum: Celebrating Barbed Wire History
Step into the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, Texas, and discover the surprising significance of barbed wire in American history. This quirky museum is dedicated to the history and art of “devil’s rope,” showcasing over 8,000 different types of barbed wire. You’ll explore how this simple invention transformed the American West by enabling property boundaries in a region without natural fencing materials.
The museum, housed in a former bra factory, extends its exhibits beyond barbed wire to include Route 66 memorabilia and local history. Interactive displays demonstrate how barbed wire is made and used, featuring decorative wire art that turns this utilitarian material into creative sculptures.
This off-beat museum embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Route 66, where small towns preserve their unique heritage, creating attractions that give travelers a reason to stop and explore. Visit the Devil’s Rope Museum to experience a piece of American history that is as fascinating as it is unexpected.
Slug Bug Ranch: VW Beetles Half-Buried in the Ground
Discover the quirky charm of Slug Bug Ranch in Conway, Texas, where five Volkswagen Beetles are half-buried in the ground. This roadside attraction is a lesser-known gem that pays homage to Amarillo’s famous Cadillac Ranch. As you explore the site, you’ll find the VW Beetles alongside an abandoned gas station and water tower, creating a perfect photo opportunity.
Like Cadillac Ranch, visitors are encouraged to add their own spray paint contributions to the constantly evolving appearance of the VW Beetles, making each visit unique. The Slug Bug Ranch was created in 2002 by a family who owned a nearby trading post and gas station, aiming to attract Route 66 travelers.
This charming stop offers a more intimate experience than its famous counterpart, with fewer crowds and a more authentic feel that captures the spirit of the quirky, independent attractions that once lined Route 66.
Where to Stay: Historic Motels Along Texas Route 66
For travelers looking for an authentic experience, the historic motels along Texas Route 66 are a must-stay, combining vintage charm with modern comforts. Your road trip along this iconic route isn’t complete without a night at one of these nostalgic hotels.
The Big Texan Motel in Amarillo is a standout, featuring Texas-themed rooms with vintage decor and a Texas-shaped swimming pool. You’ll also find several independently owned motor courts along the route that have been lovingly restored, complete with classic neon signs and period furnishings, reminiscent of a bygone era when stopping at a gas station was a part of the adventure.
Many of these historic properties have fascinating stories, having served travelers through the decades. Advance reservations are recommended, as these authentic accommodations often fill quickly during peak travel seasons.
Best Time to Drive Route 66 Through Texas
As you plan your road trip along Route66 in Texas, consider the best times to visit for an optimal experience. The ideal times for your journey are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), when temperatures are moderate.
Summer travelers should be prepared for intense heat, while winters can bring occasional snow and ice storms to the Panhandle. Consider timing your trip to coincide with local festivals and events.
| Season | Weather | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Moderate temperatures | Local festivals |
| Summer | Intense heat | Longest days for exploring |
| Fall (September-October) | Mild temperatures | Classic car shows |
| Winter | Occasional snow and ice | Fewer crowds |
Plan to visit key outdoor attractions like Cadillac Ranch during the day, and save night for experiencing the historic neon signs and photography stops.
Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy of Route 66 in Texas
The preservation of Route 66 through Texas is a testament to the power of community and heritage.
The successful collaboration between local communities, historical societies, and the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program has ensured the Mother Road‘s legacy.
As you traveled along this iconic highway, you witnessed numerous historic buildings being repurposed, from vintage gas stations turned into museums to classic diners still serving American cuisine.
The economic impact of Route 66 tourism has revitalized many small Panhandle communities, saving them from fading away after being bypassed by Interstate 40.
Organizations like the Texas Old Route 66 Association continue to work tirelessly to document, preserve, and promote the highway’s history. Your journey along this corridor supports the businesses and attractions that keep the spirit of Route 66 alive for future travelers, much like the barbed wire that once symbolized the American West.
