Wagon Wheel Motel

Step back in time and rest your road-weary head at a true Route 66 treasure: the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri—a bucket-list stop for any traveler on the Mother Road.

The story begins in 1935, when Robert and Margaret Martin purchased the property and established what was originally known as the Wagon Wheel Cabins, Café & Service Station. Built during the final years of the Great Depression, the Martins created a welcoming one-stop shop for travelers rolling down the newly designated Route 66, offering food, fuel, and a place to sleep.

Just three stone cabins sat tucked 200 feet off the road, with rooms going for $2 to $3.50 a night, each offering a private bath, gas heat, a fan, and an enclosed garage.

Over the decades, the Wagon Wheel passed through several owners who helped keep the property alive as Route 66 evolved. In 2009, Connie Echols purchased the motel and operated it with dedication and care for nearly two decades. She welcomed guests from around the world and kept the Wagon Wheel running during a time when many classic Route 66 motor courts disappeared for good. Her commitment helped preserve this living landmark on the Mother Road.

Sadly, Connie passed away in 2026, leaving behind a legacy as enduring as the motel itself.

Just before her passing, Roamin’ Rich Dinkela and his wife Christina (who are also renovating the nearby Shamrock Court motel) purchased the Wagon Wheel with a goal to honor its past and invest in its future.

Today, the motel offers 19 beautifully restored rooms that still capture that vintage vibe, with all the comforts of modern travel. The original Tudor Revival buildings, crafted by local stonemason Leo Friesenhan, still stand proud with their steep roofs, arched doorways, and Ozark sandstone charm. Step inside and you’ll find new pillowtop beds, updated baths, and flat-screen TVs and free WiFi, a perk not offered back in 1935.

The old gas station may be closed, but you can still snap a pic next to the vintage pumps and classic cars out front. And while the diner’s no longer dishing out daily specials, the retail store inside offers plenty of cool souvenirs to remember your stay.

No visit is complete without taking in the iconic Wagon Wheel Neon Sign. Designed by John Mathis in 1947, this neon beauty lights up in bright orange and green, with the motel’s name flickering proudly inside a giant arrow. Even if you’re not spending the night, travelers love pulling over just to see it glow and snap a few photos.

Before you settle in, grab a seat by the firepit and soak in the charm of this classic Route 66 stop. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003, the Wagon Wheel Motel is as timeless as it gets. Book a room, park the car, and experience one of the most iconic stays the Mother Road has to offer.