Did you know that historic Route 66 runs through the Texas Panhandle—and straight through the heart of Amarillo? This legendary highway once spanned the distance from Chicago to the California Coast, and travelers still love the nostalgic journey offered by the remaining stretches of the Route. From quirky roadside attractions to historic museums and lively entertainment venues, here are the best things to do along the “Mother Road” in the Amarillo area.

 

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Amarillo's Route 66 Sites

Route 66 runs right through Amarillo, offering travelers a nostalgic journey through classic diners, quirky art, and roadside history. Whether you’re exploring Amarillo or venturing just beyond, here are the best Route 66 stops to check out.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Couple getting served steaks by a waitress at The Big Texan

A Route 66 legend, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. Whether you're up for the challenge or just want to enjoy a great meal in a lively Western-themed atmosphere, this iconic restaurant is a must-visit while exploring Amarillo’s Route 66.

 

Historic 6th Street Antique Shops

A vintage and eclectic bookstore with antique furniture, unique decor, and an array of books and collectibles. The space features a mix of wooden shelves filled with literature, a red bookcase with curated selections, and a beautifully carved wooden desk displaying books, pamphlets, and trinkets. Ornate chairs, framed artwork, and historical memorabilia contribute to the shop’s nostalgic ambiance. The dark walls, exposed brick, and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere, while suspended colorful paper cranes add a whimsical touch.

A visit to Amarillo isn’t complete without exploring the antique shops on Amarillo’s historic Route 66 (Note: this stretch is now called Sixth Avenue, but the locals all call it “Sixth Street.”) This vibrant shopping corridor is lined with vintage boutiques, retro stores, and one-of-a-kind finds that capture the essence of Route 66’s heyday. Whether you’re hunting for classic memorabilia, unique home décor, or rare collectibles, the antique shops on Sixth Street offer a truly nostalgic shopping experience.

 

Nat Ballroom

Photo of shirts and prints inside of The Nat on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

Once an elegant dance hall in the 1920s, The Nat Ballroom has been transformed into one of Amarillo’s most unique antique-shopping destinations. The Nat is also famous among locals for being one of the most haunted sites in West Texas. Originally a hotspot for big-band music and live entertainment (Duke Ellington and Glen Miller played here), The Nat now houses an eclectic collection of antiques, vintage clothing, and oddities from past decades. (Fun fact: “Nat” is short for Natatorium, an old word for an indoor swimming pool. Before it was a dance hall, the Nat was a public pool—and the remains of the pool still exist beneath the vast dance floor.)

 

GoldenLight Café

For an authentic Amarillo dining experience, stop by the Golden Light Café, one of the oldest burger joints on Route 66. This legendary eatery has been serving up delicious burgers and cold beers since 1946, making it a favorite among both locals and travelers. The laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to grab a bite and soak in the Route 66 vibe. At night, the GoldenLight’s famous stage offers up tunes from some of Texas’s finest musicians.

 

Route 66 Historic District Murals

Scattered throughout Amarillo’s historic Route 66 district are beautifully painted murals that pay tribute to the Mother Road. These vibrant works depict classic cars, neon signs, and nostalgic scenes from the golden age of road travel. Take a self-guided tour and admire the artistry, while capturing stunning photos of these iconic landmarks.

 

Texas Route 66 Visitors Center

This beautiful visitor center offers an in-depth look at the history of the highway, with interactive exhibits, vintage memorabilia, and information on more must-see stops along the route. It’s a fantastic way to start your adventure with a deeper appreciation of Route 66’s cultural impact.

 

Cadillac Ranch

Couple taking a selfie in front of cadillac ranch in Amarillo, texas

An essential Amarillo stop for any road tripper, this world-famous art installation features ten graffiti-covered Cadillac cars buried nose-first into the ground; interestingly, the cars are buried at the exact angle of the sides of the pyramids at Giza. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their own mark on this ever-changing roadside attraction.

 

Slug Bug Ranch

A colorful photo of Slug Bug Ranch at its new home in Starlight Ranch, Amarillo, TX. The image features several partially buried VW Beetles covered in vibrant graffiti, similar to Cadillac Ranch. Visitors are seen in the background, engaging with the art installation. This quirky and interactive attraction continues to delight with its unique blend of automotive history and creative expression.

This unique roadside attraction features a collection of Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-first into the ground—in a cheeky nod to Cadillac Ranch. Visitors are encouraged to add their own graffiti to the cars, making it a fun and interactive stop just outside of Amarillo.

 

Peace Park

Four women pose in front of a large, colorful peace sign sculpture under a bright West Texas sky. Dressed in playful, casual outfits with touches of Western flair—like denim jackets, boots, and a red bandana—they flash peace signs and big smiles. The wide-open plains stretch behind them, capturing the laid-back, free-spirited vibe of Amarillo’s quirky roadside art scene.

Before you leave Amarillo, take a moment to reflect at Peace Park. This serene spot offers a place to relax and appreciate the surrounding beauty. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and inspiring sculptures, Peace Park is the perfect place to gather your thoughts before continuing your Route 66 adventure outside of the city.

