Route 66 is a legendary highway that spans across the United States, and the stretch in Texas is full of sights and sounds you won’t want to miss. From Shamrock to Glenrio, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do along the way. Let’s take a look at some of the best stops on your journey down Route 66 in Texas!
Route 66 Travel in Texas
How to Experience Route 66 in Texas provides a journey through wide-open spaces, classic Americana, and a rich slice of mid-20th-century history. Though Texas claims only about 180 miles of the Mother Road, the stretch is packed with iconic sights and experiences. Starting from the east, travelers pass through Shamrock, home to the beautifully restored art deco U-Drop Inn Café and Tower Station, one of Route 66’s most photographed landmarks. Continuing west, small towns like McLean, Groom, and Conway offer a glimpse into a bygone era with vintage gas stations, abandoned motels, and quirky roadside attractions, like the leaning water tower of Groom and the whimsical Bug Ranch in Conway.
The highlight for many is Amarillo, the largest city on Texas’s Route 66 segment. Amarillo features the famous Cadillac Ranch, an open field where a row of half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs invites visitors to leave their own mark with spray paint. Historic Sixth Street in Amarillo also preserves a vibrant stretch of Route 66 with antique shops, restaurants, and retro architecture. Beyond Amarillo, the road drifts through the flat, open plains toward the New Mexico border, offering stunning sunsets and the wide Texas sky as a fitting backdrop for a classic American road trip. Whether stopping at classic diners or marveling at nostalgic roadside art, Texas’s piece of Route 66 is unforgettable for anyone chasing the spirit of the open road.
About Texas
State Facts
Some interesting and useful facts about Texas.
- Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845.
- Austin is the state capital, while Houston is the largest city in Texas.
- Texas is the second-largest state in both area and population in the U.S. — only Alaska is larger.
- The Lone Star State is Texas’ nickname, symbolizing its independent history when it was once its own republic (1836–1845).
- Texas is known for its vast, diverse landscapes, from deserts and mountains in the west to lush forests in the east and coastal beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
- The state flag has one star, which represents Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico.
- San Antonio’s Alamo is one of the most iconic historical sites in the U.S., famous for the 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution.
- The Texas Longhorn, a breed of cattle with distinctive horns, is the official state animal of Texas.
- Dallas is a major cultural and business hub, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is the largest urban area in Texas.
- Texas has the largest number of wind turbines in the United States, making it a leader in wind energy production.
- The state is known for its BBQ, with brisket being one of the most popular dishes, especially in central Texas.
- The Texas Rangers, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the U.S., were founded in 1835 and have a legendary reputation.
- The state is a major oil producer, and the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked the beginning of Texas’ oil boom.
- Texas has its own power grid — the only state with an independent electric grid that’s not connected to the rest of the country.
- Texas has a rich cowboy and Western heritage, with rodeos being an important part of the state’s culture and traditions.
The History of Route 66 in Texas
When U.S. Route 66 was officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, it was designed to connect Chicago to Los Angeles across eight states, and Texas proudly hosted a critical 178-mile stretch of this famed “Mother Road.” Passing entirely through the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 carved a path through flat plains, small towns, and vibrant communities, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s culture, economy, and identity.
Early Years: A New Economic Artery
Texas’s section of Route 66 began at the Oklahoma border east of Shamrock and extended westward to the New Mexico border near Glenrio. Initially, the road was a mixture of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces. In the early 1930s, federal programs during the Great Depression pushed to improve and fully pave the road, greatly enhancing its importance for local travel, commerce, and cross-country migration.
In Texas, Route 66 brought vital new opportunities for isolated communities. Farmers, ranchers, and small business owners benefitted from increased access to broader markets. Motels, diners, gas stations, and auto shops sprang up rapidly along the route to serve the ever-growing flow of travelers. Amarillo, the largest city along the Texas stretch, became a major hub, offering numerous services and attractions for motorists.
The Dust Bowl and Migration
The Texas Panhandle was severely affected by the Dust Bowl during the 1930s, a period of severe dust storms that devastated agricultural communities. Route 66 served as an escape route for many families fleeing the ruined farmlands of Texas and Oklahoma for what they hoped were greener pastures in California. This migration was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath, which called Route 66 “the Mother Road” — a title that stuck.
