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
Wagon Wheel Motel
Cuba, MO Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Wagon Wheel Motel is one of the true classics along Route 66. Built in 1946, it's well known for its comfortable accommodations, but the real attention-getter is the blinking neon sign with its animated arrow pointing the way into the cabins. It's one of the best motel signs anywhere on the Mother Road. 01-08
The property actually began as a tourist court in the 1930s before the famous sign was added in 1947, giving the motel its familiar name. The charming stone cottages and beautifully restored neon have made the Wagon Wheel a favorite stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world, and it's recognized as the oldest continuously operating motel on the historic highway.
UPDATE: The historic Wagon Wheel Motel located on Route 66 in Cuba, MO has been under new ownership as of September 15. The new owner plans to modernize the 1934 motel while keeping it as historically accurate as possible. The Wagon Wheel Motel has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003. 10-09
UPDATE: The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, MO has a new website and the new owner has renovated 10 rooms and all should be renovated by spring. It is also on Facebook at Historic Wagon Wheel Motel featuring Connie's Shoppe. In the first reference you mention 1946. The Wagon Wheel Motel has been in existence since the 1930s. The sign was erected in 1947. Many thanks to Jane Reed for update. 11-10
UPDATE: The Wagon Wheel Motel is still open and looking better than ever. The famous blinking neon sign continues to light the way, and new owners took over in 2026 with plans to preserve this Route 66 favorite for years to come. 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
La France Motel (Demolished)
Sault Ste Marie, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The La France Terrace Motel is another roadside favorite in Sault Ste. Marie. Located along Ashmun Street, it welcomed travelers with a classic mid-century look that fit right in with the motor courts that once lined the highways heading north. 09-08
Vintage advertisements promoted amenities like a swimming pool, in-room televisions, and individual heat, all modern conveniences for their day. Motels like this were built to make life a little easier for road trippers, and the La France was one of many that served visitors heading to the Soo Locks and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
UPDATE: The La France Terrace Motel is gone, and the property has since been redeveloped. Unfortunately, the vintage roadside sign didn't survive either. 07-26
Long Ships Motel
Sault Ste Marie, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Long Ships Motel features a great old marquee with thin neon tubing spelling out the motel's name. It's a simple design, but one that really stands out after dark and gives the property plenty of roadside character. 09-08
Located across from the Soo Locks, the motel has been welcoming visitors for years with its classic motor court layout, where you can park right outside your room. It's the kind of independently owned place that feels right at home in a town built around travelers, and the vintage sign is a big part of its appeal.
UPDATE: The Long Ships Motel is still open, and the classic marquee continues to greet visitors to Sault Ste. Marie. 07-26
Lawson Motel (Gone)
Sault Ste Marie, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Check out the Lawson Motel in Sault Ste. Marie. The marquee does more than just display the motel's name, it also advertises many of the amenities waiting for travelers, something that was pretty common at roadside motels years ago. 09-08
Located along Ashmun Street, the Lawson Motel welcomed visitors for decades before eventually being renamed The Guest House Motel. It's a good reminder of a time when a simple roadside sign could tell motorists everything they needed to know before pulling in for the night.
UPDATE: The Lawson Motel name is gone, and the property has since been repurposed for tribal housing services. Unfortunately, the original roadside marquee disappeared when the motel was rebranded. 07-26
66 Motel Court (Demolished)
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
Capitol Motel (Demolished)