West of Amarillo

A collage of vibrant Route 66 stops in the Texas Panhandle, featuring slices of Americana like a fresh cherry pie, a retro diner jukebox, and colorful signage for the MidPoint Café. Travelers pose at the official midpoint between Los Angeles and Chicago, marked by the iconic Route 66 sign. Scenes include small-town murals, vintage gas stations, and a couple dancing joyfully on the street. Each image captures the charm, nostalgia, and warm hospitality that define this legendary stretch of road.

Midpoint Café

A smiling woman in a Route 66-themed diner holds a slice of pie topped with fluffy meringue. She wears a long-sleeve Route 66 shirt and stands in front of a vintage jukebox, with neon signs and retro memorabilia surrounding her, capturing the charm and nostalgia of Texas' iconic Mother Road stops.

Located in Adrian, the Midpoint Café gets its name because the location marks the exact halfway point of Route 66—equidistant from Chicago and Los Angeles. This charming diner—the oldest continuously operating café between Amarillo and Tucumcari—is famous for its friendly atmosphere and delicious comfort fare.

 

Bent Door Café

A weathered American flag flutters outside the Bent Door Midway Station, a white brick building with a bold red trim and a distinct slanted doorway. Set along historic Route 66, the structure’s vintage neon sign and retro charm evoke the spirit of classic road trips through West Texas.

Also in Adrian, you’ll find another quirky stop along Route 66: the Bent Door Café. Named after its uniquely slanted door, this historic café was once part of a Phillips 66 filling station. While the café is no longer operational, the site remains a popular roadside photo op for travelers.

 

City Tour of Vega

Don’t miss this true Texas jewel of a town! A guided or self-guided city tour will introduce you to the charming architecture, vintage signage, and friendly local businesses that make Vega, Texas, such a special stop along Route 66.

 

Mama Joe’s Pies

A storefront along Route 66 featuring Wilson’s Corner, a small-town building with a red door and wooden pillars. To the left, Mama Jo’s Pies & More displays a neon “OPEN” sign in the window, while The Bee’s Knees coffee and boutique is visible on the right with flower pots and a cozy bench outside. The sidewalk and street hint at a quiet, welcoming Main Street atmosphere.

This charming bakery in Vega is famed for its legendary “Ugly Crust” pies baked by Mama Joe, based on her grandmother’s recipes. It’s the perfect place to stop for a slice of history and a sweet treat.

 

Magnolia Gas Station

If you’re on the hunt for a beautifully preserved piece of American travel history, the Magnolia Gas Station in Vega makes for a great photo op. This classic gas station, with its vintage pumps and bright white exterior, captures the spirit of old Route 66 and the golden age of American road trips. 
 

Milburn-Price Culture Museum

A man in a cowboy hat pulls a small barrel train filled with smiling riders past the Milburn-Price & Culture Museum, a white clapboard building along Route 66. A vintage orange-and-white car is parked out front, adding retro flair.

This hidden gem in Vega offers a fascinating look at local history, featuring exhibits on early pioneer life, ranching, and the impact of Route 66 on the community. The museum also includes unique artifacts, vintage photographs, and rotating exhibits that highlight the culture of the Texas Panhandle.

 

Dot’s Mini-Museum

Also located in Vega, Dot’s Mini Museum is a tiny but overflowing-with-life roadside attraction filled with Route 66 memorabilia and local history. Created by Dot Leverton, this collection showcases vintage signs, artifacts, and personal mementos that tell the story of Route 66’s past and present.

 

Russell’s Truck & Travel Center Car & Museum

Just across the Texas-New Mexico border, Russell’s Truck & Travel Center is more than just a rest stop. This eclectic travel center features a fantastic classic-car museum filled with vintage automobiles, as well as lots of Route 66 memorabilia and nostalgic 1950s décor. It’s the perfect stop for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

 

Glenrio Ghost Town

Straddling the Texas-New Mexico border is an eerie and fascinating ghost town that was once a thriving Route 66 stop. The abandoned gas stations, motels, and diners in Glenrio stand as haunting reminders of the town’s heyday before the interstate passed it by.

 

East of Amarillo

 

Britten Leaning Water Tower

A group of people pose smiling in front of the iconic leaning Britten USA water tower, a quirky roadside attraction along Route 66 near Amarillo. Set against a wide blue Texas sky and open prairie, the slanted structure and cheerful group capture the fun, offbeat spirit of the Texas Panhandle.

The Britten Leaning Water Tower, located in Groom, Texas, is another must-see Route 66 attraction. Originally a functioning water tower, this oddity was deliberately placed at an angle to attract travelers' attention. Today, it serves as a beloved roadside landmark—and an excellent chance for a family photo.     

 

The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The towering white cross at Groom, Texas rises high into a dramatic sky, surrounded by green lawns and bronze sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. Visitors walk the peaceful grounds, while nearby buildings and wind turbines dot the Panhandle landscape.

Looming high above Groom, just off Route 66, is one of the tallest crosses in the Western Hemisphere. Standing at 190 feet, this massive structure is visible for miles and serves as a powerful symbol of faith and devotion. Surrounding the cross are life-size bronze statues depicting the Stations of the Cross, a replica of the Shroud of Turin, and a visitor center where you can learn more about the site’s significance.