For many Texans, Route 66 symbolized hope and survival during one of the harshest periods in American history.
Post-War Boom: The Golden Age of Route 66
After World War II, Americans hit the road in record numbers. The prosperity of the post-war era made automobile travel more accessible, and Route 66 became a major artery for leisure travelers heading west to enjoy vacations and new opportunities.
In Texas, colorful motels, neon signs, cafes, and roadside attractions flourished to cater to the booming tourist trade. Amarillo saw the rise of iconic landmarks like the Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. Towns like Shamrock promoted their art deco service stations, such as the famed U-Drop Inn, which became a classic symbol of Route 66 architecture.
The road through the Panhandle also became home to whimsical and larger-than-life attractions meant to lure passing motorists. One of the most famous is Cadillac Ranch, established in 1974 (even after Route 66 was decommissioned), where a row of half-buried, brightly painted Cadillacs became a public art installation and pop culture icon.
The Decline: Interstate 40 Takes Over
The beginning of the end for Route 66 came with the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which funded the construction of the Interstate Highway System. In Texas, Interstate 40 was built parallel to, and often directly over, the old Route 66 alignment.
As sections of I-40 opened, businesses dependent on Route 66 traffic suffered, and many towns entered periods of economic decline. By 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. Highway.
Preservation and Legacy
Despite its decommissioning, Route 66 never truly died in Texas. In the decades that followed, historic preservationists, nostalgia seekers, and travelers worked to keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive.
Restoration efforts have saved many landmarks, such as the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, which now serves as a visitor center and museum. Route 66 Historic District in downtown Amarillo preserves old storefronts and neon-lit facades from the highway’s heyday. Towns like Adrian, Texas, proudly celebrate their spot as the “geographical midpoint” of Route 66, halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Today, driving the Texas section of historic Route 66 is a journey into Americana. Travelers encounter vintage service stations, mid-century motels, quirky museums, and wide-open Texas skies — all reminders of an era when the road itself was a destination.
Geography on Route 66 in Texas
In Texas, Route 66 crosses the state’s narrow panhandle region, stretching about 180 miles from the Oklahoma border to New Mexico. The geography here is characterized by wide-open prairies, flat grasslands, and gently rolling plains, offering travelers expansive views of the big Texas sky. The route passes through small towns and rural farmland, with notable features like the Llano Estacado — a vast, elevated plateau — and occasional mesas and canyon breaks, such as the striking Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo. This rugged and open landscape captures the spirit of the American West, with its sweeping horizons and dramatic sunsets.
Climate Along Route 66 in Texas
Traveling along Route 66 in Texas offers a diverse climate experience, influenced by the state’s expansive geography and varying elevations. The route traverses the Texas Panhandle, characterized by a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures often exceed 90°F (32°C), with occasional heatwaves pushing them above 100°F (38°C). Winters are generally mild, though cold fronts can bring brief periods of freezing temperatures.
Spring and fall are considered the most favorable seasons for travel, offering moderate temperatures and lower humidity. However, travelers should be aware that these seasons also coincide with severe weather events, including thunderstorms and the potential for tornadoes, particularly in the spring months. It’s advisable to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions when planning a trip along Route 66 in Texas.
Where to Stay in Texas
Lodging in Kansas by city.
