The Cedars Motel
St Ignace, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out this nice motel sign that welcomes visitors to St. Ignace. The Cedars Motel features a bright neon sign that's hard to miss and fits right in with the classic roadside motels that once lined highways across the country. 12-07

Located just north of downtown, The Cedars is one of those independently owned motels that still has the look and feel of an old-fashioned road trip stop. The single-story layout, parking outside the rooms, and vintage sign all help remind travelers of an earlier era when places like this were the standard along America's highways. It's always good to see one that's still around.

UPDATE: The Cedars Motel is still open and welcoming guests. Even better, the vintage roadside sign is still standing and continues to greet travelers heading into St. Ignace. 07-26

Lockview Motel
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley / 2003

The neon at Lockview Motel gives downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, a colorful welcome after dark. Across from the Soo Locks, this is a sign worth looking for even if you aren’t checking in. The motel’s invitation to “Sleep with the big ships” certainly suits the location. 2003

Originally known as Askwith’s Lockview Motel, the independent property has welcomed visitors for decades. Its vintage marquee was built by Indiana’s Neon Electric Sign Manufacturing Company. Guests can walk across the street to watch freighters pass through the locks, making the setting another attraction beyond the neon.

UPDATE: The Lockview Motel in Sault Santa Marie, MI, located on the tourist strip across from the Soo Locks, allows you to "Sleep with the big ships" as all you have to do is walk across the street to see the ships lock thru. This photo was taken in 2003 and the sign was still operating in 2006. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 12-07

UPDATE: The Lockview Motel is still open, and the classic neon sign continues to welcome guests to downtown Sault Ste. Marie. It's always nice to see one that's still doing what it was built to do. 07-26

Munger Moss Motel
Lebanon, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The famous neon at Munger Moss Motel makes Lebanon, Missouri, a worthwhile evening stop along Route 66. This is one of those signs you look forward to seeing in person, with plenty of color to reward the trip. It has become almost as familiar as the motel itself. 01-08

Opened in 1946 with 14 cabins, Munger Moss grew into a Mother Road favorite. Bob and Ramona Lehman operated it for more than 50 years. The name originated with an earlier sandwich shop in Devils Elbow before the business moved to Lebanon following a Route 66 realignment.

UPDATE: The motel is closed while new owners renovate, with plans to reopen some rooms. Its restored neon sign returned to service during a June 2026 relighting ceremony, bringing a familiar glow back to the highway. 07-26

Rest Haven Court
Springfield, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Rest Haven Court is another great Route 66 motel with a sign that's hard to forget. Built in 1947, the motel sits along the 1936 bypass of the Mother Road in Springfield, Missouri, and its towering neon marquee has been catching the eyes of travelers for decades. 01-08

The motel started out with just four stone cottages before expanding through the 1950s into the property seen today. Its distinctive sign, added in 1953, became one of the best-known motel signs in Springfield and even inspired the design of the famous Munger Moss Motel sign in nearby Lebanon. It's easy to see why this one has become a favorite with Route 66 fans.

UPDATE: Rest Haven Court is still open and welcoming Route 66 travelers. Better yet, the classic roadside sign is still standing and remains one of the highlights along this stretch of the Mother Road. 07-26

66 Motel Court (Demolished)
Litchfield, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The 66 Motel Court was one of those classic Route 66 motels that looked even better after dark. With its neon letters glowing against the night sky, it was easy to see why it caught the attention of travelers passing through Litchfield. 01-08

Located just north of the famous Ariston Café, the motel began as a small cabin court before expanding into a larger roadside motel. Like many independent stops along Route 66, it offered simple accommodations and a convenient place to spend the night while exploring the Mother Road.

UPDATE: The motel has long since been demolished, and a car wash now occupies the property. Fortunately, part of the original sign was saved and is on display at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center, so a small piece of this Route 66 favorite lives on. 07-26

Capitol Motel (Demolished)
Madison, WI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out this classic sign from the Capitol Motel in Madison, Wisconsin. The bright neon lettering gave the motel plenty of roadside appeal and made it an easy stop to spot along the Beltline Highway. 01-08

Like many independent motels built during the highway travel boom, the Capitol Motel welcomed road trippers looking for a convenient place to spend the night. Its vintage sign was the standout feature, adding a little extra character to an otherwise straightforward roadside stop.

UPDATE: The Capitol Motel is gone, and the property has been redeveloped into a modern mixed-use complex. Not sure what became of the old neon sign, but it's a shame if it didn't survive. 07-26

Shady Shore Motel (Demolished)
Saugatuck, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Shady Shore Motel once sat along the older U.S. 31 alignment in Saugatuck, just down the road from the Arrowhead Motel. By the time this photo was taken, both the motel and its neon sign had already disappeared. Another old roadside motel had quietly slipped away. 12-08

For many years, the Shady Shore welcomed travelers along the waterfront on Lake Street. Beginning in the early 1950s, it was operated by Jack and Lucille Hedglin, and over the years it became known as a welcoming place for all travelers. It's a shame the motel and its neon sign couldn't have survived.

UPDATE: The Shady Shore Motel is gone, and the property has been redeveloped into waterfront condominiums. Unfortunately, the old roadside sign disappeared along with it. 07-26