Vintage Motel Signs of Route 66: Neon Beacons of Roadside Americana
Lighting the Way for Travelers
From the 1930s through the 1960s, no drive down Route 66 was complete without the glow of a motel sign. These towering neon creations didn’t just point to a place to sleep — they promised safety, comfort, and a little bit of excitement after a long day on the road.
The Art of Attraction
Competition was fierce along America’s Main Street. Motels fought for attention with oversized arrows, blinking stars, and playful designs. Some even built entire signs shaped like teepees or cactus plants. Bold colors and moving neon tubing made sure weary travelers couldn’t miss them in the dark.
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Famous Examples Still Standing
- Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, NM) – Perhaps the most iconic Route 66 sign, with bright blue neon and a classic swallow design still glowing today.
- Wigwam Village Motel (Holbrook, AZ) – Teepee-shaped rooms paired with unforgettable signage that lured families off the road.
- Munger Moss Motel (Lebanon, MO) – A towering neon arrow, now restored, remains a beacon of nostalgia.
These signs have become photography hotspots and collector favorites, preserved as part of Route 66’s cultural memory.
Collectability Today
Original motel neon signs are rare and expensive, often selling for thousands at auction. For collectors, they’re more than décor — they’re functional works of art that tell the story of a golden age of travel. That’s why authentic reproductions built with porcelain enamel, heavy steel, and hand-blown neon are so valued: they capture the same magic in a way that lasts.
