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

Sands Motel (Gone)
St Ignace, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out the marquee at the Sands Motel in St. Ignace, Michigan. It may not have been the flashiest sign in town, but it had the kind of simple roadside style that made independent motels so inviting to passing travelers. 12-07

Located along Business Loop I-75, the Sands Motel was one of many family-owned places that welcomed visitors heading to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. The motel was still operating when this photo was taken, and its classic marquee was a familiar sight along the busy motel strip.

UPDATE: The Sands Motel has since closed and the property sat abandoned for a number of years. Not sure if the old marquee is still around, as recent information couldn't confirm whether it survived after the motel was vacated. 07-26

San Bar Motel (Gone)
St Ignace, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out the sign at the San-Bar Motel in St. Ignace, Michigan. Everything was working when this photo was taken, including the neon letters and the glowing vacancy sign. It's always nice to find an old motel sign just as it was meant to be seen. 12-07

Located along North State Street overlooking Moran Bay, the San-Bar Motel welcomed travelers for decades as they made their way to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. Vintage postcards show the motel was around by the mid-century years, and its bright roadside sign helped make it easy to spot from the highway.

UPDATE: The San-Bar Motel has since closed. Not sure if the old sign is still around, but it's a shame if it disappeared along with the motel. 07-26

Munger Moss Motel
Lebanon, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Munger Moss Motel is one of the best-known stops along Route 66, and its famous neon sign has been drawing the attention of travelers for decades. It always seems to be in great shape and is one of those signs that never disappoints when you finally see it in person. 01-08

The motel opened in 1946 with just 14 cabins before growing into one of the Mother Road's best-known places to spend the night. For more than 50 years it was lovingly operated by Bob and Ramona Lehman, who made it a favorite stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world. The name itself dates back even earlier, originating with a roadside sandwich shop in Devil's Elbow before moving to Lebanon after Route 66 was realigned.

The Munger Moss Motel is a Route 66 standby. The neon sign is a famous part of the old route and always appears to be in good shape. The motel was built in 1946 and originally had 14 cabins. More information can be found on the Munger Moss website. 01-08

UPDATE: The motel is currently closed while new owners renovate the property, with plans to reopen a portion of the rooms for overnight guests. The good news is that the famous neon sign has been beautifully restored and continues to light up Route 66 after a relighting ceremony in June 2026. 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

Greunke's Inn
Bayfield, WI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Bayfield, Wisconsin is home to Greunke's Inn, and its glowing neon sign is hard to miss after dark. It's the kind of sign that fits perfectly in a town filled with historic buildings and plenty of character. 01-08

The inn traces its roots back to the 1800s, making it one of Bayfield's oldest lodging properties. Since 1940, Greunke's has welcomed guests with comfortable accommodations and a seasonal restaurant that's become a favorite stop for both locals and visitors. Inside, you'll even find a collection of vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia and an old Wurlitzer jukebox that add to the nostalgic atmosphere.

UPDATE: Greunke's First Street Inn & Dining is still open, and the classic neon sign continues to greet visitors during the operating season. 07-26