Must See

VW Slug Bug Ranch

Amarillo, Texas

TexasRoadside Attraction

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Slug bug! Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, might just be one of Route 66’s quirkiest stops. Here, you’ll find a row of half-buried Volkswagen Beetles, nose-deep in the Texas dirt, offering a colorful canvas for roadside explorers. Known as VW Slug Bug Ranch (or Bug Ranch, Buggy Farm, or Bug Farm, depending on who you ask), this attraction may not be as famous as its Cadillac Ranch cousin down the road, but it’s every bit as fun to visit.

Since its creation in 2002 by the Crutchfield family—who also ran the Longhorn Trading Post and Rattlesnake Ranch—Slug Bug Ranch has been an eye-catching reminder of Texas’ vibrant roadside culture. The Crutchfields hoped the buried VWs would lure travelers away from corporate stops, adding a dash of independent charm to their stretch of Route 66. Although the business closed a year later, the Beetles stayed put, gaining layers of graffiti art and becoming a canvas for road trippers to leave their mark.

In 2022, Steve Clegg took on caretaking duties, giving the site a refresh and even replacing one of the more worn-out Beetles. By 2024, Slug Bug Ranch had moved to a new location along Interstate 40 in front of the Big Texan RV Ranch. The iconic VWs remain front and center, now joined by the Limo Monoliths—retired Big Texan limousines that once transported guests to and from the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch. With its quirky, colorful history, Slug Bug Ranch keeps its place as a must-stop spot for any Route 66 enthusiast looking for an unconventional slice of Americana.

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VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction

VW Slug Bug Ranch

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Address:

1415 Sunrise Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction
VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, Texas Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the VW Slug Bug Ranch?

Slug Bug Ranch is a roadside art installation featuring Volkswagen Beetles partially buried nose-first into the ground (at a 45° angle), reminiscent of the more famous Cadillac Ranch. Over time, it’s become a participatory graffiti site where visitors may spray-paint the bugs.

Where is Slug Bug Ranch located now, and how do you get there?

The current address for Slug Bug Ranch is 1415 Sunrise Dr, Amarillo, Texas (on the north side of Interstate 40). To reach it, take I-40 Exit 74 (Whitaker Rd), travel on the north-side frontage road for about half a mile, then turn onto Sunrise Drive at the RV Ranch sign. Look for the buried cars!

Where was Slug Bunch Ranch located previously?

Before moving to Amarillo, Slug Bug Ranch was located near Conway, Texas, along old Route 66 / I-40 in the Panhandle. It was situated at the Crutchfield family’s Longhorn Trading Post and Rattlesnake Ranch property, where five Volkswagen Beetles were buried nose-down in the ground.

Scroll through the photos above to see a few photos of Slug Bug Ranch at its original location.

When and why did this roadside attraction move to Amarillo?

The original Slug Bug Ranch in Conway was closed in late 2023, and the beetles were removed from the site. The original property was being sold and threatened with redevelopment or removal, so relocating preserved the artwork rather than letting it be lost. In 2024, the cars were purchased by the owners of the Big Texan Steak Ranch and Starlight Ranch and relocated to its current location, where a new, interactive installation was unveiled on June 14, 2024.

Is there an admission fee or cost to visit?

No, the site is free to visit.

What are the hours or visiting restrictions?

The site is open 24/7 (daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility).

Can you add my own spray paint and artwork to the bugs and other vehicles?

Yes. Spray painting the cars and silos are encouraged, but please refrain from spray painting the plants, walkways, and signs.

Is this a popular Route 66 attraction?

Yes! This fun roadside attraction offers a quirky stop, interactive painting, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. It is one our picks for the Top 10 Texas Route 66 Roadside Attractions, 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66, and 66 Route 66 Attractions Worth Pulling Over For.

Where to Stay Near Slug Bug Ranch

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Route 66 hotels in Amarillo, Texas, just a short drive away from this roadside attraction!

Big Texan Motel

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is best known for its 72-ounce steak challenge. Whether you try to beat the clock for a free meal or not, you can mosey on over across the parking lot to extend your visit at the Big Texan Motel. Attached to the world famous steakhouse, the Big Texan Motel in Amarillo, Texas features 54 units and a Western theme.

The Barfield

The only full-service boutique hotel in Amarillo, The Barfield is housed in the historic Barfield building in the heart of downtown Amarillo. The hotel’s 112 accommodations, feature custom-designed furnishings and luxurious finishes. Enjoy high-speed WiFi, Smart TVs, ergonomic workspaces, and an in-room refreshment center.

Atrea Inn

Atrea Inn is a charming farmhouse boutique hotel. Conveniently located near I-40 and a short drive to the Route 66 historic district in Amarillo, this property boasts a family-friendly courtyard with BBQ pits and a morning breakfast to prepare you for the day on the road.

Enhance your visit to Amarillo with a tour! Whether you love the outdoors, walking tours, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near Slug Bug Ranch on Route 66

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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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