Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep inside a giant concrete teepee? Welcome to the enchanting world of Wigwam Motels, where quirky architecture meets nostalgic Americana along the legendary Route 66. These aren’t just places to rest your head – they’re living pieces of history that transport you back to the golden age of American road trips.
Picture this: you’re driving down the historic Mother Road, and suddenly, a cluster of towering white teepees appears on the horizon like something out of a fever dream. That’s the magic of Wigwam Motels, and trust me, once you’ve experienced sleeping in one of these architectural marvels, regular hotels will never quite feel the same.
What is the Wigwam Motel?
A Wigwam Motel is exactly what it sounds like – a motel where each room is housed inside a concrete structure designed to look like a Native American teepee or wigwam. These aren’t your average roadside accommodations; they’re carefully crafted concrete sculptures that stand approximately 32 feet tall and 14 feet in diameter at the base.
The concept might seem whimsical by today’s standards, but these motels represent a fascinating chapter in American hospitality history. Each wigwam unit typically features all the standard motel amenities – a comfortable bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, and modern conveniences – all wrapped up in this distinctive conical package.
History Behind the Iconic Design
The wigwam design wasn’t just a random architectural choice. During the 1930s and 1940s, America was experiencing a boom in “novelty architecture” – buildings designed to attract attention through unusual shapes and themes. The wigwam motels capitalized on the romanticized Western imagery that was popular in American culture at the time.
This design philosophy, known as “programmatic architecture,” meant that the building itself became an advertisement. You didn’t need a billboard to tell people what made your motel special – the giant teepees did all the talking. It was brilliant marketing wrapped in concrete and steel.
Architectural Significance
From an architectural standpoint, Wigwam Motels represent a unique blend of functionality and fantasy. The conical shape isn’t just for show – it’s actually quite practical. The design provides excellent structural stability, natural ventilation, and efficient use of interior space. The thick concrete walls also offer superior insulation, keeping guests cool in summer and warm in winter.
These structures have become recognized as significant examples of mid-20th century American vernacular architecture, earning spots on the National Register of Historic Places and capturing the attention of architectural historians worldwide.
The Story of Wigwam Village Motels
The Wigwam Village story is one of American entrepreneurship, creativity, and the enduring appeal of the unconventional. It’s a tale that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of innovation that defined mid-20th century America.
Frank Redford’s Vision
The mastermind behind the Wigwam Village concept was Frank A. Redford, a Kentucky businessman with a flair for the dramatic and an eye for what would capture the American imagination. In 1933, Redford opened the very first Wigwam Village in Horse Cave, Kentucky, and it was an instant sensation.
Redford wasn’t just building motels; he was creating experiences. He understood that travelers wanted more than just a place to sleep – they wanted stories to tell, memories to cherish, and photographs to share. His wigwam design delivered all of that and more.
The genius of Redford’s approach lay in his attention to detail. He didn’t just construct teepee-shaped buildings and call it a day. He carefully studied Native American design elements, incorporated authentic decorative motifs, and ensured that each wigwam felt like stepping into a different world entirely.
The Original Seven Wigwam Villages
At the peak of the Wigwam Village era, seven locations dotted the American landscape from Kentucky to California. Each location was strategically placed along major travel routes, particularly Route 66, to capture the growing automobile tourism market.
The original seven Wigwam Villages were located in:
- Horse Cave, Kentucky (1933) – The original
- Cave City, Kentucky (1937) – The second location
- New Orleans, Louisiana (1940) – Bringing the concept south
- Orlando, Florida (1948) – Capturing the tourism boom
- Bessemer, Alabama (1940s) – Serving the industrial south
- Holbrook, Arizona (1950) – The Route 66 classic
- Rialto, California (1949) – The West Coast destination
Each location had its own personality while maintaining the core wigwam concept that made them instantly recognizable to travelers across the country.
Surviving Wigwam Motels Today
While only two of the original seven Wigwam Villages remain operational today, these survivors have become legendary destinations for Route 66 enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking a truly unique travel experience.
