Most stops take 15–45 minutes. Follow the brown “Historic Route 66” signs where you can, and use I-40 to skip gaps in the old road.
1 Adrian and the MidPoint Café
A sign across the road marks the halfway point of the old highway. The café, known for its “ugly crust” pies, is the place to stop for a photo and a slice.
Practical: The café is often seasonal; check before making a detour.
2 Vega
The Oldham County seat, with a beautifully restored 1920s Magnolia station on the square, and a good stretch of the old road on the way through.
Practical: Free to view outside. Allow 15–20 minutes.
3 Cadillac Ranch
Ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs in a field just west of Amarillo, and the most famous sight on the Texas stretch. See our Amarillo guide for details.
Practical: Free. Allow 30 minutes and wear boots if it has rained.
4 Groom: the leaning tower
A water tower set at a deliberate tilt to pull in travellers to a truck stop that is now long gone. It still works: everyone stops for the photo.
Practical: Beside I-40. Free. Allow 10 minutes.
5 The Groom Cross
A huge white cross, around 190 feet high, stands beside I-40 with life-size bronze scenes around it. You will see it from miles away.
Practical: Free. A place of worship for many visitors, so be respectful.
6 McLean: the Devil’s Rope Museum
A wonderfully odd museum dedicated to barbed wire, with a Route 66 collection attached. McLean also has a restored Phillips 66 station.
Practical: Hours and seasons vary. Small entry donation; check first.
7 Shamrock: U-Drop Inn
A 1936 Art Deco landmark built as a Conoco station and café, with twin towers trimmed in green. It now holds the visitor centre and is often cited as an inspiration for a building in Pixar’s Cars.
Practical: Beautifully lit at night. Allow 30 minutes.
