In the heart of America’s iconic Route 66, a unique and whimsical slice of history awaits travelers – the tee-pee themed motels. These roadside gems hearken back to the heyday of the Mother Road, a time when cross-country travel was an adventure, and the journey was just as important as the destination.
The Birth of Route 66
Before we embark on our tee-pee themed motel odyssey, let’s take a trip back in time to the early years of Route 66. Established in 1926, Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” served as a vital artery connecting the Midwest to the West Coast. Stretching over 2,400 miles, the highway became an emblem of the American spirit, embodying the freedom and promise of the open road.
In the early 20th century, as the automobile gained popularity, Route 66 transformed into the lifeline for small towns and businesses along its winding path. Gas stations, diners, and motels sprung up, catering to the needs of the ever-growing wave of road trippers.
The Tee-Pee Motels: A Unique Slice of Americana
Amidst the motels that dotted Route 66, a group of establishments stood out for their distinctive architectural theme – tee-pees. These motels were inspired by the allure of Native American culture and the fascination with the mysterious and exotic.
The tee-pee motels were not only places to rest for the night but also landmarks that etched themselves into the memories of travelers. Today, two iconic tee-pee motels, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and the Wigwam Village Motel in Rialto, California, continue to captivate adventurers with their kitschy charm.
Wigwam Village Motel: Holbrook, Arizona (Wigwam #6)
In the heart of Holbrook, a small town in northeastern Arizona, stands a Route 66 legend – the Wigwam Village Motel, commonly referred to as Wigwam #6. Built in 1950 by Chester E. Lewis, this motel is part of a chain of seven tee-pee motels scattered across the United States.
History and Ownership: A Dream Realized
Chester E. Lewis was inspired by the success of the original Wigwam Village in Kentucky and envisioned bringing a taste of Native American culture to the Arizona stretch of Route 66. His dream materialized in the form of Wigwam #6, a collection of 15 concrete tee-pees arranged in a semi-circle, each serving as an individual motel room.
Wigwam #6 changed ownership several times over the years, passing through different hands while still maintaining its tee-pee charm. In 1988, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations of road-trippers.
The Tee-Pee Experience: Sleeping in Nostalgia
Today, Wigwam #6 offers travelers a chance to step back in time and experience the nostalgia of Route 66. Each tee-pee is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay while retaining the vintage allure of the original motel. The exterior façade, with its distinctive tee-pee shape and neon-lit sign, transports guests to a bygone era.
Sights Near Wigwam #6: Exploring Holbrook, Arizona
Holbrook itself is a treasure trove of Route 66 history and attractions. The historic Navajo County Courthouse, built in 1898, is a testament to the town’s rich past. The nearby Petrified Forest National Park offers a surreal landscape filled with ancient petrified wood and vibrant badlands.
For those seeking a taste of classic Route 66 dining, Joe & Aggie’s Café, a Holbrook landmark since 1943, serves up hearty meals and a side of nostalgia.
Wigwam Village Motel: Rialto, California (Wigwam #7)
Continuing our journey westward on Route 66, we encounter another tee-pee oasis – the Wigwam Village Motel in Rialto, California, also known as Wigwam #7. Nestled in the Inland Empire region, this motel is a living testament to the enduring charm of mid-century Americana.
History and Ownership: A Chain of Tee-Pee Wonders
Wigwam #7 was constructed in 1949 by Frank A. Redford, the same mind behind the original Wigwam Village in Kentucky. This location, like its siblings, comprises 20 freestanding tee-pees arranged in a circle, creating a whimsical and nostalgic atmosphere.
Over the years, the motel underwent various ownership changes, with each proprietor committed to preserving its unique character. In 2012, Wigwam #7 received recognition from the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its place in the annals of American roadside history.
The Tee-Pee Experience: Sleeping under the California Stars
Wigwam #7 offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the vintage allure of Route 66 while enjoying the comforts of the modern age. The tee-pees are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning and cable television, ensuring a cozy stay reminiscent of the golden era of road trips.
Sights Near Wigwam #7: Rialto and Beyond
Rialto, located in the heart of Southern California, boasts its own array of attractions. For automotive enthusiasts, the nearby Route 66 Rialto Airport offers a glimpse into the aviation history of the region.
A short drive away, the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville provides an in-depth exploration of the highway’s legacy, chronicling its evolution from a dusty trail to a symbol of American freedom.
The Tee-Pee Motels: A Journey Through Time
As we stand in the shadows of these tee-pee motels, we can’t help but marvel at the enduring allure of Route 66. These iconic structures, with their unique architectural charm, serve as tangible links to a bygone era, preserving the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined the early days of cross-country travel.
In the twilight of Route 66’s heyday, these tee-pee motels provided weary travelers with not just a place to rest but an experience that became an integral part of their journey. Today, as we traverse the remnants of this historic highway, we are invited to step into the past, to imagine a time when the hum of tires on asphalt and the neon glow of roadside attractions beckoned adventurers to explore the great expanse of America.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Tee-Pee Themed Motels Lives On
In the grand tapestry of Route 66, the tee-pee themed motels stand as monuments to a golden age of travel—a time when the journey itself was a destination. As the modern world hurtles forward, these relics of the past serve as reminders of the pioneering spirit that once fueled the great American road trip.
Whether you find yourself in the shadow of Wigwam #6 in Holbrook, Arizona, or under the starlit sky at Wigwam #7 in Rialto, California, the tee-pee motels beckon travelers to embrace the nostalgia of a bygone era. As we continue to
