Welcome to the Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a giant concrete teepee while traveling Route 66, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, makes that dream a nostalgic reality. This landmark along America’s Mother Road offers travelers a rare chance to step back into mid-century roadside America, with neon signs glowing at dusk and vintage cars parked in front of the teepees, making for a quintessential Route 66 photo opportunity.
The History of the Wigwam Motel on Route 66
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is part of a unique chain of motels designed to capture the imagination of travelers during the 1930s-1950s, when Americans were taking to the roads in record numbers. The Holbrook location, built in 1950 by Chester E. Lewis, became the sixth of seven Wigwam Villages constructed across the United States.
Chester Lewis purchased the rights to the distinctive “Wigwam Village” design from Frank Redford, who patented the teepee-shaped structures. He offered franchisees the plans and use of the “Wigwam Village” name in exchange for a portion of their profits from coin-operated radios placed in each room.
Route 66 travelers quickly recognized the Wigwam Motel as a landmark stop during the height of cross-country travel, providing an affordable, memorable overnight stay that fit perfectly with the spirit of adventure and the unique attractions found along the Mother Road.
During the 1970s, after Interstate 40 bypassed much of Route 66, the Wigwam Motel fell into decline, as did many classic roadside businesses. However, in the 1980s, the Lewis family restored and reopened the motel, bringing back its vintage neon glow and restoring its place as a Route 66 icon. The Wigwam Motel’s enduring presence is a testament to the resilience of Route 66 businesses and the nostalgia that keeps travelers returning to the Mother Road.
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook opened in 1950, part of a small chain of “Wigwam Villages” created by Frank Redford, who patented the teepee-shaped design to attract motorists. Originally, seven Wigwam Villages were built across the United States, but only three remain today, with Holbrook’s being one of the most famous due to its prime location on Route 66.
In 2002, the Wigwam Motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, further solidifying its place as one of the most iconic structures on Route 66.
What It’s Like Today at the Wigwam Motel
Today, The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook continues to welcome travelers from around the world. It offerr 15 individual concrete teepee rooms arranged in a semicircle around vintage classic cars and desert landscaping. Each “wigwam” is equipped with comfortable beds, retro furnishings, and modern amenities, while maintaining a classic roadside motel atmosphere.
The neon “Sleep in a Wigwam” sign lights up the Arizona sky each evening, creating a perfect photo opportunity for Route 66 travelers. The property also features a small gift shop and a lobby filled with Route 66 memorabilia, preserving the spirit of mid-century travel.
Guests often park their cars next to vintage vehicles strategically placed outside the wigwams, giving the impression of stepping back into the 1950s. The location also makes it an ideal base for exploring Holbrook’s classic Route 66 downtown, Petrified Forest National Park, and nearby attractions like the Rainbow Rock Shop dinosaurs.
The Wigwam Motel offers not just a night’s stay but a chance to experience the nostalgia of Route 66 firsthand in one of the road’s most iconic motels.
Tips for Visiting the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
- Book Early: This is a popular Route 66 stop, especially in spring and fall, so booking your wigwam in advance is highly recommended.
- Take Photos at Sunset: The neon sign and vintage cars under the Arizona sunset provide classic Route 66 photo opportunities.
- Prepare for Basic Amenities: While comfortable, the wigwams are designed for a retro experience, so expect small bathrooms and vintage-style furnishings.
- Visit Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss the Petrified Forest National Park, just 30 minutes away, and other Route 66 photo stops in Holbrook.
- Check the Weather: Summers can be hot and winters chilly; pack accordingly for your overnight stay.
- Support Local Businesses: Enjoy a meal at a local diner on Route 66 to complete your nostalgic experience.
Final Thoughts on the Wigwam Motel
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that immerses you in the nostalgia of Route 66’s golden age. Whether you are traveling the entire route or simply seeking a unique Arizona stop, a night at the Wigwam Motel will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the creativity and charm of mid-century roadside America.
Sleeping in a concrete teepee on Route 66 is a bucket-list experience for any road tripper. At the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, you don’t just drive through history—you get to sleep in it.
Why It Remains a Must-Visit on Route 66
- Historic Value: A true Route 66 original that captures the spirit of classic American road trips.
- Unique Stay: Sleep in a concrete teepee, complete with vintage decor.
- Photo Opportunities: Neon signs, vintage cars, and desert sunsets make it a photographer’s dream.
- Connection to Route 66: An emblematic stop for travelers tracing the historic route across Arizona.
If you’re traveling Route 66 through Arizona, a stay at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook offers more than lodging—it provides a chance to immerse yourself in the living history of America’s most iconic highway.
