07/11/2026
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE WAGON WHEEL
For nearly ninety years, the Wagon Wheel Motel has welcomed travelers along Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri. Generations of families, road trippers, honeymooners, international visitors and lifelong Route 66 enthusiasts have slept beneath these stone roofs and gathered under that unforgettable neon sign.
Now, Christina and I are humbled to become the next caretakers of this remarkable place.
Our own history with the Wagon Wheel began in 2008, when we stayed here with our daughter Lily during one of our early family adventures on Route 66. We could never have imagined that all these years later, we would be entrusted with carrying the Wagon Wheel into its next chapter.
Before we look ahead, we need to recognize the woman whose determination made this moment possible.
When Connie Echols purchased the Wagon Wheel in 2009, its future was far from guaranteed. Connie recognized what this place meant—not only to Cuba, but to travelers and preservationists around the world. She invested years of her life into restoring the historic stone buildings, returning the iconic neon sign to the roadside and making the Wagon Wheel one of the most recognized lodging landmarks on Route 66.
Without Connie’s vision, courage and seventeen years of stewardship, there is no telling what might have happened to this special place. Christina and I are sincerely grateful for everything she did to save it, strengthen it and keep its doors open for another generation. Her contribution will always remain an important part of the Wagon Wheel story.
We also want former guests to know something very clearly: the legacy of the Wagon Wheel will live on.
We did not purchase this motel to erase its past or turn it into something it was never meant to be. We bought it because of what it already is—an authentic American motor court, a living piece of Route 66 history and a place that has found its way into the hearts of people from around the world.
Our job is to preserve that character while carefully improving the comfort, hospitality and experience of staying here. Some changes will be immediately noticeable. Others will happen room by room, building by building and day by day. Through it all, the historic stone cottages, nostalgic atmosphere, glowing neon and unmistakable spirit of the Wagon Wheel will remain at the heart of everything we do.
The photographs accompanying this post were taken just a few days ago. They show the Wagon Wheel as it enters this new chapter—the rooms, cottages, grounds and little details spread across nearly five acres along the Mother Road. We hope they remind former guests of the memories they made here and give future guests a glimpse of the experience waiting for them.
For those who have stayed here before, we would love to hear your Wagon Wheel memories and see your old photographs. For those who have always dreamed of staying here, we look forward to leaving the light on for you.
Christina and I understand that ownership of a historic place like this is temporary. The Wagon Wheel belonged to Route 66 long before us, and if we do our job correctly, it will continue welcoming travelers long after us.
We are honored to take the wheel, grateful to Connie for keeping it rolling, and excited to see where the road leads next.
Here’s to preserving the past, improving the present and keeping the Wagon Wheel rolling on Route 66.
—Roamin Rich and Christina Dinkela
🌐 [www.WagonWheel66.com](http://www.WagonWheel66.com)
