About Texas Route 66 – Info & History

A windmill against the backdrop of a stormy sunset in Amarillo by Dave Alexander.

As travelers cross from Oklahoma into the Lone Star State, the landscape dramatically shifts. Leaving behind the rolling hills, they are immediately enveloped by the expansive plains of the Texas Panhandle. This transition evokes a sense of stepping back in time, allowing one to imagine the experience of a solitary rider traversing a wild and untamed territory just over a century ago. Here, the historic **Texas Route 66** cuts across the Llano Estacado, also known as the Staked Plains, where the echoes of cattle-driving days linger in the numerous small towns dotting the Texas Prairie.

Texas Panhandle Plains.

While a glance at a map might suggest an easy journey along the Mother Road, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Although over 150 miles of the original 178 miles that once stretched across Texas still exist, travelers must remain vigilant to fully appreciate the vintage architecture and numerous landmarks that punctuate the landscape. Discovering the historical treasures of **Texas Route 66** requires a keen eye and a willingness to explore.

The only sections of the original **Texas Route 66** that are currently inaccessible are located between Jericho and Alanreed, and from Adrian to Glenrio. However, even with some original concrete paving still in place, the majority of Route 66 remains open for exploration.

For much of its length, **Texas Route 66** runs primarily south of Interstate 40 between Texola and Amarillo, with the exception of a segment near McLean. From Amarillo westward to Glenrio, the Mother Road generally lies to the north of the interstate. However, it is crucial to remember that the road underwent numerous transformations throughout its history, including paving projects, the creation of new alignments, and the eventual construction of the interstate system. Consequently, the old road meanders from one side of I-40 to the other, often with limited signage to guide travelers. To fully appreciate the journey, it is recommended to acquire detailed maps, carefully plan your itinerary, and prepare for a leisurely pace that allows you to savor the sights of the Mother Road and catch a glimpse of the Wild West.

For those less concerned with traversing the “original” concrete sections, following Interstate 40 provides a relatively straightforward route. The historic Route 66 towns are readily accessible via exits from I-40. Travelers can selectively choose which sites they wish to visit and conveniently access them via off-ramps typically designated as Business I-40.

Tower Station and U-Drop Inn by Kathy Alexander.

Beginning your exploration at Texola, follow the south service road alongside I-40 into Shamrock, the proud home of the iconic U-Drop Inn. As you navigate around the town, take the opportunity to observe the remnants of the old motel district and other vestiges of Shamrock’s prosperous past along this once-thriving thoroughfare.

After departing Shamrock, the south frontage road offers one of the most authentic stretches of the original road, an experience readily apparent through the rhythmic “thumpety-thump” sensation as you drive along its surface. Soon, you’ll pass through Lela, a ghost town that serves as a poignant reminder of the past, before arriving in McLean. McLean is home to the Texas Route 66 Association and embodies the quintessential Main Street USA. The town boasts the Devil’s Rope Museum/Texas Route 66 Exhibit complex, a meticulously preserved historic Main Street, and the first Phillips 66 station in Texas, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

Continuing your journey, you will soon encounter Alanreed, the site of the oldest cemetery and oldest church along the Texas Route 66. This now almost-ghost town once housed the renowned Regal Reptile Ranch. Today, its dilapidated buildings and shuttered businesses bear witness to its decline following the decline of the Mother Road.

Britten, USA water tower just west of Alanreed on I-40 by Kathy Alexander.

Beyond Alanreed lies the notorious Jericho Gap, a section of old Route 66 where travelers frequently found themselves stranded in the sticky black soil, especially after rain. Unfortunately, much of this original road is now fragmented, with portions located on private property, making it inaccessible to the public. After returning to the south service road, keep an eye out for the leaning water tower in Britten before arriving in Groom.

In Groom, you can marvel at the tallest Cross in the Western Hemisphere, a towering testament to faith and a prominent landmark along the route.

Soon, you will reach Amarillo, a city that seamlessly blends the charm of the Old West with the conveniences of a modern 21st-century urban center. The surrounding area is characterized by working ranches that have remained largely unchanged since the late 1800s in their day-to-day operations. In 1921, a significant portion of Sixth Avenue became the first paved roadway in Amarillo, later becoming a part of Route 66. Today, the historic Mother Road continues to wind through the city along Amarillo Boulevard, 6th Avenue, Bushland Boulevard, and 9th Avenue. Along this route, you’ll discover a variety of vintage motels, restaurants, and historic buildings. Be sure to make a stop at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, a local institution that has been serving hearty meals in Amarillo since 1960. Originally located on Route 66, it later relocated to I-40. The Nat Ballroom on Sixth Avenue, which once hosted renowned performers such as Willie Nelson, now houses over 100 vendors, offering a unique shopping experience.

Cadillac Ranch, Kathy Alexander.

As you head west from Amarillo, keep an eye out for the iconic Cadillac Ranch, a captivating art installation featuring a row of partially buried Cadillacs. Further along the route, you’ll encounter the small towns of Bushland, Wildorado, and Vega, each offering its own unique charm.

Continuing towards Adrian, look to the north for two historic Route 66 bridges. In Adrian, you can observe the Mid-Point Water Tower and visit the Midway Café, a long-standing establishment that has been serving travelers for generations. The service road terminates just west of Adrian, and the old route becomes obscured until about a mile before reaching Glenrio.

Glenrio is an essential stop along the vintage route, offering a glimpse into a Texas ghost town with many original buildings still standing. The decline of the Mother Road ultimately led to the demise of Glenrio.