Evergreen Motel (Demolished)
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Photo courtesy Dan Schuster

The Evergreen Motel had one of those roadside signs that was impossible to mistake for anything else. Shaped like a towering pine tree and decorated with little green trees running down the sides, the marquee fit Wisconsin's north woods theme perfectly. It was the kind of sign that made you smile before you even reached the motel. 12-06

For years, the Evergreen welcomed vacationers visiting Wisconsin Dells during the heyday of family road trips. The distinctive sign gave the motel its own identity among the many places to stay along the busy parkway, proving that a little creativity went a long way in attracting travelers.

Sadly, the sign didn't fare as well as many of us had hoped. Before it was finally removed, the colorful artwork was simply painted over in white, leaving only a shadow of the roadside landmark it once was.

UPDATE: The Evergreen Motel has long since been demolished, and the famous pine tree sign is gone as well. Fortunately, old photos like this still preserve one of the more creative motel signs to grace Wisconsin Dells. 07-26

Sands Motel (Closed)
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Photo courtesy Dan Schuster

Looking for a place to stay in Wisconsin Dells? At the very least, it's worth pulling over for a look at the Sands Motelsign. Proudly advertising itself as "Ultra Modern," the marquee is a great example of the optimistic roadside marketing that filled America's highways during the motel boom. 12-06

The Sands welcomed generations of vacationers traveling to the Dells, and its distinctive Googie-style sign helped it stand out among the many motels lining U.S. 12. Even decades after "ultra modern" became an outdated slogan, the sign continued to do exactly what it was built to do—catch the eye of passing motorists.

UPDATE: The Sands Motel closed in 2019 and has remained vacant ever since. Fortunately, the classic "Ultra Modern" roadside sign is still standing, although its long-term future remains uncertain as redevelopment plans continue to move forward. 07-26

Shamrock Motel (Gone)
IN
Photo courtesy Emily Steele

Here's a look at the old Shamrock Motel along historic U.S. 40 in Indiana. Back when this photo was taken, it still appeared to be welcoming travelers, and the roadside marquee was the first thing to catch your eye. With its shamrock theme, it was the kind of sign that gave a motel its own identity and made it easy to remember. 03-07

The Shamrock was one of the many independent motor courts that once lined the National Road, offering a convenient stop for motorists crossing Indiana. Like so many roadside motels, it was built with rooms facing the parking area, making it easy to pull in after a long day behind the wheel.

UPDATE: The Shamrock Motel is no longer operating as a motel and has been converted into the Sugar Creek Woods apartment complex. Unfortunately, the vintage shamrock sign has disappeared, leaving old photos as a reminder of another classic U.S. 40 roadside stop. 07-26

Powhatan Motel and Restaurant
Pocahontas, IN
Photo courtesy Emily Steele

The Powhatan Motel and Restaurant in Pocahontas, Illinois, offered families a little more than a room. A small teepee and playground equipment gave youngsters something to explore, while the restaurant supplied a convenient meal. It’s the kind of roadside combination that made an overnight stop part of the vacation. 03-07

Located along the old U.S. 40 corridor, Powhatan continued serving motorists after Interstate 70 changed the route through the area. The family-operated restaurant also drew local customers for home-style meals, keeping the business connected to more than passing traffic.

UPDATE: Powhatan Motel and Restaurant remain open near Interstate 70, and the classic roadside sign still stands. An exact opening date hasn’t been confirmed, but the property continues the familiar tradition of a meal and a room along the National Road. 07-26

Gateway Motel (Rem.)
Oak Lawn, IL
Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 2004

The Gateway Motel in Oak Lawn, Illinois, marked its 50th anniversary in 2004 with fresh landscaping—and a much simpler sign. The original neon marquee came down even though its lighting reportedly still worked well. A little faded paint might have been easier to forgive than losing the whole display. 04-07

Opened in 1954 with 14 rooms, Gateway grew into a longtime family-run lodging stop near Chicago’s Midway Airport. The replacement backlit sign kept the name visible, but it didn’t quite have the personality of the earlier neon.

UPDATE: The property remains open as Gateway Inn of Oak Lawn. Its original marquee was removed in 2004, and a modern sign now marks the entrance. Fortunately, the motel itself has continued welcoming guests more than seven decades after opening. 07-26

Belvedere Motel (Gone)
Cairo, IL
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

This treasure of a Belvedere Motel sign once lit up the streets of Cairo, Illinois. With its glowing neon and classic mid-century styling, it was the kind of roadside marquee that made an ordinary motel impossible to overlook after dark. It's easy to see why it became a favorite among roadside photographers. 06-07

Originally opened in 1936, the Belvedere served travelers for decades and remained one of the last independently operated motels in Cairo during the city's later years. The motel eventually closed, but fortunately its most recognizable feature avoided the same fate.

UPDATE: The Belvedere Motel is gone, but the vintage neon sign was carefully saved before the property disappeared. Today, it has a new home inside the Carpet Gallery in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where it continues to light up for a whole new audience. 07-26

Effingham Motel
Effingham, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The swooping yellow arrow points the way to the Effingham Motel in Effingham, Illinois. It's one of those great old roadside signs that does exactly what it should—grab your attention and send you toward the office. That big arrow probably helped more than a few tired travelers make a quick decision for the night. 11-07

The motel dates back to the late 1940s and was originally known as the Ooton Motel before becoming the Effingham Motel around 1950. Its single-story layout and easy highway access made it a convenient stop for motorists passing through central Illinois.

UPDATE: The Effingham Motel is still open, and the vintage roadside sign is still standing along Fayette Avenue. Not sure if the neon still lights up, but the old yellow arrow continues to point the way. 07-26