Wigwam Motel #6 – Holbrook, Arizona
Located in the high desert of northeastern Arizona, the Holbrook Wigwam Motel stands as perhaps the most famous and photographed of the surviving wigwam motels. This location has become synonymous with the classic Route 66 experience and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The Holbrook location features 15 individual wigwam rooms arranged in a semicircle around the main office building. Each wigwam has been carefully maintained to preserve its authentic 1950s character while incorporating modern amenities that today’s travelers expect.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook, Arizona, this Wigwam Motel sits directly on historic Route 66, making it incredibly easy to find for road-trippers following the Mother Road. The location is approximately 90 miles east of Flagstaff and offers easy access to several major Arizona attractions.
The motel is perfectly positioned for exploring the painted desert region, with the Petrified Forest National Park just minutes away. The high desert location provides stunning sunrise and sunset views, and the clear skies make for exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Room Features and Amenities
Each wigwam room at the Holbrook location features a unique blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. The interiors maintain their original hardwood floors and rustic furnishings while offering contemporary amenities like flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with modern fixtures.
The rooms are surprisingly spacious, with the conical ceiling creating an unexpectedly airy feeling. Original hickory furniture pieces add to the authentic atmosphere, while Native American-inspired decorative elements throughout the room reinforce the Southwestern theme.
Wigwam Motel #7 – Rialto, California
The Rialto Wigwam Motel, located in San Bernardino County, California, represents the western terminus of the classic Route 66 wigwam experience. This location has been beautifully restored and continues to attract visitors from around the world who want to complete their Route 66 journey in style.
The California location features 19 wigwam rooms, making it slightly larger than its Arizona counterpart. The property has undergone extensive renovation in recent years, ensuring that it meets modern hospitality standards while preserving its historic character and charm.
San Bernardino County Experience
Located at 2728 West Foothill Boulevard in Rialto, this Wigwam Motel offers visitors access to the diverse attractions of Southern California. The location provides easy access to both mountain and desert recreational opportunities, as well as the urban attractions of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
The Rialto location is particularly popular with international visitors who want to experience authentic American roadside culture. The motel’s proximity to major California attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring everything from theme parks to national forests.
Booking and Rates
Rates at both surviving Wigwam Motels are surprisingly reasonable considering their iconic status and unique accommodations. Prices typically range from $70-120 per night depending on the season and room type, making them accessible to budget-conscious travelers while offering an experience that’s truly priceless.
Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and fall) when Route 66 tourism is at its highest. Both locations often book up weeks or even months in advance, particularly for weekend stays and during special events.
What Makes Wigwam Motels Special?
In a world of cookie-cutter hotel chains and predictable accommodations, Wigwam Motels stand out as beacons of creativity and individuality. But what exactly makes these concrete teepees so special that travelers will drive hundreds of miles out of their way just to spend a night inside one?
Authentic Route 66 Experience
Staying at a Wigwam Motel isn’t just about having a unique place to sleep – it’s about connecting with the authentic spirit of Route 66 and the golden age of American automobile travel. These motels represent a time when the journey was just as important as the destination, when roadside attractions were genuine surprises rather than corporate marketing schemes.
When you check into a wigwam room, you’re not just a guest – you’re a participant in a living piece of American history. Every creak of the hardwood floors, every vintage fixture, every carefully preserved detail tells the story of countless travelers who came before you, each carrying their own dreams and destinations.
The experience taps into something deeper than mere nostalgia. It connects us to a time when America was still discovering itself, when the open road represented infinite possibility, and when a night’s lodging could be an adventure in itself rather than just a necessary pit stop.
Instagram-Worthy Photography
Let’s be honest – in today’s social media-driven world, the visual impact of Wigwam Motels is absolutely undeniable. These structures are practically designed for Instagram, offering countless opportunities for creative photography and social sharing.
The contrast between the stark concrete teepees and the wide-open desert landscape creates dramatic visual compositions that photographers dream about. Whether you’re capturing the golden hour light playing across the white concrete surfaces or the mysterious silhouettes against a star-filled night sky, Wigwam Motels provide endless inspiration for visual storytelling.
But the photogenic nature of these motels goes beyond just their exterior appearance. The carefully curated vintage interiors, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and decorative elements, create perfect backdrops for travel photography that actually tells a story rather than just documenting a location.
Planning Your Wigwam Motel Stay
Successfully planning a Wigwam Motel experience requires a bit more forethought than booking a standard hotel room. These aren’t your typical accommodations, and the planning process reflects their special nature.
