Iconic Route 66 Wagon Wheel Motel debuts restored rooms

Cuba, MO: In June, Connie Echols, the owner of the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel, writes a new chapter in Route 66 history with the debut of restored rooms in the 1930s Historic Landmark motel.

When Echols purchased the Wagon Wheel in the fall of 2009, the motel was in need of a facelift. This winter and spring, construction crews tore down, built up, and made the old new again.

Remodeled Bathroom at Wagon Wheel Motel

The Ozark sandstone Tudor-style rooms have been gutted, updated, and restored until they are better than ever. New plumbing, heating and cooling systems, bathrooms, and bedding are just some of the upgrades in the historic motel. Flat screen TVs have been added to the rooms, and WiFi is free throughout the property.

Connie's Shoppe at the Wagon Wheel Motel

Before starting on the motel, Echols, restored the original Wagon Wheel Café building in the front of the motel as the motel office and Connie’s Shoppe, which houses purses and jewelry, Wagon Wheel memorabilia, and much more. The small station building is next door.

Echols has added a deck behind Connie’s Shoppe and the old station building for guests to use while they are staying at the Wagon Wheel.

“I hope that the new Wagon Wheel will be a destination for car clubs and other groups that are looking for an authentic Route 66 experience. It is part of our country’s history that people traveled Route 66 to the small mom and pop motels along the road. I hope they can find that experience but in a more comfortable, updated way at the Wagon Wheel, “ stated Echols.

Another of the updates includes the Jacuzzi room with both a Jacuzzi tub and a shower. Another unit is a suite with a kitchenette and two Queen beds. The motel will also rent single and double rooms. Rates will run from $50-$100, depending on room size and amenities.

“We have worked with the unique historic architecture, used modern upgrades, thrown in a little eclectic decorating, and have created a new Route 66 experience that tips its hat to history,” Echols commented.

The Wagon Wheel is located at 901 E. Washington (Old Route 66) in Cuba, MO. Call for details and reservations at 573-885-3411. Visit us on Facebook at the Historic Wagon Wheel Motel Featuring Connie’s Shoppe.

State Parks and State-Owned Historic Sites on 11 Most Endangered List

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named America’s State Parks and State-Owned Historic Sites to it’s 2011 list of most endangered historic sites. Six states are singled out as being of particular concern, and three of them are on Route 66 – Missouri, Arizona, and California. You can read the full report here: http://tinyurl.com/39uux2u