Towns Located on Route 66 in Texas
List of Route 66 Towns in Texas from east to west
- Texarkana
- New Boston
- Hooks
- Atlanta
- Mt. Pleasant
- Gladewater
- Tyler
- Longview
- Dallas
- Amarillo
Towns Located on Route 66 in Texas
A List of Route 66 Attractions in Texas
- Amarillo – Cadillac Ranch
A famous roadside art installation featuring 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground, representing the evolution of the iconic American car. - Amarillo – The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Known for its massive 72-ounce steak challenge, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a must-visit classic Route 66 restaurant and hotel. - Amarillo – Route 66 Historic District
This district in Amarillo offers a nostalgic stroll through Route 66’s past, featuring old motels, diners, and shops that maintain the spirit of the highway. - Adrian – The Midpoint Café
Located in Adrian, this café marks the midpoint of Route 66 (1,139 miles from both Chicago and Santa Monica), offering classic diner fare and Route 66 memorabilia. - Alanreed – The Leaning Water Tower
A quirky roadside attraction, the Leaning Water Tower in Alanreed is a tilted water tower that has become an iconic part of Texas Route 66. - McLean – The Devil’s Rope Museum
Located in McLean, this museum showcases the history of barbed wire, an important invention in the development of the American West and Route 66’s past. - McLean – The Route 66 Mural
A vibrant mural in McLean commemorates the historic significance of Route 66 with scenes depicting the highway’s heyday and its impact on local communities. - Shamrock – U-Drop Inn Café
This restored 1930s gas station and café, now a Route 66 museum, is an architectural gem and a popular stop for Route 66 enthusiasts. - Shamrock – The Conoco Tower Station
A historic Conoco station that has been beautifully restored, featuring original neon signs and serving as a reminder of Route 66’s Golden Age. - Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Just off Route 66, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the U.S. and offers stunning views, hiking, and a look into the natural history of the Texas Panhandle. - Lubbock – The Buddy Holly Center
While slightly off Route 66, The Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock is dedicated to the life and legacy of the rock-and-roll legend who was born here. It’s an essential stop for music fans traveling Route 66. - Amarillo – The Historic Route 66 Motel
This historic motel offers vintage charm and serves as a reminder of the golden days of Route 66 motels, providing travelers a nostalgic experience. - Panhandle – The Texas Route 66 Museum
A must-visit stop, this museum in Panhandle showcases memorabilia, photographs, and historical displays about the Texas portion of Route 66. - Texola – The Texola Ghost Town
Located near the Oklahoma border, Texola is an abandoned town with remnants of its Route 66 past, offering a glimpse into the history of the highway and the communities that once thrived along it.
Texas’s stretch of Route 66 is rich with history and quirky attractions, making it a unique part of the “Main Street of America” experience. From historic diners and motels to fascinating roadside sculptures and museums, there’s plenty to explore along this iconic stretch of highway.
Route 66 Attractions (Texas) on the National Register:
Route 66 attractions in Texas that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP):
- Magnolia Gas Station (Shamrock, TX)
- Built: 1929
- Notable for its restored early 20th-century gas station architecture.
- U-Drop Inn (Shamrock, TX)
- Built: 1936
- Art Deco-style gas station and café, a Route 66 icon.
- First Presbyterian Church of Shamrock (Shamrock, TX)
- Built: 1917
- Though religious, it’s tied to Shamrock’s prominence during Route 66’s heyday.
- Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café (Shamrock, TX)
- (Sometimes listed separately from the U-Drop Inn)
- An outstanding Art Deco landmark.
- Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café (Shamrock, TX)
- (Alternate official NRHP listing name for the U-Drop complex.)
- (Alternate official NRHP listing name for the U-Drop complex.)
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park (near Amarillo, TX)
- While not directly “on” Route 66, the park is nearby and historically linked to the travel boom associated with Route 66.
- While not directly “on” Route 66, the park is nearby and historically linked to the travel boom associated with Route 66.
- Vega Motel (Vega, TX)
- Built: 1947
- A classic 1940s motel that served Route 66 travelers.
- Magnolia Station (Vega, TX)
- Another historic filling station serving early motorists.
- Another historic filling station serving early motorists.
- Midpoint Café (Adrian, TX)
- Built: 1928
- Recognized as the “midpoint” of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica.
- Rock Island-Swastika Building (Vega, TX)
- A historic commercial building in Vega tied to Route 66 development.
- A historic commercial building in Vega tied to Route 66 development.
- Amarillo Route 66 Historic District (Amarillo, TX)
- A historic area along Sixth Street filled with vintage buildings, restaurants, and shops catering to Route 66 travelers.
- A historic area along Sixth Street filled with vintage buildings, restaurants, and shops catering to Route 66 travelers.
- Oldham County Courthouse (Vega, TX)
- Constructed: 1915
- A county courthouse closely associated with the Route 66 era.
- Bus Station and Café (Alanreed, TX)
- Historic service area for travelers, including a bus stop on the Mother Road.