Best Times to Visit
The optimal time for visiting either Wigwam Motel location depends on several factors, including weather preferences, crowd levels, and regional attractions. For the Arizona location, spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and the best overall experience.
Summer temperatures in Holbrook can be quite intense, with daytime highs often exceeding 100°F. However, the thick concrete walls of the wigwams provide excellent insulation, and the desert nights can be surprisingly cool and comfortable. Summer also tends to be less crowded, making it easier to secure reservations on shorter notice.
Winter visits to the Arizona location can be magical, especially when rare snowfall dusts the red rock landscape. The contrast between the white wigwams and snow-covered desert creates truly spectacular photographic opportunities, though temperatures can drop significantly at night.
The California location enjoys a more moderate climate year-round, though spring and fall still represent the peak seasons for comfortable weather and optimal travel conditions.
What to Pack
Packing for a Wigwam Motel stay requires some consideration of the unique aspects of these accommodations. While the rooms include standard amenities, the vintage character and desert locations call for some special preparation.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll likely want to explore the surrounding areas and take plenty of photographs. The desert environment can be harsh on footwear, so sturdy soles and good ankle support are recommended.
Layered clothing is crucial, especially for the Arizona location where temperature swings between day and night can be dramatic. Even in summer, desert nights can be surprisingly cool, while winter days might be pleasantly warm despite cold nighttime temperatures.
Don’t forget your camera and extra batteries or charging equipment. You’ll want to capture every angle of these remarkable structures, and the remote locations mean you won’t want to run out of power at a crucial moment.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Both surviving Wigwam Motel locations are strategically positioned near numerous attractions and activities that can enhance your overall travel experience. The Arizona location offers particularly rich opportunities for exploration and adventure.
The Petrified Forest National Park, just minutes from the Holbrook Wigwam Motel, provides world-class opportunities to explore ancient fossilized trees and striking badlands landscapes. The park’s Rainbow Forest Museum offers excellent educational exhibits about the area’s geological history.
The Painted Desert, with its stunning layers of colored rock formations, stretches for miles around the Holbrook area and provides endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and geological exploration. The constantly changing light throughout the day creates an ever-evolving canvas of natural beauty.
For those interested in Native American culture and history, the region around Holbrook offers numerous opportunities to learn about and experience authentic indigenous traditions and crafts. Local trading posts and cultural centers provide respectful ways to engage with this rich cultural heritage.
Wigwam Motel vs. Traditional Hotels
Choosing between a Wigwam Motel and a traditional hotel isn’t really about comparing amenities or services – it’s about choosing between experiences. Traditional hotels offer predictability, standardized service, and familiar comfort. Wigwam Motels offer something entirely different: authenticity, history, and memories that will last a lifetime.
In terms of basic amenities, modern Wigwam Motels actually compare quite favorably to mid-range traditional hotels. The rooms include private bathrooms, comfortable beds, air conditioning, heating, and modern entertainment systems. The difference lies not in what you get, but in how you get it and the context in which it’s delivered.
Traditional hotels focus on efficiency and consistency. Every room is designed to be essentially identical, every service follows standardized procedures, and every guest experience is carefully controlled to minimize variables. There’s nothing wrong with this approach – it serves most travelers’ needs perfectly well.
Wigwam Motels, on the other hand, celebrate uniqueness and character. No two wigwam rooms are exactly alike, the vintage furnishings each have their own stories, and the overall experience is designed to be memorable rather than merely functional. You’re not just renting a room; you’re participating in a piece of living history.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never stayed at a Wigwam Motel before, a few insider tips can help ensure your experience exceeds your expectations and avoids any potential surprises.
Making Reservations
Booking a Wigwam Motel room requires patience and advance planning. These motels don’t use major booking platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com – reservations are typically made directly through the property by phone. This old-school approach is part of the authentic experience, but it means you can’t just click and book online.
Call during business hours and be prepared for a more personal conversation than you’d have with a chain hotel reservation system. The staff can provide valuable insights about room differences, local attractions, and special events that might affect your stay.
Don’t be surprised if they ask about your travel plans or offer recommendations for local attractions. This personal touch is part of what makes the Wigwam Motel experience special, but it can feel unusual if you’re accustomed to automated booking systems.
