Madonna of the Trail

Upland, California

CaliforniaRoadside Attraction

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Standing tall at the western edge of the National Old Trails Highway, the Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California, is one of twelve nearly identical monuments stretching from Maryland to California. Dedicated in 1929, these statues were commissioned by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to honor the grit, strength, and resilience of the pioneer women who helped shape America’s westward expansion.

The monuments were designed by German-born sculptor August Leimbach, who found inspiration in Portland, Oregon’s Sacagawea statue. Each Madonna stands about 10 feet high, weighs five tons, and depicts a determined pioneer mother striding forward, rifle in hand, with one child clinging to her skirt and another cradled in her arm. The Upland Madonna is said to represent four important routes: the Mojave Trail, the de Anza Trail, the Emigrant Trail, and Canyon Road.

Though originally planned for San Bernardino, that city declined the honor, leaving Upland to swoop in and claim the monument for itself. On February 1, 1929, the Upland Madonna was unveiled as the 11th in the series. The monument hasn’t had an easy road since, she was knocked over by a falling tree in 1957 and badly damaged in the 1991 earthquake, but careful restoration work put her back on her pedestal, where she still stands proudly today.

The Madonna of the Trail isn’t just a tribute to pioneer mothers, it also marks the end of the National Old Trails Highway, a forerunner to Route 66 that linked coast to coast. In fact, only two Madonnas were placed along the Mother Road, this one in Upland and another in Albuquerque, New Mexico, making it a unique stop for Route 66 travelers.

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Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66

Madonna of the Trail

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Address:

1010 Euclid Ave, Upland, CA 91786

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California

Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66
Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California on Route 66

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Madonna of the Trail in Upland, California, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is this monument located, and can I easily find it?

You’ll find the statue right at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Upland, nestled in the center median of the Route 66 frontage road. The official address is around the 1100 block of North Euclid Avenue and it is easy to spot when you’re cruising along the Mother Road.

Where can you park to see the Upland Madonna of the Trail?

You can pull over to park on Euclid Avenue, right by the statue.

Where to Stay Near Madonna of the Trail

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at the beginning or end of your journey with a stay at one of these hotels near Route 66.

Wigwam Motel

The Wigwam Motel franchises were constructed in the 1930s and 40s. Wigwam Village Motel No. 7, the last one ever built, started as a Route 66 destination and still beckons Mother Road travelers today. While the tee-pee-shaped motel went through a transitional period where it was outfitted with waterbeds, rented by the hour, and advertised “Do it in a Wigwam,” these days, it’s been restored to its former glory and is a family-friendly Route 66 attraction.

Sunshine Motel

Sunshine Motel is located in the heart of San Bernardino. Remodeled rooms boast Spanish-inspired decor and feature large flat-screen TVs, queen beds, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV, and free WiFi.

Enhance your visit to Los Angeles with a tour! Whether you love sightseeing, Hollywood movies, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near the Upland Madonna of the Trail on Route 66

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Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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