10 Best Route 66 Attractions in Texas
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Route 66, often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” is one of the most iconic roadways in the United States. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway offers travelers a journey through the heart of America.
When you pass through Texas, you’ll find a wealth of quirky attractions, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural features that will make this stretch of your Route 66 road trip truly unforgettable.
Below is your guide to Route 66 in Texas, including must-see stops for your itinerary, parking tips for RVers, and more helpful information to make your road trip hassle-free.
Route 66 Texas Map
This map features ten of the best attractions on Route 66 through Texas.
Reference this map when looking at the list of attractions below, they are organized from east to west on Route 66.
PRO TIP: I used RoadTrippers to plan our Route 66 road trip and highly recommend it for trips where you need to organize a ton of stops. Use promo code: BTR5QTP for $5 off if you decide to try it out.
1. Conoco Tower Station & U-Drop Inn
Our first stop on Route 66 in Texas is in Shamrock at the Conoco Tower Station & U-Drop Inn.
This stunning example of Art Deco architecture has stood the test of time. Built in 1936, this iconic gas station was once a popular stop for travelers on the Mother Road.
Restored in 2008, the station now serves as a visitor center and museum, offering a glimpse into the past while providing great photo opportunities due to its vintage charm.
Things to Do
- Pop into the visitor center and chat with the friendly staff (they will mail postcards for you!)
- Head over to the cafe and get your picture in the booth where Elvis sat.
- Get plenty of photo ops from all angles and with the vintage gas pumps.
- Come back in the evening to see a beautiful display of Route 66 “neon” on this building.
LOCATION: 402 N. Main St., Shamrock, TX
COST: Free entry
RV PARKING: There isn’t much parking for large RVs. My husband dropped me off to check it out while he parked at the McDonald’s a little ways down the road. You might be able to snag a spot at a nearby business, but I wouldn’t plan for a long stay if you’re traveling in a big RV.
2. Devil’s Rope Museum
The Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, Texas is dedicated to the history of barbed wire—the “devil’s rope.” This unique museum explores the significance of barbed wire in the settlement of the American West.
The museum contains an extensive collection of barbed wire, as well as tools and devices used in fence construction, including everything from branding irons to the original medicine bottles used to treat wire cuts.
I honestly didn’t know there was THIS much to know about barbed wire, but what a unique stop!
Things to Do
- Check out the numerous barbed wire exhibits (thousands of pieces of wire).
- Visit the Route 66 portion of the museum and the Dust Bowl exhibit.
- Make a small donation or purchase from the gift shop to support this unique display of US history!
LOCATION: 100 Kingsley St., McLean, TX
COST: Free entry, donations are encouraged
RV PARKING: There isn’t a large parking lot at the museum, but there’s quite a bit of street parking nearby. We found street parking a couple of blocks away.
3. Britten Leaning Water Tower
The Britten Leaning Water Tower, located near Groom, Texas, is a curious and humorous Texas roadside attraction.
This water tower, intentionally leaning at an angle, was originally a marketing gimmick for a truck stop that no longer exists. It has since become a popular photo stop for travelers, offering a playful reminder of the quirky surprises that Route 66 is famous for.
LOCATION: I-40, Route 66, Groom, TX (for those driving I-40 from east to west the tower will be on the right)
COST: Free
RV PARKING: This attraction is easily seen from the highway, but for a closer look take exit 105 to access Frontage Road where you’ll be able to pull off and see the tower.
4. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery
Amarillo is home to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, a third-generation owned restaurant and attraction, and a must-visit on your Route 66 road trip.
Famous for its 72-ounce free steak challenge, where diners attempt to eat the massive steak and sides within an hour, this restaurant embodies Texas hospitality and bravado. (Everything’s bigger in Texas!)
Beware, if you accept the challenge and don’t finish the steak in the allotted time, you’ll owe $72!
If you’re not up for the challenge (or even hungry for a big meal), don’t miss grabbing a photo op or visiting the gift shop! The Western-themed decor alone is worth a stop on your Route 66 adventure.
Things to Do
- Take the free 72-ounce steak challenge!
- Sit down for a classic Texas steakhouse meal or order a meal to-go.
- Enjoy a handcrafted beer from the in-house brewery.
- Grab a photo op with the eye-catching attractions in front of the restaurant.
- Grab a sweet treat from the ice cream bar.
- Visit the gift shop full of Route 66 and Texas-inspired souvenirs, including The Big Texan’s own homemade steak seasoning and beer growlers.
LOCATION: 7701 Interstate 40 East Access Rd., Amarillo, TX
COST: Free to walk around and visit
RV PARKING: Truck parking is located behind the restaurant making this stop no trouble for big rig RVers.
5. Slug Bug Ranch
Inspired by the famous Cadillac Ranch, this site features a collection of ten half-buried Volkswagen Beetles (“slug bugs”) covered in graffiti.
Slug Bug Ranch was relocated in June of 2024 from Conway, Texas to I-40 in Amarillo in front of the Big Texan RV Ranch. The previous land the “bugs” were located on was sold and through the efforts of The Big Texan Steak Ranch and a local non-profit, the historic landmark was relocated.
The new Bug Ranch attraction also features half-buried limos retired from the Big Texan Steak Ranch fleet. Back in the day, these limos shuttled guests to and from the restaurant.
Building on the previous tradition, visitors are encouraged to leave their mark on the cars and the silos, making it a constantly evolving piece of art that captures the spirit of Route 66.
Things to Do
- Snap photo ops with the colorful buried cars and the rustic Route 66 Bug Ranch sign.
- Decorate the bugs, limos, and silos with spray paint!
LOCATION: 1415 Sunrise Dr., Amarillo, TX
COST: Free
RV PARKING: There isn’t much room for RV parking currently, but there is a concert venue on the same road where you could park for a short visit. You could also stay at the Big Texan RV Ranch just behind the attraction and explore all Amarillo has to offer!
6. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Just a short detour from Route 66, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”
As the second-largest canyon in the US, it offers stunning views, incredible hiking trails, and a rich history of Native American culture.
The park is a natural oasis that provides a break from the kitschy Texas roadside attractions (even though we love them) and a chance to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Texas.
We stayed here for two nights in the RV (the only thing available). We would’ve stayed longer, so if you’re not in a hurry, this is a great stop for folks on an RV road trip or anyone wanting to rent a cabin for a few nights.
Things to Do
- Hike the Lighthouse Trail, a six-mile round-trip hike that leads to the iconic Lighthouse Rock formation that the park is famous for.
- Pick up a map at the visitors’ center and drive through the park stopping at the ten points of interest outlined on the map.
- Visit the Palo Duro Canyon Trading Post for a bite to eat at the restaurant, a sweet treat from the ice cream bar, or to pick up a souvenir at the store.
- Stay in a cabin or camp in the state park
- Buy tickets for the TEXAS outdoor musical that runs during the summer at the Pioneer Amphitheater located inside the park. The show just wrapped its 58th season and tells the story of the rugged and dramatic history of the Texas panhandle. This was an unexpected highlight of our visit!
LOCATION: Canyon, TX
COST: $8 entrance fee (free with the Texas State Parks Pass)
RV PARKING: I don’t recall seeing any day parking for large RVs, but there is a large parking lot at the visitors’ center and amphitheater. However, your best bet is to stay in the campground!
7. Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
The Sisemores have been collecting and restoring vintage RVs for over 25 years. The museum showcases their collection offering a nostalgic look at the evolution of the RV industry and road tripping in America.
As a full-time RVer, I had to include this stop on the list, even though it is slightly off the beaten path.
At the RV Museum you can see the world’s oldest Airstream and a 1948 Flxible bus used in the 2006 movie “RV” with Robin Williams.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Thursday through Saturday so plan accordingly or you might miss this hidden gem. It’s located behind two large warehouses, but there is signage, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see it right away.
Things to Do
- Check out the full collection of RVs and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
- Get a photo op with some of the famous RVs at the museum.
- Get inside the vintage RVs and appreciate the older, well-built RV designs of the early years.
LOCATION: 14501 I-27, Amarillo, TX
COST: Free entry
RV PARKING: Despite this being an RV museum I’ve heard there isn’t parking for RVs here. Stay the night in Amarillo or at Palo Duro Canyon and drive your tow vehicle or “toad” to this attraction.
8. Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, located just west of Amarillo, is one of the most iconic and recognizable attractions on Route 66.
This art installation features a row of ten half-buried Cadillacs, nose-down in the ground, covered in layers of graffiti.
Visitors are encouraged to bring or buy spray paint and add their own designs, making it a constantly changing canvas on this must-see Texas attraction.
PRO TIP: Don’t buy spray paint at the entrance, pick up cans other people have left near the Cadillacs. I had someone hand me a can as they were leaving. This area can also get really muddy — pack appropriate footwear.
Things to Do
- Grab a photo op with the row of colorful Cadillacs.
- Leave your unique mark on the Cadillacs with spray paint!
LOCATION: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd., Amarillo, TX
COST: Free
RV PARKING: Parking is available along the side of the access road.
9. Magnolia Gas Station
The Magnolia Gas Station in Vega, Texas is a beautifully restored piece of Route 66 history.
Built in 1924, Magnolia was a bustling service station in the 1920s, it now stands as a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of road travel.
The station has been meticulously restored, and the volunteer manning was incredibly helpful and willing to share details on the gas station in its heyday and the recent restoration.
You might also want to check out Wilson’s Corner a block down the street.
If you’ll miss the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian (the next stop on the list) head over to Wilson’s to get a slice of the Midpoint Cafe’s “ugly crust” pie! These are the same pies served at the cafe — they are especially tasty!
Things to Do
- Walk around the gas station and chat with the local volunteer about the history of this historic landmark.
- Walk across the street and grab a photo with the Jesse James Equity Bar mural and the world’s largest branding iron.
- Visit the Milburn-Price Culture Museum across the street.
- Walk a block down the road to Wilson’s Corner for a slice of pie!
LOCATION: 222 N. Main St., Vega, TX
COST: Free
RV PARKING: There is quite a bit of accessible street parking around town. We parked on a side street beside the gas station.
10. Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop
As you reach Adrian, Texas, you’ll find the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop, marking the exact halfway point of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica.
This charming diner is famous for its “ugly crust” pies. It’s the perfect place to take a break, grab a slice of pie, and celebrate making it halfway on your journey along the Mother Road.
Unfortunately, when we drove through Adrian the Midpoint Cafe was closed, but we still had fun celebrating the midpoint and snapping pictures of the murals, signs, and attractions.
PRO TIP: The Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Like many of the Route 66 attractions, hours vary so plan accordingly!
Things to Do
- Take a photo or video of your car crossing the Route 66 Midpoint stripe.
- Enjoy a meal at the Midpoint Cafe, take in the decor, indulge in a slice of “ugly crust” pie.
- Make a purchase at the gift shop.
- Snap photos of the vintage signs, murals, and attractions surrounding the cafe.
LOCATION: 305 West Historic Route 66, Adrian, TX
COST: Free to walk around
RV PARKING: The road is pretty wide so it’s fairly easy to park along the road further down.
Can You Drive Route 66 through Texas?
Most of the old Route 66 has been replaced by I-40 through Texas. However, there are a few spots where you can drive the original Route 66, just be aware you might run out of pavement in some spots. Route 66 is nothing if not an adventure!
Of course, once you arrive in the quaint little towns along the route you’ll find bits and pieces of the original Route 66 through the downtown business districts.
How Long is Route 66 in Texas?
Route 66 originally stretched for 179 miles across the panhandle of Texas (it’s a little less these days since not all of Route 66 is drivable).
Although Texas claims the title of the second-biggest state, it comes in second to last for the number of Route 66 miles, with only Kansas logging less.
Is Texas Route 66 Worth It?
Traveling through Texas on Route 66 offers an incredible mix of history, culture, nature, and quirky roadside attractions.
Whether you’re marveling at the neon lights of the Conoco Tower Station or adding your mark to the graffiti-covered cars at Cadillac Ranch, each stop provides a unique glimpse into the charm and character of America’s most famous highway.
So, pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the magic of Route 66 in the Lone Star State.
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