Historic Route 66 Across Texas: Sites to See and Things to Eat
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Road trips and Texas are, for me, very much intertwined. The sheer size of Texas alone allows for seemingly endless stretches of back roads, dirt trails, and a whole lot of historic routes like the Texas route along Route 66. Venturing on a road trip across Route 66 in Texas - dubbed the Mother Road - is like taking a journey back in time. From quirky roadside attractions to classic art deco architecture, this stretch of the highway is not only the midway point of Route 66, but it's also the Lone Star State's tribute to the golden era of the open road.
Journey Back in Time: A Deeper Dive into the History of Route 66 in Texas
The origin of Route 66, popularly known as the Mother Road or Will Rogers Highway, dates back to 1926. The brainchild of Cyrus Avery and John Woodruff, it was intended to be America's first all-weather highway, linking small towns and rural communities from Chicago to Santa Monica, thereby providing them easier access to the broader American economy.
Texas' slice of the highway, Texas Route 66, cuts a diagonal path across the Texas Panhandle and covers about 178 miles, connecting the old west charm of Oklahoma with the southwestern flavor of New Mexico.
This historic route ushered in a wave of economic opportunities for the Texas Panhandle communities as the surge of road trippers led to the growth of numerous service stations, motels, and restaurants.
The iconic route through Texas offered travelers a rich blend of the old west charm and modern conveniences.
The highway and interstate system witnessed the rise of Magnolia service stations, famous roadside attractions like the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the Cadillac Ranch, and quirky establishments like the Bent Door Cafe and the U Drop Inn.
During World War II, Route 66 served a vital role in the nation's war efforts, transporting troops and equipment across the country.
Post-war, the highway became a popular route for vacationing families heading west. Small towns along the route flourished, with local businesses catering to the needs of the travelers, offering them food, fuel, and rest.
However, with the advent of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, Route 66 saw a decline as faster, more direct routes were established. Despite this, Texas held onto the charm of its portion of this historic highway.
Communities along Texas Route 66 worked to preserve and restore many of the highway systems original buildings, service stations, and attractions.
Historic places such as the Devil's Rope Museum and the Magnolia Gas Station still stand as proud reminders of the highway's golden age. Dot's Mini Museum in Vega offers visitors a chance to see an eclectic collection of Route 66 memorabilia.
In recent years, the nostalgia of the open road has brought a resurgence in Route 66's popularity. It was officially designated as a historic route, and is today an integral part of the National Register of Historic Places.
As you journey along the historic route itself, the old Magnolia service stations, the leaning water tower, the Cadillac Ranch, and the midpoint sign at Adrian, all serve as vivid reminders of a bygone era. The legacy of Route 66 lives on, beckoning travelers to experience a piece of classic Americana.
Gearing Up for Your Texas Route 66 Adventure
Embarking on a road trip along Texas Route 66 is no ordinary journey—it's a step back in time, a dive into history, and a cultural adventure all rolled into one. As such, it requires some careful planning especially if you have kids in-tow. This is why adequate preparation is very much needed to ensure that you can fully enjoy the unique experiences the Mother Road has to offer.
Vehicle Check
First and foremost, make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Given that some parts of the route pass through relatively remote areas, you'll want to be sure that your car is up to the task. Have your mechanic do a thorough check-up, especially of your tires, engine, and cooling system. If you're planning to visit in the summer, air conditioning is also a must!
Route Planning
Mapping out your route is essential. Identify the towns you want to visit, and the attractions you want to see. From Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, the leaning water tower in Groom, to the VW Slug Bug Ranch near Conway, there are numerous sites to include in your itinerary.
You may also want to plan some detours, like a visit to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Be sure to make note of the tourist information centers along the way, as they can offer valuable advice and insights.
Accommodation
Plan your overnight stops. Towns like Amarillo offer a range of accommodations to fit various budgets. You might also want to consider spending the night in one of the classic motels along the route, such as the U Drop Inn in Shamrock, for a more authentic Route 66 experience.
Food and Drinks
Texas Route 66 offers plenty of memorable dining experiences. From the steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch to a slice of pie at the Midpoint Cafe, there's no shortage of culinary delights. Still, it's a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks for those stretches of road between towns.
Safety Measures
Bring a first-aid kit, and don't forget your prescriptions if you need them. Remember to pack sunblock, hats, and sunglasses for those bright Texas days, and be sure to stay hydrated.
Entertainment
Last but not least, prepare some in-car entertainment. Download a playlist of your favorite tunes (maybe add "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" for good measure), bring some audio books, or even some classic road trip games to keep the passengers entertained.
Route 66: The Texas Stretch
When starting your trip through the original route of Route 66 in Texas, you need to have a rough plan at least. Remember that when traveling through this historic route, it only takes one wrong turn into a service road to get lost. So before going on your Texan Route 66 road trip, be sure to consider which spots you want to visit and how much road you're planning to cover in a day.
