Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is an iconic stretch of American highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. The section that passes through the Lone Star State offers plenty for roadtrippers to see and do. From quirky roadside attractions to fascinating glimpses into Texas history, Route 66 delivers an unforgettable experience.
Of all the sights along the way, the historic monuments stand out as highlights. These structures and landmarks offer a window into the past, showcasing Texan heritage and the development of the famous route. Here are the top 5 historic monuments along Route 66 in Texas that you won’t want to miss.
The MidPoint Café in Adrian
Sitting right on the border of Texas and New Mexico, the MidPoint Café marks the halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles on Route 66. This iconic eatery first opened its doors in 1928 and soon became a popular stop for weary travelers. The café retains its vintage character today, complete with a neon sign and nostalgic décor.
While you’re there, be sure to snap a photo next to the “MidPoint” signs that straddle the state border. The MidPoint Café is the quintessential Route 66 pitstop and captures an important milestone along the Mother Road’s path through Texas.
The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock
As you cruise west into the Texas panhandle, the tiny town of Shamrock offers a big slice of Route 66 history. The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café complex stands as a prime example of 1930s art deco architecture along the route.
Built in 1936, the two structures feature the bold lines and geometric styling that defined the era. The condemned Tower Station now sits empty, while the U-Drop Inn underwent restoration and still serves up food and nostalgia. Both buildings exemplify Route 66’s early service stations and eateries.
The Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean
Texas played a pivotal role in the advent of barbed wire fencing in the late 1800s. The Devil’s Rope Museum in the town of McLean pays homage to this history along Route 66. Visitors can explore barbed wire exhibits and learn how the invention impacted cattle ranching on the Texas prairies.
The museum building itself also dates back to Route 66’s heyday, constructed in 1901. For an intriguing look at early pioneer life and the changes brought by barbed wire, this monument provides a perfect stop.
The Leaning Water Tower in Groom
You can’t miss the leaning water tower greeting Route 66 travelers in Groom. Painted to resemble a gigantic baseball, this off-kilter structure immediately catches the eye. Constructed in 1928, the tower began noticeably tilting decades ago but remains standing.
While the leaning water tower started out as an ordinary municipal structure, it has transformed into a roadside attraction that exemplifies the quirky personality of Route 66. Photos in front of the tilted tower have become a must for roadtrippers passing through Groom.
The 6th Street Historic District in Amarillo
As Route 66 cuts across the Texas panhandle, Amarillo stands out as a prominent city along the route. The 6th Street Historic District in particular encapsulates Amarillo’s place in Route 66 history. This downtown area contains a high concentration of buildings from the route’s early days.
Wandering 6th Street, you’ll see Amarillo’s vintage 1927 Herring Hotel, art deco storefronts, and the famous Nat Ballroom which hosted live bands who toured along Route 66. For a stretch of authentic old Amarillo, the 6th Street district delivers a meaningful glimpse into the past.
Bring Along a Sense of Adventure
From iconic diners to offbeat museums, the historic monuments along Route 66 in Texas offer travelers a treasure trove of sights. As you cruise the Mother Road, keep your sense of adventure handy. Vintage filling stations, curious attractions, and sites steeped in nostalgia all wait to be discovered.
Each monument represents a unique piece of the route’s legacy. At the MidPoint Café, imagine weary motorists decades ago stopping for a bite on their cross-country trek. In McLean, picture open prairies newly fenced by barbed wire. And see Amarillo through the eyes of early tour groups who danced the night away at the Nat Ballroom.
Part of what makes a Route 66 roadtrip special are experiences that transport you back in time. The historic monuments in Texas lend themselves perfectly to this feeling of time travel along one of America’s most storied highways. For an unforgettable journey, always make time to stop at the vintage icons and landmarks bearing witness to the past.
Planning Your Texas Route 66 Roadtrip
Now that you know the top historic monuments to visit, here are some tips for planning your Route 66 roadtrip through the Lone Star State:
- Travel from east to west – Since Route 66 runs west from Chicago to LA, tracing the Texas section in this direction offers the classic roadtrip experience.
- Allow 4-5 days – Depending on your pace, plan at least 4-5 days to drive all of Route 66 across Texas and see the top sites.
- Check opening hours – Some Route 66 businesses and attractions may have limited hours, especially in the offseason. Verify openings before your trip.
- Book accommodations ahead – You’ll find an array of classic motels along the route, many dating back to the Route 66 glory days. Reserve rooms early, especially in summer.
- Watch for detours – Parts of old Route 66 are closed or bypassed. Have detour directions handy to reconnect with the route.
- Stop at visitor centers – Texas has Route 66 visitor centers in Shamrock, McLean, Amarillo, and more where you can grab maps and tips.
Key Takeaways From the Mother Road in Texas
A drive along Route 66 through Texas offers beautiful landscapes, nostalgic vibes, and fascinating history. Keep these key insights in mind to make the most of the journey:
- Soak up the vintage charm – Relish all the old-school cafes, neon signs, and retro architecture that transport you back in time.
- Experience the local flavors – Try the chicken fried steak, barbeque, big Tex-Mex plates, and other Lone Star State specialties.
- Learn the history – Use Route 66 to discover more about Texas pioneers, the Dust Bowl, and more pivotal historical events.
- ** Revel in the open road** – Take things slow and let the wide open Texas spaces work their magic.
- Have fun – Travelers through the decades have explored Route 66 in search of adventure. Embrace the same spirit of discovery!
As the song goes, “get your kicks on Route 66.” For an unforgettable bucket-list trip, drive Texas and discover the historic monuments and magic that make this stretch of the Mother Road so special. From its charming diners to its windswept plains, you’ll find beauty, nostalgia, and fun along the way.