Notes:
- Some properties (like the U-Drop Inn) may appear under slightly different names on the NRHP.
- Several historic bridges along the Texas stretch of Route 66 are also NRHP-listed individually.
Other Sites: Hotels, Districts, and More
Classic Route 66 Motels
Still-Operating Vintage Motels
- Blue Swallow Motel
- Address: 815 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401
- Notes: Oops! That’s actually in New Mexico! 😅
In Texas, here’s the correct list:
- Midpoint Café and Motel (Now Retro Motel)
- Address: 305 W Historic Route 66, Adrian, TX 79001
- Notes: Tiny motel behind the famous Midpoint Café. Has been updated, but still captures that 1940s-50s Route 66 spirit.
- Route 66 Inn
- Address: 2806 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79107
- Notes: A classic 1940s motor court style motel, updated but maintains vintage touches. Affordable and popular with road-trippers.
- Cactus Inn
- Address: 101 Pine St, McLean, TX 79057
- Notes: Classic mid-century motor court. Neon signs and 1950s vibe alive and well here. A real gem for Route 66 travelers.
- Big Texan Motel
- Address: 7701 I-40 East Access Rd, Amarillo, TX 79118
- Notes: Though more of a touristy stop now, it’s built in classic western Route 66 style and next to the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Abandoned but Photogenic or Historic Vintage Motels
- Ranch House Motel (Abandoned)
- Address: 2501 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79107
- Notes: Faded and decaying but very atmospheric. Vintage sign still standing — classic mid-century Americana look.
- Western Motel (Abandoned)
- Address: 3827 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79107
- Notes: Another crumbling yet beautiful abandoned motel. Neon sign remains a fantastic photography subject.
- Sun ‘n’ Sand Motel (Abandoned)
- Address: 415 Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
- Notes: Oops — also New Mexico!
In Texas, the equivalent vibe comes from places in Amarillo.
- Longhorn Motel (Mostly Abandoned)
- Address: 512 E 12th St, Shamrock, TX 79079
- Notes: Located near the U-Drop Inn. Some parts closed and crumbling, others preserved. Cool old sign and layout.
- Whiting Brothers Motel (Ruins)
- Address: Near 113 W 12th St, Shamrock, TX 79079
- Notes: Very little left but visible ruins of the famous Whiting Brothers chain. Fantastic for moody roadside photography.
- Western Motel (McLean) (Ruins)
- Address: 401 W 1st St, McLean, TX 79057
- Notes: Small town, classic ruins of a tourist motel — fading but extremely photogenic.
Notable Signs and Ghost Motels
- Golden Spread Motel (Partial Ruins)
- Address: 2201 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79107
- Notes: Another weathered Amarillo relic; classic vintage sign, lots of texture for photographers.
Summary Highlights
- Best still-operating vintage stays: Cactus Inn (McLean) and Route 66 Inn (Amarillo)
- Best abandoned photo stops: Ranch House Motel and Western Motel (both in Amarillo)
👉 Travel Tip:
Amarillo’s East Amarillo Boulevard (old Route 66) is packed with abandoned motels, neon signs, and ghostly gas stations — perfect for a full afternoon photo tour!
Classic Service Stations
- Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café (Restored)
- Address: 1242 N Main St, Shamrock, TX 79079
- Stunning 1936 Conoco gas station with art deco design; beautifully restored and now a museum and visitor center.
- Magnolia Gas Station (Restored)
- Address: 105 S Main St, Shamrock, TX 79079
- A small 1929 Magnolia Petroleum station recently restored with vintage gas pumps for display.
- Phillips 66 Gas Station (Restored)
- Address: 1623 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, TX 79029
- Classic cottage-style Phillips 66 station; though it’s in Dumas (just off the traditional Route 66), it’s often included in Route 66 tours.
- Bent Door Café and Gas Station (Restoration Ongoing)
- Address: 12200 US-66, Adrian, TX 79001
- Named for its bent doors salvaged from WWII planes; this was a classic 1947 gas station and diner being carefully restored.
- Magnolia Station Ruins (Historic)
- Address: Route 66, McLean, TX 79057
- Ruins of an early Magnolia gas station; the old pump islands and building outline remain.
