7 classic motels that were part of U.S. highways

Celeste Polidori
April 4, 2025

From motels shaped like locomotives to traditional teepees, these places offered a unique experience.

Road trips have been an American tradition since time immemorial. When families traveled by car along the interstates, they needed a place to rest. That’s when many motels sprang up along the highways, becoming the soul of the United States. If you’re planning such a trip or if you’re a trucker who spends most of your time on the road, you’ll love this list of classic motels.

From motels shaped like locomotives to traditional teepees, these places offered a unique experience. Although they are no longer in operation, remnants of some still endure and remain a perfect stop to take a photo.

7 Classic Motels that Were Part of U.S. Highways

1. Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo, the First Motel in the U.S.

Opened in 1925, this motel earned the title of the first motel in the United States. With a Spanish style, it introduced the true concept of a motel to travelers on U.S. highways. With a bell tower and whitewashed walls, the Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo began a new tradition that would forever change the way people traveled by road.

2. Chief Train Motel in Sioux Falls

This motel in South Dakota revolutionized the concept of a roadside motel. Opened in 1963, its innovative design resembled a real train, with rooms resembling connected train cars. The experience of sleeping in a train was captivating for all the families traveling through South Dakota.

3. Cowboy Motel in Amarillo, Texas

When we talk about the spirit of the United States, a western-themed motel is a must. The Cowboy Motel in Amarillo, established in 1960, celebrated Texas heritage, with Old West-inspired décor, from horseshoe-shaped knobs to saddles in the lobby. This place was perfect for a family photo stop, offering a rustic experience without sacrificing modern comforts.

4. Bel Shore Motel in New Mexico

The Bel Shore Motel in New Mexico was founded in 1949. It became a popular roadside stop for travelers exploring the American Southwest, offering a nostalgic and classic experience typical of mid-20th-century motels. Additionally, its welcome sign promised “cool rooms,” which was a relief for drivers crossing the hot roads of New Mexico.

5. Motel 36 in Somerville

Motel 36 in Somerville, located in Massachusetts, was established in 1950. This motel stood out for its navigation sign, as its name was placed on a small locomotive. This feature made it one of the most well-known motels of the era in Massachusetts.

6. Wigwam Village Motel in Rialto

Honoring America’s roots, the Wigwam Village Motel in Rialto, established in 1958, was part of a chain of motels with a “wigwam” (teepee) theme, which became popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. These motels offered a unique experience with rooms shaped like teepees, making them an attraction for road travelers.

7. Log Cabin Motel in Salina

The Log Cabin Motel in Salina, Kansas, was established in 1937. This motel is known for its distinctive log cabin-shaped architecture, making it a memorable stop for travelers passing through Route 66. The rooms featured knotty pine paneling and western-themed décor, creating a unique experience that stood out among other motels.

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