Texas Route 66 Museum and Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas



Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean

McLean, Texas ... the Heart of Old Route 66

U.S. Route 66 through Texas totaled 186 miles, and closely followed today's Interstate I-40.

The Mother Road crossed the Texas state line at Texola, OK, near Shamrock, and traveled through McLean. From there, it continued on through Alanreed, Groom and Conway on its way to Amarillo. From Amarillo it continued west to Vega, Adrian and Glenrio.

McLean is located in southeastern Gray County, and is home to more than 700 residents.

In 1927, the Mother Road, U.S. Route 66, was built through McLean, and it became a stop for tourists and a center for oil, livestock, agriculture processing and shipping. Today, Interstate 40 Business (Old U.S. Route 66) passes through the town as First Street (westbound) and Railroad Street (eastbound), connecting to I-40 at Exit 141 west of town and Exit 143 to the east.

The McLean Commercial District, consisting of most of the downtown area, was listed in the historic register on December 20, 2006.

Travelers on Route 66 today enjoy visits to the Texas Route 66 Museum, the Devil's Rope Museum and Phillips 66 Service Station.

Map of approximate Route 66 in Texas showing the location of McLean
Map of approximate Route 66 in Texas showing the location of McLean

Texas Route 66 Museum

The Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean showcases hundreds of original Mother Road memorabilia, road signs, a recreated Route 66 cafe, and the original large steer from Amarillo's Big Texan Steak Ranch. 

McLean has in the past been known as "The Uplift Town", since for two decades a bra factory was located in this building. About a hundred women worked to produce nearly 5,000 brassieres a day. The factory employed 10% of the town's population, but closed in the late 1970s.

Located at 100 Kingsley Street in McLean. Free admission. Phone 806.779.2225

Texas Route 66 Museum website

Texas Route 66 Museum and Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas ... a Tribute to Barbed Wire
Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas ... a Tribute to Barbed Wire
Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas ... a Tribute to Barbed Wire Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas ... a Tribute to Barbed Wire

Devil's Rope Museum

And be sure to explore the history of barbed wire, i.e. "Devil's Rope" in the Devil's Rope Museum, in the same building with the Texas Route 66 Museum. Exhibits include a photographic History of the Dust Bowl, entanglement wire used in warfare, different styles of barbwire and fencing tools. The Western side of the museum includes Evolution of the Cowboy, Branding and Ranching History.

A Tribute to Barbed Wire ... located at 100 Kingsley Street in McLean. Free admission. Oftend closed in winter, so check for opening days and hours.Phone 806.779.2225

Devils' Rope Museum website

The Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas ... a Tribute to Barbed Wire
Entrance area at the Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas Exhibit area at the Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas
Exhibit area at the Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas Exhibit area at the Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas

Phillips 66 Gas Station

Vintage Phillips 66 Service Station in McLean, Texas, the location of one of the first gasoline stations in Texas.

The early Phillips stations, like the one in McLean, were designed in the "Cottage Look" to blend with local residential neighborhoods. Located at 218 West First Street.

Phillips 66 service station in McLean Texas Phillips 66 service station in McLean Texas

The Murals in McLean

Mural in McLean, Texas: The Heart of Old Route 66
Mural in McLean, Texas: The Heart of Old Route 66

 

Mural in McLean, Texas: The wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle
Mural in McLean, Texas: The wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle

Interactive Map of McLean, Texas

 

Classic Lodging in McLean

Cactus Inn Motel website - 101 Pine Street in McLean - Phone 806.779.2346
Cactus Inn Motel traveler reviews at TripAdvisor
Mural at the Cactus Inn, 101 Pine Street in McLean, Texas
Sign at the Cactus Inn, 101 Pine Street in McLean, Texas Exterior view of the Cactus Inn, 101 Pine Street in McLean, Texas



Classic Dining in McLean

Red River Steakhouse - 101 W. Highway 66 in McLean, also in Amarillo - Phone 806.779.8940
Exterior view of the Red River Steakhouse ... 101 W. Highway 66 in McLean, Texas
Interior view of the Red River Steakhouse ... 101 W. Highway 66 in McLean, Texas Mural at the Red River Steakhouse ... 101 W. Highway 66 in McLean, Texas


MORE TEXAS ROUTE 66

Route 66 road trips across Texas

Route 66 road trip to Shamrock, Texas Route 66 road trip to Amarillo, Texas Route 66 road trip to Glenrio, Texas
Route 66 road trip to Vega, Texas Route 66 road trip to Adrian, Texas Route 66 road trip to McLean, Texas