Complex featuring individual teepee-shaped rooms that recreate mid-century travel experiences along a classic American highway.
Overnight lodging available daily; hours may vary seasonally
How to Get There
From Holbrook (2 mi): Follow Hopi Drive (Historic Route 66) west through town for about 1–2 miles to reach the motel lined along the roadway.
Overview
The Wigwam Motel offers a rare opportunity to experience travel as it once was during the golden age of roadside Americana, when families crossed the country along long stretches of highway dotted with imaginative accommodations. Built in the early 1950s, the property replaces traditional hotel rooms with concrete teepee-shaped structures, each functioning as an individual sleeping unit. The design, originally conceived to capture the attention of motorists, quickly became an enduring symbol of creativity in roadside architecture. Complemented by a collection of vintage automobiles parked throughout the property, the setting creates a visual time capsule that reflects the character of mid‑century travel culture.
Today, the experience blends nostalgic simplicity with modern practicality, allowing visitors to step back in time without sacrificing basic comforts. The compact interiors, modest amenities, and preserved layout emphasize authenticity rather than luxury, reinforcing the motel’s historic identity. As one of only a few remaining examples of its kind, the site continues to attract travelers drawn by both its novelty and its connection to a broader history of exploration and mobility along America’s historic highways.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Wigwam Motel, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.