- Leaning Tower of Texas Gas Station (Photo Stop Only)
- Address: 1289 Interstate 40 Frontage Rd, Groom, TX 79039
- Though better known for the leaning water tower, the nearby remains of an old gas station make a great classic photo spot.
- Bug Ranch Service Station (Art Installation)
- Address: 9999 I-40 Frontage Rd, Conway, TX 79068
- Next to the Bug Ranch (Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-first); an abandoned old gas station shell stands as part of the display.
- Cactus Inn Phillips 66 Station (Repurposed)
- Address: 101 1st St, McLean, TX 79057
- Former service station turned part of the historic Cactus Inn Motel property.
- Conoco Gas Station (Ruins)
- Address: Old Route 66, Vega, TX 79092
- Faded ruins of a Conoco gas station along the original Route 66 alignment through town.
- Western Motel Gas Station (Historic Site)
- Address: 9305 Amarillo Blvd E, Amarillo, TX 79108
- An old gas station that serviced the motel’s guests back in the heyday of Route 66 travel.
Notes:
- Shamrock, McLean, and Adrian have the most restored and photogenic stops.
- Amarillo also features several old service stations (some restored, some abandoned).
- Some spots, like Bug Ranch and Bent Door, blend vintage history with quirky Route 66 roadside art.
Historic Theaters & Drive-In Theaters
Historic theaters and drive-ins along Route 66 in Texas — mainly focused around the towns Route 66 passes through in the Texas Panhandle:
Historic Theaters
- Paramount Theatre
- Location: Amarillo, TX
- Note: Built in 1932. Though no longer operating as a movie theater, the building’s art deco architecture remains iconic. It’s now part of Paramount Place event center.
- The Ritz Theatre
- Location: Amarillo, TX
- Note: Opened in 1928; the Ritz was a mainstay for decades and has been restored for various events and performances.
- Gem Theatre (ruins)
- Location: Shamrock, TX
- Note: Once a key entertainment spot during the 1930s-40s. Only parts of the original facade and structure remain today.
- Midway Theater (ruins)
- Location: Groom, TX
- Note: Another small-town Route 66 theater that saw its heyday in the mid-20th century. The building is now mostly a relic.
Drive-In Theaters
- Tascosa Drive-In Theatre
- Location: Amarillo, TX (1999 Dumas Drive)
- Note: Still operational! A classic single-screen drive-in offering first-run movies and a nostalgic experience. It’s a popular stop for Route 66 travelers.
- Sandell Drive-In
- Location: Clarendon, TX (located just off the old Route 66 alignment)
- Note: Built in 1955, closed for a while, and then restored. It still operates seasonally and offers double features in a beautifully preserved setting.
Special Mention
- U-Drop Inn and Tower Station
- Location: Shamrock, TX
- Note: Not a theater, but this iconic Art Deco building often hosted community events, some featuring film screenings in the 1930s and 1940s. Now it’s a visitor center and museum.
Vintage Bridges on Route 66 in Texas:
Vintage bridges you can find along Route 66 in Texas, many of which date back to the highway’s early days:
- Rock Island Railroad Overpass
- Location: Near Shamrock, TX
- Built: 1931
- Notes: A steel girder bridge carrying the Rock Island Railroad over Route 66.
- Truss Bridge over the Salt Fork of the Red River
- Location: Near McLean, TX
- Built: 1928
- Notes: A classic Parker pony truss bridge used by early Route 66 travelers; bypassed by later alignments.
- Groom Overpass (Concrete Overpass)
- Location: Groom, TX
- Built: 1930s
- Notes: Carries local traffic over the railroad; part of historic Route 66 alignments.
- Bush Creek Bridge
- Location: Near Alanreed, TX
- Built: Circa 1930
- Notes: Small concrete bridge still visible on an old Route 66 alignment.
- McClellan Creek Bridge
- Location: Near Alanreed, TX
- Built: 1928
- Notes: Early concrete bridge on the 1926 alignment of Route 66.
- FM 2162 Route 66 Bridge (Parker Pony Truss)
- Location: Near Jericho, TX
- Built: 1928
- Notes: Historic bridge used by early Route 66 traffic heading west across the prairie.
