Wagon Wheel Motel

901 E Washington Blvd., Cuba, MO 65453
Phone: 573-885-3411

East < GO > West

The Wagon Wheel has been an operating motel since it opened in 1934. That makes it the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66. Starting with 9 cabins it eventually grew to 14 cabins by 1941. The garages were eventually converted to guest units. Originally there was a cafe and gas station operating here as well as the motel. The cafe building was and still is also the motel office, but the cafe space was being used as a gift shop when we were there in 2012. The former gas station building still stands next to the office & gift shop.

Here is one of the buildings housing rooms at the motel. As well as guest rooms there were 12 carports and 2 garages by 1941. At some point the garages were converted to guest rooms.

In 1946 ownership of the property was split up. The cabins were owned by one couple, the cafe by another and the gas station was leased to Standard Oil. That changed again in 1947 when John Mathis bought the property. Mathis designed the neon sign and changed the name from Wagon Wheel Cabins to Wagon Wheel Motel in 1947.

In 1963 the property was sold again and the Ye Old Coffee Shop opened in the original office & cafe building. The coffee shop closed in 1980. Another sale in 2009 led to a complete renovation. The motel is located at the east end of Cuba.

This the room behind the 2nd door from the right in this 4 unit building is where our room was in 2012.

This was our room with the old steam heat radiator still standing in the corner and the newer air-conditioning unit high on the wall above it.

The room had a small table in the alcove as well as a small vanity and sink.

The sign is animated with the wheel and the arrow alternating being lit at night. The Wagon Wheel Motel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

(Front of card)
WAGON WHEEL CAFE
HI-WAY U.S. 66, CUBA, MO.

(Back of card)
Famous for fine foods
Owner, Mr. & Mrs. William H. Pratt.
Phone 30, Cuba, Mo.

(Front)
WAGON WHEEL
CABIN COURT
Located East Side of Town on Highway U.S. 66

(Back)
Sleep in safety and comfort without extravagance. All modern steam heated, fireproof units. Free garages. Popular priced dining room, famous for fine food in connection.
WE RECOMMEND THIS PLACE

NOTE: There isn't much to say about the first postcard, because the card doesn't tell us much about the business. It's best feature may be the image on the front, at least it tells you what building to look for. The second postcard is more informative. I guess if your stay wasn't satisfactory you could always strike out the preprinted "We recommend this place".
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Photo(s): 2012