This article is part of our ongoing series on traveling Route 66 in 6 parts. Check out our previous chapter, Section 3 | Tulsa to Amarillo.
As you make your way across the dusty Plains and into the desert of the Southwest, you’ll pass through some of the best-preserved and lovingly-restored towns along the route. This stretch includes the geographic midpoint, so pace yourself—and if you’re tired, know that you’re in good company with generations of travelers hoping to make it to “Tucumcari Tonite!”
KOAs along the way:
Tucumcari/ Route 66 KOA Journey
Cadillac Ranch｜Amarillo, TX
Since 1974, some of the most colorful cars to line Route 66 can be found nose-down in a field outside of Amarillo, Texas. The ten Cadillacs were placed here by an art collective, and in the decades since have been transformed daily by passersby with countless cans of spray paint. Cadillac Ranch can get crowded—and very muddy if it has recently rained—but embracing the chaos and ephemeral nature of this ever-changing public art installation is part of what makes road trips so special.
MidPoint Cafe｜Adrian, TX
Located at the geographic center of Route 66 (1139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles), Adrian’s MidPoint Cafe is the perfect place to stop for a slice of pie, a photo-op, or both. The oldest continuously-operating cafe between Amarillo and Tucumcari was built in 1928, and one of its previous owners was the inspiration for the Cars character Flo. Today, in addition to serving breakfast, lunch, and an early-bird dinner (the cafe closes at 4pm), the MidPoint Cafe also sells Route 66 souvenirs.
Blue Swallow Motel｜Tucumcari, NM
In a town full of classic Route 66 motels, the Blue Swallow still manages to stand out, thanks to its impressive neon sign and individual carports. Grab an iconic photograph of the exterior, and then make sure to visit TeePee Curios across the street for a good selection of souvenirs including squished pennies featuring the shop’s iconic silhouette.
Blue Hole of Santa Rosa｜Santa Rosa, NM
Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole, a small body of water with a consistent temperature around 60 degrees F, was a popular place to cool off long before the 1920s alignment of the Mother Road brought an influx of travelers. Unlike Catoosa’s big Blue Whale, you can still swim, dive, or snorkel in the clear, spring-fed waters of the Blue Hole, which plunge to depths of 80 feet, making it one of the most-popular diving pools in the country.
Tinkertown Museum｜Sandia Park, NM
Now in its 42nd season, the Tinkertown Museum is the life’s work of Ross Ward. Although he grew up in the Midwest, Ward built Tinkertown in Sandia Park, New Mexico, over the span of four decades, dedicating his life to this 22-room museum full of miniature carved-wood figures, glass bottles, antique tools, toys, dolls—and so much more. Tinkertown is one of those classic, roadside attractions that just has to be seen to be believed; although Ward died in 1998, his family continues to run the museum in his memory, welcoming folkart-lovers from all over the world.
Hopefully you’re feeling refreshed by a dip in the Blue Hole or fortified by a slice of pie from the MidPoint Cafe, because you still have a lot of Mother Road left to travel—and more souvenirs to shop for, history museums to explore, and vintage neon to photograph.
Continue to Section 5｜Albuquerque to Kingman
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