What to Expect
First-time visitors should adjust their expectations to match the vintage character of these accommodations. While the rooms are clean and comfortable, they’re not luxury hotels. The charm lies in their authenticity and history rather than in premium amenities or modern luxury.
The wigwam shape means that ceiling height varies throughout the room, with the highest point at the center and lower areas around the perimeter. This creates a cozy, intimate feeling that some guests love and others need time to adjust to.
Sound carries differently in the conical rooms than in traditional rectangular hotel rooms. The hard surfaces and unique shape can create interesting acoustic effects, so be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours.
The vintage furnishings and fixtures are part of the authentic experience, but they may show their age in ways that modern hotel amenities don’t. This patina of age and use is intentional and adds to the historical atmosphere rather than detracting from it.
The Cultural Impact of Wigwam Motels
Beyond their role as unique accommodations, Wigwam Motels have had a lasting impact on American culture that extends far beyond the hospitality industry. These structures have become symbols of a particular era in American history and continue to influence art, design, and popular culture today.
The wigwam design has appeared in countless movies, television shows, advertisements, and artistic works as shorthand for classic Americana and the romance of the open road. They represent a time when America was more willing to embrace whimsy and creativity in commercial architecture, when business owners felt free to express their personality through their buildings.
From an anthropological perspective, Wigwam Motels represent a fascinating example of cultural appropriation and reinterpretation. The use of Native American architectural forms for commercial purposes reflects the complex relationship between indigenous cultures and mainstream American society during the mid-20th century.
Modern discussions about these motels often grapple with questions of cultural sensitivity and appropriate representation. The current owners and operators of the surviving motels have generally worked to present their properties in ways that acknowledge and respect the cultural origins of their architectural inspiration while maintaining their historical character.
The influence of Wigwam Motels can be seen in contemporary design trends that celebrate authenticity, uniqueness, and experiential travel. Modern boutique hotels often try to capture some of the same sense of place and personality that Wigwam Motels achieved through their bold architectural choices.
Conclusion
The Wigwam Motels represent more than just quirky places to spend the night – they’re tangible connections to America’s love affair with the automobile, the open road, and the endless possibility of the journey. In an increasingly homogenized world of chain hotels and standardized experiences, these concrete teepees stand as monuments to creativity, individuality, and the enduring appeal of authentic American roadside culture.
Whether you’re a dedicated Route 66 enthusiast, an architecture buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates unique experiences, staying at a Wigwam Motel offers something truly special. It’s a chance to step back in time, to experience travel as adventure rather than mere transportation, and to create memories that will last long after you’ve returned home.
The fact that only two of these remarkable motels remain operational today makes the experience even more precious. Every night spent in a wigwam room is a night spent preserving and celebrating a unique piece of American cultural history. These aren’t just accommodations – they’re living museums that you get to sleep in.
So the next time you’re planning a trip through the American Southwest, consider adding a Wigwam Motel to your itinerary. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for an experience that perfectly captures the magic of the Mother Road. After all, how often do you get the chance to sleep inside a piece of roadside history?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to stay at a Wigwam Motel?
Rates typically range from $70-120 per night depending on the season and location. The Arizona location (Holbrook) tends to be slightly less expensive than the California location (Rialto). Rates are highest during peak travel seasons in spring and fall, with winter offering the most affordable options.
2. Do Wigwam Motels have modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning?
Yes, both surviving Wigwam Motels have been updated with modern amenities while preserving their vintage character. Rooms include air conditioning, heating, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. However, the focus is on authentic experience rather than luxury amenities.
3. How far in advance should I book a Wigwam Motel reservation?
It’s recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for spring and fall travel. Weekend stays and holiday periods often book up 6 months or more in advance. Reservations must be made directly by phone with each property.
4. Are Wigwam Motels suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Children typically love the unique architecture and the adventure of sleeping in a “teepee.” The rooms are family-friendly, though parents should supervise young children around the vintage furnishings. The nearby attractions at both locations offer excellent family activities.
5. Can I visit a Wigwam Motel just to take photos without staying overnight?
While both motels welcome visitors who want to take exterior photos and visit their gift shops, it’s considered courteous to ask permission first, especially if you want to photograph the grounds extensively. The most authentic experience, however, comes from actually staying in one of the wigwam rooms and experiencing the full atmosphere of these remarkable properties.