- Amarillo Boulevard Bridges (Over Railroad Tracks)
- Location: Amarillo, TX
- Built: 1930s
- Notes: Several bridges carry Amarillo Boulevard (historic Route 66) over rail lines and local streets.
- San Jacinto Boulevard Bridge
- Location: Amarillo, TX
- Built: 1930s
- Notes: Historic bridge structure used during the period when Amarillo expanded along Route 66.
- Old Route 66 Bridge over Tierra Blanca Creek
- Location: Near Vega, TX
- Built: 1930s
- Notes: Concrete slab bridge on an older alignment west of Amarillo.
- Adrian Bridge (Concrete Bridge on Business 40 / Old 66)
- Location: Adrian, TX
- Built: 1930s
- Notes: Still used today on the old business loop through town; classic Route 66 design.
Most of these bridges were constructed between the late 1920s and 1940s, reflecting typical early 20th-century bridge-building techniques, including Parker pony truss designs, steel girder bridges, and concrete slab bridges.
Trading Posts, Cafes, Shops, and Stores
Shamrock
Visit the historic Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe for a bite to eat and explore its iconic Art Deco architecture. Inside you’ll fine a cafe that is now open for lunch and ice cream as well as a museum and visitor’s center where you can learn more about the history of this iconic building.
Other sites to see in Shamrock include the Western Motel, across the street from the U-Drop Inn, the Pioneer West Museum, a 1934 restored Magnolia Service Station, and more.
Mclean
Check out one of oldest buildings on Route 66, The Devil’s Rope Museum. It’s full of interesting artifacts from barbed wire’s early American history, perfect for any history buff. You’ll also find a restored Phillips 66 Service Station, an old city hall building, several former 1950s service stations, and old motels.
Alanreed
See the Alanreed Cemetery, an old Magnolia Gas Station and Cafe ruins, Kiser’s 66 Super service station, which was build in 1939, and the oldest Baptist Church on Route 66 in Texas, built in 1904.
Groom
Head over to Groom’s Cross which is said to be one of the world’s largest crosses located right off Route 66 in Groom. This towering cross stands tall at 190 feet high! Also near Groom is the famous Britton Learning Tower, the Ranch House Cafe and the L.A. Motel.
Adrian
Make sure you get some great photos at Historic Midpoint Cafe, as it is an original stop along Route 66 with a classic sign that reads “1/2 way between Chicago and Los Angeles”. Adrian is the midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica and they want you to know it.
Don’t forget Adrian’s “The Big Texan Steak Ranch”. You can find delicious food here as well as see some quirky attractions like Outhouse Races!
Conway
Conway was established in 1905. The remnants of an old Phillips 66 Gas Station sit on a corner just north of town. There is also the old Conroy School, a couple of abandoned motels and the former Longhorn Trading Post and Bug Ranch.
Amarillo
The Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak House are just two of many sites to see in Amarillo. Be sure to stop by Historic Sixth Street in Amarillo for unique shops and eateries or don’t forget to check out the Big Texan Steak House and see if you can eat one of their 72 ounce steaks in less than an hour. There are several old service stations and motels including the Triangle Motel and the Cowboy Motel with a very cool cowboy sign overhead.
Vega
Adrian
Make sure you get some great photos at Historic Midpoint Cafe, as it is an original stop along Route 66 with a classic sign that reads “1/2 way between Chicago and Los Angeles”. Adrian is the midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica and they want you to know it.
Glenrio
Finally, don’t forget Glenrio which is home to some interesting ruins like abandoned motels and service stations that were once booming businesses during its time as part of route 66! It’s sits on both sides of the Texas and New Mexico state line. It’s also in two time zones.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to experience what life was like back in the day when people traveled on route 66, there are plenty of places to see and things to do along this iconic highway in Texas! From Shamrock all the way down to Glenrio, travelers can explore everything from roadside attractions and museums to parks and historical sites, ghost towns, and more—all while getting a taste of what life was like before interstates took over. So grab your friends or family and hop on route 66 for an unforgettable journey through Texas’ fascinating past!
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