 

Ghost Town of Jericho

A hand-painted Route 66 sign marks Jericho, Texas in front of a weathered adobe building with peeling paint and a rusty tin roof. Set against the windswept plains, this quiet stop offers a glimpse into the ghost towns that once thrived along the historic Mother Road.

For those intrigued by historical and abandoned places, a visit to the ghost town of Jericho is a must. Once a thriving stop along Route 66, Jericho has since faded into obscurity, leaving behind remnants of old structures and an eerie, nostalgic charm. Exploring the ruins offers a glimpse into the past—and the strange village stands as an enduring symbol of the changing fortunes of many other towns along the historic highway.

 

The Cactus Rose Taphouse

Located in McLean, this lively venue offers a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and live music, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the local nightlife. Whether you’re in the mood for classic country tunes or modern rock, the Cactus Rose Taphouse provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.

 

Devil’s Rope Museum

A person playfully poses behind a giant ball of barbed wire at the Devil’s Rope Museum and Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas, with arms stretched wide as if they’re part of the sculpture. The museum’s tan exterior and classic signage hint at the quirky charm and Western heritage tucked inside this Route 66 roadside stop.

As you continue east to McLean, Texas, look for the Devil’s Rope Museum. This excellent little museum showcases thousands of barbed wire samples, antique fencing tools, and exhibits on how barbed wire influenced ranching and land ownership in the American West. The museum also includes displays about Route 66, making it a perfect stop for history buffs.

 

McLean Alanreed Museum

This small but insightful museum highlights local history, with exhibits on the Dust Bowl, ranching life, and the evolution of Route 66. Visitors can also explore period rooms, antique cars, and memorabilia from the town’s heyday. 

 

Pioneer West Museum

For a deeper dive into the history of the Texas Panhandle, visit the Pioneer West Museum, also in Shamrock. This museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including Native American relics, pioneer tools, vintage clothing, and a replica of an early twentieth-century Main Street. The museum also offers exhibits on the region’s oil boom and agricultural history.

 

Lunch at the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café

Three friends enjoy milkshakes and bottled sodas in a retro diner booth filled with sunlight, surrounded by vintage decor. A playful “Elvis Fans Parking” sign and a painting of the iconic Sands Motel add nostalgic Route 66 charm to the cozy, Americana vibe.

No Route 66 road trip is complete without a stop at an iconic diner. The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock is a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco gas station and café. Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the vintage atmosphere of this historic landmark, which was once a bustling hub for travelers along Route 66. Note: the neon-lit exterior is especially stunning at night.

 

Hitting the Mother Lode on the Mother Road

We hope you’re excited for your trip along historic Route 66 in Amarillo and beyond! With all its history, quirky attractions, and vibrant local culture, the Panhandle stretch of the Mother Road makes for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring a ghost town, marveling at a towering cross, hunting for antiques, or enjoying live music at a taphouse, each stop along the way offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of America’s most famous highway. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the best of Route 66 in West Texas!

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Route 66 and the Cars from Cars

Disney-Pixar’s 2006 animated film Cars is more than just a fun, family-friendly adventure—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Route 66 and the small towns that once thrived along its path. Before creating the film, director John Lasseter and his team of writers and animators embarked on a research road trip along the historic highway, meeting local business owners, historians, and travelers who shared their stories of Route 66’s golden age and its decline after the rise of the interstate system.

Many may not know that much of the Cars film takes inspiration from the Texas Panhandle. In fact, many of the characters in the movie, from Doc Hudson to Mater, were directly influenced by the people the filmmakers met along their journey along Texas’s stretch of Route 66. For example, the character of Lizzie is likely inspired by the late Dot Leavitt, proprietress of Dot’s Mini-Museum in Vega. Meanwhile, it’s believed that Fran House—the owner of the Midpoint Cafe from 1990 to 2012—inspired the character of Flo in the movie.

In addition, references to various Texas locations abound in the film. Radiator Springs, the fictional town in Cars, draws direct inspiration from real-life Route 66 towns like the ones in the Panhandle—once bustling roadside stops that later struggled after being bypassed by the interstate. Meanwhile, the famous Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo influenced the design of the “Cadillac Range” rock formations seen in Cars, while Shamrock’s Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn—one of the most recognizable landmarks on Texas Route 66—served as the inspiration for Ramone’s Body Shop in Radiator Springs. Another example: in the town of Radiator Springs, a closed business is seen that bears the name of “Glenrio.” This is a reference to the town of Glenrio—now a ghost town—which once thrived on the Texas-New Mexico border. Another business in Radiator Springs bears a close resemblance to the long-lost Little Juarez restaurant in Glenrio. Then there’s the Casa Della Tire Shop, obviously inspired by the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy—but one can’t help but wonder if the filmmakers weren’t also inspired by the Britten Leaning Water Tower in Groom. Finally, Flo’s V8 Café is based on the Midpoint Cafe, the halfway point along Route 66 located in Adrian. These iconic Texas sites helped bring the film’s world to life, making Cars a true love letter to the Mother Road.