Start on the Route 66 Texas Panhandle
Our adventure begins on the east side of the Texas Panhandle, right where Route 66 Texas starts. It’s a collection of small towns with iconic, historic buildings, adding to the charm of the old Route 66 itself. And the first one is the ghost town of Texola, a town right on the border of Texas and New Mexico.
Close by, you'll find the leaning water tower in Groom, a peculiar sight indeed, but one that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the old Route 66 in Texas. It's a classic roadside attraction, the leaning but functioning water tower, serving initially as a marketing gimmick for a gas station and now-defunct truck stop.
The Cadillac Ranch and Its Legacy
One of the most famous roadside attractions is Cadillac Ranch, a roadside attraction where ten brightly spray-painted Cadillacs are half-buried, nose-down, in the dirt. It's a roadside attraction with an unforgettable display of street art in the middle of a field, providing great photo ops.
The VW Slug Bug Ranch: Cadillac Ranch’s Cousin
In the spirit of the Cadillac Ranch, the VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle is an unconventional roadside attraction featuring five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-down in the ground. While the vehicles may be more modern, the spirit of interaction remains. Bring along a can of spray paint and leave your mark on these iconic cars.
Enjoy the Meaty Goodness at Big Texan Steak Ranch
Hungry? The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is waiting to serve you the steak challenge of a lifetime - a 72-ounce steak that's free if you can eat it all within an hour. While the steak challenge is for the bravest souls, the restaurant also serves delectable smaller steaks, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Route 66 Zipline: A Thrilling Perspective
If you're seeking some adrenaline-pumping fun, try the Route 66 Zipline located near the Big Texan Steak Ranch. It offers an exhilarating way to view the area and adds an unexpected twist to your historic Route 66 journey.
Explore the Unique Museums
Route 66 Texas doesn't just offer sights; it also provides knowledge. Stop by the Devil's Rope Museum in McLean to learn about the history of barbed wire, or visit the Pioneer West Museum for a deeper dive into the region's past. Don't forget to check out Dot's Mini Museum in Vega for a quirky look at Route 66 memorabilia.
Visit the Famous Ghost Town of Glenrio
Situated on the border of Texas and New Mexico, Glenrio was once a thriving Route 66 town. Today, the abandoned town remains frozen in time, with its old gas stations and motels offering a haunting yet fascinating exploration.
Explore Magnolia Mobil Gas Station: A Nostalgic Look Back
The vintage Magnolia gas station along Route 66 Texas are a nostalgic reminder of early road travel. The beautifully restored Magnolia Service Station in Shamrock serves as a gift shop and an unofficial museum, offering a glimpse into the highway’s vibrant past.
U Drop Inn and Its Nostalgic Charm
The art deco architecture of the U Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock is a must-see, particularly when its neon lights blaze brilliantly in the evening. Originally a gas station and restaurant, this architectural gem is now a tourist information center.
Next to it is the conoco Tower Station itself, an old Conoco service station, a nod to the early travelers of the Mother Road.
Combining Agriculture and Art at Combine City
Combine City, just south of Amarillo, is a humorous twist on Cadillac Ranch. Here, old farming combine harvesters are buried nose-first in the ground, similar to their automotive counterparts. You'll also find that there's a bit of an old-time charm to this stretch of the historic Route 66, where you'll find a charming main street that's lined with historic buildings.
The Midpoint Cafe and Beyond
Next, stop at another roadside attraction, the Midpoint Cafe, which is said to be the halfway point between Santa Monica and Chicago on Route 66. Famous for its "ugly crust" pies, sadly they have long closed down but you can satisfy your cravings at Brent's Cafe. They have amazing gluten-free options like fried chicken and waffles, chicken fried steak, and a host of other comfort food classics.
The Giant Cross
Even if you're miles away from Groom, Texas, you'll find an imposing 190-foot tall cross in the skyline. The base of this gigantic cross is dotted with statues that are dedicated to the Stations of the Cross that the Lord Jesus Christ took before being crucified.
End the Trip at the Breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon
As you continue the north side of your journey, take in the grandeur of the grand canyon and second largest canyon in the western hemisphere at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Witness music videos of James Brown shot at the Bent Door Cafe in Adrian, and admire the vintage Magnolia service stations that once guided the early travelers on this historic highway.
Sunset Center's Art Galleries
If you're a bit of an art buff, you'll find a great spot along the old Lone Star State Mother Road at Sunset Center. Featuring over a hundred artists, there's a wide variety of visual works of art like outdoor sculptures gardens. If you ever get to visit, they conduct a First Friday Art Work every first Friday of the month between the hours of 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Route 66 Across Texas: A Journey to Remember
From the James Brown music videos filmed at the Bent Door Cafe in Adrian to the majestic view of the second largest canyon in the western hemisphere at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the Texas Route 66 journey offers a spectrum of experiences. Whether it's enjoying the roadside attractions, taking a steak challenge, or exploring the history in museums, the Route 66 in Texas is an unforgettable adventure that showcases the essence of classic Americana.
