![The historic Wagon Wheel Motel on Historic U.S. Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri](images/photos-usa-travel/wagon-wheel-motel-route66-cuba-missouri.jpg "Wagon Wheel Motel on Historic U.S. Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri\")
Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri
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Route 66 across Missouri features a variety of large cities and small towns, connected by roadways over rolling hills and valleys. The Mother Road followed much of the Kickapoo, or Osage, Trail, an Indian trail that later became the Old Wire Road. Like other Route 66 segments, the actual alignment varied over the years as engineering improvements were constructed.
We've driven much of Route 66, including multiple segments across Missouri.
One of our favorite stops along Route 66 in Missouri is the City of Cuba, located west of St. Louis and east of Rolla in Crawford County. The city has nearly 3,500 residents.
Cuba is known as the town "where art meets history". Local museums, historic sites, and the local art council spanning the region tell the story of a classic American town. Cuba is home to the Crawford County History Museum, located at 308 N. Smith Street.
Cuba is also known as "Route 66 Mural City", where the 12 outdoor murals depict scenes from local and national history, including visits from Harry S. Truman, Amelia Earhart and Bette Davis. Read more at CubaMoMurals.com
A brochure is available at the I-44 Visitor Center (Exit 208) and at area businesses. A step-on narrated bus tour service is available. The murals are located along the Route 66 Corridor with dining and shopping available.
A classic lodging property in Cuba is the Wagon Wheel Motel.
Map showing the location of Cuba, Missouri on Historic Route 66
The Wagon Wheel Motel in CubaThe Wagon Wheel Cabins, Cafe & Station were built in the chaotic times of 1935 when the nation was barely out of the depression, and the dust bowl had destroyed millions of acres of fertile land. Robert and Margaret Martin where the first owners, purchasing the land in 1934. The Martins hired Leo Friesenhan to do the construction work. Work was done on all the buildings at the same time, and local farmers carried the stone to the site. Leo's combination of stone, design, and nearly indestructable mortar recipe has endured until modern times, giving the Wagon Wheel its spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today, carefully and lovingly restored, it is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66. It is thought to be the inspiration for the "Wheel Well Motel" in the Disney movie "Cars". Connie's Shoppe, along with the motel office, is located in what was once the Cafe. It has a mix of old and new, selected with a flair for the unique. This is where visitors can sit a spell and have a glass of wine in the evening or a cup of hot fresh coffee in the morning. Browsing for a special memento or a bit of bling is a favorite past time for Wagon Wheel guests. The Shoppe features handmade jewelry, artwork, Route 66 books, maps, postcards, calendars ... and much more! Seen here are current views of the Wagon Wheel Motel, located on east side of Cuba on Highway 66, at 901 East Washington Street. For more information, phone 573.885.3411 and visit the official website of the Wagon Wheel Motel |
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Connie's Shoppe at the Wagon Wheel Motel |
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| This website has no affiliation with, or connection to, any listed hotel properties. Listings from TripAdvisor are provided as a starting point in your hotel research. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research and make informed decisions about the hotels they book. |
Other Scenes Around Cuba
Mural City
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Today, twelve officially commissioned murals have been painted around the town, the result of the Viva Cuba organization. Other murals can also be seen around town. The Cuba Chamber of Commerce offers a well done walking tour brochure.
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People's Bank Mural |
The Frisco Mural |
Fanning 66 Outpost in CubaHome of the world famous Route 66 Rocker! |
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Fanning 66 Outpost General Store Danny's Gas Hole Mural at the Fanning 66 Outpost |
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Downtown Cuba, Missouri, on Historic Route 66
Other Lodging Options Along Missouri Route 66
| This website has no affiliation with, or connection to, any listed hotel properties. Listings from TripAdvisor are provided as a starting point in your hotel research. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research and make informed decisions about the hotels they book. |
Interactive Map of Cuba, Missouri
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More Information About Cuba and Missouri
City of Cuba, Missouri website
Cuba Area Chamber of Commerce website
Cuba Missouri Travel Guide at TripAdvisor: Hotels, restaurants, things to do