Wagon Wheel Motel
Cuba, MO Photo courtesy Jane Reed
One of the true Route 66 classics, the Wagon Wheel Motel has been welcoming travelers to Cuba, Missouri since the 1930s. The stone cabins, rustic charm, and famous neon sign have made it a favorite stop for generations of road trippers. If you're looking for an authentic Route 66 overnight stay, it doesn't get much better than this. 12-10
The Wagon Wheel Motel remains open and continues welcoming travelers under new owners Rich and Christina Dinkela, who purchased the property in 2026. Sadly, longtime owner Connie Echols passed away just weeks after completing the sale, but her remarkable restoration ensured that one of Route 66's greatest motels will continue welcoming guests for years to come. 07-26
John's Modern Cabins (Gone)
Newburg, MO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Time hasn't been especially kind to John's Modern Cabins. Tucked away just down the road from Vernelle's Motel, the old tourist court sat quietly along Route 66 as Interstate traffic rushed by, most drivers never realizing one of Missouri's oldest roadside stops was just a few hundred feet away.
Sadly, the last of the cabin ruins were cleared away in 2024 after decades of deterioration. Fortunately, the famous roadside sign was removed beforehand and is now being preserved by the owners of the neighboring Vernelle's Route 66 RV Park. It's a shame the cabins couldn't be saved, but at least one of Missouri's best-known Route 66 signs will live on. 07-26
Boots Motel
Carthage, MO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Well, not necessarily a parking lot, but another chain drugstore or restaurant
which wouldn't be much different to a roadside or Route 66 enthusiast.
The Boots Motel has been well known for years as a fine lodging establishment
located right on the Mother Road with good hospitality, a historic motel
that's been well taken care of, and a fine neon sign to boot.
Boots Court is once again welcoming travelers after an extensive restoration that brought this Route 66 landmark back to life. The beautifully restored neon sign lights up every evening, proving that one of the Mother Road's greatest success stories is still being written. 07-26
Munger Moss Motel (Closed)
Lebanon, MO Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
The towering neon at Munger Moss Motel makes Lebanon, Missouri, a familiar stop for Route 66 fans. Its colorful lettering has welcomed generations of travelers, becoming nearly as recognizable as the highway itself. This is one marquee worth seeing after dark. 11-10
The name began with a barbecue business in Devils Elbow before moving to Lebanon. The motel opened in 1946, and Bob and Ramona Lehman purchased it in June 1971. Its sign was updated in 1955, borrowing the design of Springfield’s Rest Haven Court marquee with the owners’ permission.
UPDATE: Munger Moss is closed to overnight guests. Lebanon took responsibility for preserving the sign in 2025, and the restored neon was relit on June 1, 2026. Fortunately, the motel’s famous roadside welcome continues glowing even while the property’s future changes. 07-26
Finn's Motel (Rem.)
St. James, MO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The old sign at Finn’s Motel gave travelers through St. James, Missouri, a familiar roadside welcome. With rooms close to the parking area and a marquee out front, it had the straightforward appeal of an independent motor court. Sometimes that was all a weary driver needed.
Finn’s served the Route 66 travel corridor, keeping the convenient arrangement that made smaller motels popular. The property has received room updates over the years, although a dependable opening date hasn’t surfaced. Its earlier appearance is also documented in vintage postcards.
UPDATE: The property remains open as Finn’s 66 Motel, with updated accommodations for present-day travelers. The original roadside sign was removed years ago. The lodging tradition continues under the familiar name, even without the old marquee that once helped bring motorists into the driveway. 07-26
One of the true Route 66 classics, the 
Boots Motel
Finn's Motel (Rem.)
