Texas signifies the fifth leg of our journey along the famous Route 66 and we are also practically halfway through our journey to reach the coveted California (or Illinois if you are traveling West to East), since here we will meet the city of Adrian which is the midway point of the Mother Road.
As we travel through the Lone Star State, we will also encounter two of the Route 66’s best attractions: the Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak Ranch. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and continue with our journey, as always offering you a selection of the most interesting attractions that may be useful when you organize your trip on Route 66 in Texas (if you are looking for a general overview of the State’s main attractions, wait for our upcoming article on Texas places of interest).
The major cities we will encounter along the Route 66 route are presented here from east to west. If for some reason you prefer to move from west to east, all you have to do is start at the end. Don’t forget to read our article on how to plan a trip on Route 66!
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Route 66 Texas: Attractions Map
Shamrock
Walking through the streets of the town you cannot fail to notice a curious art deco building, the U Drop Inn (1242 N Main St), dating back to 1936. It has been recently restored and now houses a tourist information office. Lovers of the Disney movie Cars may notice some similarities with the buildings in Radiator Springs that were inspired by this very building.
The Pioneer West Museum (204 N Madden St) is a complex that includes a reconstruction of four buildings from a pioneer village. Next to the complex, you can also see an old Magnolia gas station.
McLean
Here you will find two characteristic attractions: one more related to the Mother Road, the other a bit more “particular”. Along Kingsley Street, you will find both the Texas Route 66 Museum and the Devil’s Rope Museum, where you can admire the largest collection of barbed wire in the world (wow!).
The recently restored Phillips 66 Station is a great place to take a souvenir photo. If you want to learn more about the history of the place, consider a stop at the McLean-Alanreed Area Museum, which tells the story of the prisoner of war camp that was located just outside the city during World War II.
Groom
If as you approach the city, you begin to see a water tower leaning to one side, don’t be surprised; you’re looking at the famous Britten Leaning Water Tower; you’ll have a unique opportunity to take a picture like the ones tourists take under the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
The community of Groom, as you can imagine, is very religious, since when you drive along Route 66 it is difficult not to notice a giant cross that is believed to be the largest in the western hemisphere. If you want to observe it closely you will notice that at its base are reproduced the Stations of the Cross.
Conway
At the gates of Amarillo on Route 66 in Texas, you may think that you have arrived at the Cadillac Ranch, although something may not seem quite right. Looking at the cars more closely, you will realize that you have reached VW Slug Bug Ranch (also called Bug Ranch), where several Volkswagen Beetles are stuck into the ground.
Amarillo
You have finally reached the most famous city in Texas on Route 66, home of its most characteristic attractions. If you’re looking for food and refreshment after your long drive, stop at the Big Texan Steak Ranch (7701 I-40) where, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can take part in the famous competition to try to eat a four-pound steak in one hour.
If you succeed, you won’t have to pay the bill and will be inducted into the glorious hall of fame. Otherwise be prepared to pay $72 which, considering what you’ve eaten, is a fair price.
The other attraction in Amarillo known worldwide is Cadillac Ranch, that we have already talked about in detail in a previous article. A real “Route 66 Texas” institution!
If the Big Texan has not satisfied your appetite, you can also consider a stop at Arnold Burger, which serves a giant hamburger in the shape of the state of Texas (UPDATE: Arnold Burger is closed permanently).
Palo Duro Canyon – detour
At this point on your journey, if you have time to spare, consider making a small detour south to visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park where, for the modest sum of $5 per person, you can begin to familiarize yourself with the characteristic panorama that you will encounter more and more often as you continue westward, culminating in the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Vega
Two attractions that are worth a stop are the Magnolia gas station and Dot’s Mini Museum, located near the road sign that marks the end of the stretch of Route 66 in the city. Inside, which as you may guess from the name is not very spacious, you can find a large collection of memorabilia related to the history of the Mother Road.
Adrian
We have now arrived at the famous midpoint of Route 66 and the whole town of Adrian revolves around this detail; even the water tank will proclaim that you have reached the halfway point on your journey! Take the opportunity to stop at the Midpoint Café (305 West Historic Route 66), which with its slogan When you’re here, you’re halfway there, will be a perfect place for a souvenir photo, to enjoy some local food and catch your breath before the next stop: New Mexico.
Where to Stay Along Route 66 in Texas
If you want some advice about the best hotels and motels along this stretch of Mother Road you can read the section dedicated to where to stay along Route 66 in Texas in our article.
Discover the characteristic accommodations along Route 66
Texas Route 66: travel resources
Here are some guides you can rely on
- Lonely Planet Route 66 Road Trips: an overview of the main attractions along the Mother Road
- Route 66 Adventure Handbook a detailed description of all the towns and attractions you will encounter along the way
- Route 66 EZ 66 Guide: (detailed map plus attractions and advice on how to follow the original route
If you would like to learn more about individual attractions, as far as Texas Route 66 is concerned, each city has its own institutional website, that are frequently well maintained, and provide all the additional information you will need.
Let’s continue the journey…
Here’s what not to miss in the other states:
