by Lisa Putnam

Created on: June 30, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Although the Texas portion of Route 66 is rather short compared to other states, the fact that over 90% of the original road is still drivable makes it a good choice for a trip down the “Mother Road”.  Travelers will find museums, old motels, neon signs, ghost towns, and roadside attractions that will provide fun, relaxation, and Americana as only Route 66 can.

Devil's Rope Barbed Wire Museum in McLean, Texas

This museum is the largest museum in the world that is dedicated to the history and the importance of barbed wire.  Outside the building lies twin balls of barbed wire weighing 400 pounds each; this may be worth a trip by itself!  http://www.barbwiremuseum.com/

Phillips 66 Service Station in McLean, Texas

The Phillips 66 looks like a little pink dollhouse, but it is actually was one of the first service stations that was built by the Phillips Petroleum Company in 1928.  Today it is still one of the most photographed buildings on Route 66.

Big Texas in Amarillo, Texas

Although the Big Texan now lies on I-40, it is still considered a Route 66 motel and entertainment complex.  Guests of this cowboy themed fun house can listen to The Big Texan Singers, meet a rattlesnake, swim in a Texas shaped pool, take a free ride in a Longhorn Limousine, and eat fried rattlesnake, mountain oysters, and a free 72 oz steak (if you can eat it in one hour!).  To learn more go to http://www.bigtexan.com/ . 

The Route 66 Monument, Adrian “Route 66 Mid Point”

The mid-point between Los Angeles and Chicago landed right in the center of Adrian, Texas and the residents of the town took full advantage of it with hotels, cafes, gift shops, and a big sign that people still stop to get their pictures in front of.  Hungry visitors will want to eat at the Mid-Point Café, a restaurant that has been in business since 1928.  “Authentic Route 66 Mid-Point” souvenirs can be purchased here as well.  http://www.midpointroute66cafe.com/  

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

If viewing, taking photos of, and spray painting ten Cadillacs buried nose first into an Amarillo dirt farm sounds like fun then this stop is for you.  Although this attraction isn’t very old, it has the roadside kitsch that Route 66 renown for.  To learn more go to http://www.libertysoftware.be/ cml/cadillacranch/crmain.htm

Bug Ranch in Conway, Texas

Tourists who didn’t get enough of Cadillac Ranch can

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