Roadside Eateries Great Plains

Pull over for the Great Plains’ classic cafes, burger stands, and roadside food stops. A dog and a shake or a seat at the counter made a welcome break between miles of open highway.

Roadside Motels Great Plains

Follow the old highways past motor courts, colorful motel signs, and familiar rows of rooms. These overnight stops offered travelers a place to park, rest up, and get ready for another day on the road.

Roadside Signage Great Plains

Keep an eye out for the Great Plains’ vintage roadside signs, from neighborhood laundries to towering highway marquees. Bold lettering and unusual shapes helped passing motorists spot a business before reaching the turn.

Roadside Neon Great Plains

Take an evening drive past glowing motel signs, colorful storefront lettering, and neon cowboys above the street. Across the Great Plains, a familiar daytime stop can deserve another look once the lights come on.

Roadside Architecture Great Plains

Explore the Great Plains’ distinctive roadside buildings, from patterned storefronts to bold mid-century rooflines. Sometimes an unexpected facade offers a good reason to slow down and take a closer look.

Automobile Alley Great Plains

Head down Automobile Alley for the Great Plains’ old gas stations, dealerships, and neighborhood garages. Familiar oil company signs and distinctive service buildings recall the stops that kept travelers moving.

Grand Theatre Great Plains

Step beneath the marquee for the Great Plains’ classic movie houses and downtown picture palaces. Decorative entrances and tall theatre signs recall evenings when going to the movies meant a trip into town.

Drive-in Theatre Great Plains

Head back to evenings of snack bar visits and a double feature beneath the wide Plains sky. Take a look at the outdoor screens and entrance signs that welcomed moviegoers by the carload.

Ten Pin Alleys Great Plains

Look for oversized pins and colorful marquees announcing the Great Plains’ classic bowling alleys. These neighborhood gathering places offered a few games, rented shoes, and another chance to pick up that spare.

Roadside Americana Great Plains

Take a detour for the Great Plains’ unusual attractions, oversized figures, and familiar highway landmarks. From a much-advertised roadside stop to an unexpected character outside a shop, there’s plenty to break up the drive.