If you’re cruising down Route 66 in Texas, the stretch from Shamrock to Amarillo is one you won’t want to rush through. Shamrock, with its iconic Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, and Amarillo, home to the legendary Cadillac Ranch, are both must-see stops that encapsulate the vintage charm of the Mother Road. These cities are more than just pit stops—they’re destinations in their own right, brimming with nostalgic roadside attractions, classic diners, and cozy motels that have been welcoming travelers for decades.
But here’s the thing: the magic of Route 66 isn’t just in the big-name cities. It’s in the journey between them. As you make your way from Shamrock to Amarillo, give yourself the gift of time. Time to pull over for a photo with a larger-than-life roadside statue, time to explore the quirky museums that tell the tale of a bygone era, and time to soak in the small-town vibes that make this stretch of road so special.
So, whether you decide to spend the night in Shamrock, Amarillo, or both, remember—half the adventure lies in the miles between. Keep your eyes peeled, your camera ready, and your itinerary flexible because this is one road trip where the journey really is the destination.
What is the distance from Sharmock to Amarillo, Texas on Route 66?
Amarillo is around 100 miles from Shamrock, Texas. Much of the journey will be along I-40, but be sure to hop off, especially as you make your way into Amarillo on a historic segment of the road. The journey should take about an hour and a half if you drive straight there. But, depending on how many stops you plan to make along the way, you’ll want to build some extra time into your itinerary.
If you’re in a rush, the travel time between Tulsa and Oklahoma City is only around one hour if taking I-40 exclusively. But the journey on Route 66 is well worth the extra time!
Shamrock to Amarillo, Texas Route 66 Itinerary
Shamrock, Texas
Start your road trip off in Shamrock, Texas, a small panhandle town that got its name in 1893 from its first postmaster, George Nickle, whose Irish-American mother had told him to “depend on a shamrock to bring him good luck.” The town still celebrates its Irish roots with an annual St. Patrick’s Celebration and plenty of fun Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attractions around town.
Best known for The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, there is so much more to explore in Shamrock, includingBlarney Stone Plaza, the Pioneer West Museum, and the Magnolia Gas Station. Explore all thethings to see in Shamrock, Texasand add those to your itinerary too!
Route 66 Museum & Devil’s Rope Museum
When you’re done exploring Shamrock, start heading west to theDevil’s Rope Museumin McLean, which celebrates all things barbed wire. Check out the giant balls of barbed wire that flank the name plaques outside, then come inside to explore a huge expanse dedicated to the fencing.
While you’re at the barbed wire museum you can also check out the adjoining Texas Route 66 museum with vintage signs, a Texas map, photographs, a recreated 1950s diner, and a giant cow.
Learn More About the Devil’s Rope Museum
McLean-Alanreed Area Museum
The McLean-Alanreed Area Museum celebrates the area’s ties to Route 66, ranching, and agriculture. Founded in 1969, the museum features local artifacts and rooms that replicate businesses through the years, like an early barber shop, newspaper office, dental office, and more.
Restored 1929 Route 66 Gas Station
The vintage 1929 Phillips 66 Gas Station in McLean was one of the first of its kind in Texas. It’s built in a Tudor-Revival style and resembles a cottage in its design. While the business closed in 1977 it was remodeled in 1991, complete with vintage gas pumps, an oil pump, and a historic Phillips 66 sign.
66 Super Service Station
Bradley Kiser built the 66 Super Service Station in Alanreed in 1930. Look for the Texaco pump, bulk oil dispenser, service bay, and canopies marked with “66 Super Service Station.”
Donley County Rest Area (Route 66-Themed Rest Area)
If you need to pull over for a restroom break there is no better option than the Donley County Rest Area. Like many of the rest areas in Texas posting a local theme, the eastbound rest station on Donley is themed after Route 66. With a two-lane outdoor path that mimics The Mother Road, art-deco architecture, and informative displays, it makes the perfect place to pull off for a break.
Leaning Tower of Texas
This Texas Route 66 roadside attraction was once a normal, functioning water tower. It was slated for demolition when Ralph Britten bought it at an auction and moved it 34 miles away to its current location to serve as an oversized sign for his truck stop and information center. Britten purposefully posed the tower at a 10-degree angle, just enough to lure unsuspecting travelers off the road and into his shop out of concern. The truck stop burned down in the 1990s, but theLeaning Tower of Brittenstill remains as a relic of the past.
Learn More About the Leaning Tower of Texas
Groom Cross
The Groom Cross (officially The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ) is a giant cross off of Interstate 40 and Route 66. You can’t miss this 190-foot-tall, 1,250-ton icon: it can be seen from 20 miles away!
Patriot Peace Garden
The Patriot Peace Garden in Panhandle, Texas, isn’t just a serene tribute to veterans and first responders—it’s also home to some wonderfully quirky roadside attractions that make it a unique stop along Route 66. Among the garden’s peaceful memorials, you’ll find unexpected oddities and creatively repurposed into art installations.
Look for the giant peace symbol tucked into the landscape as if waiting to be discovered. The garden blends reverence with a sense of curiosity, making it a must-visit for those who love to find the strange and unusual on their Route 66 journey.
Amarillo, Texas
Veer off the highway and drive through a historic stretch of Route 66 in Amarillo, the destination of this road trip itinerary. Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District is comprised of art galleries, antique stores, restaurants and bars housed in historic buildings. Park your car and spend some time exploring this fun main street. Looking for some quirky stops? Don’t miss Cadillac Ranch, Slug Bug Ranch, or The Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Where to Eat
If you’re making a full day of driving between Shamrock and Amarillo, you’re going to want to pull over for a meal. Here are some of the best restaurants on this stretch of the road.
Red River Steakhouse
The Red River Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in Texas. Channel the Wild West for an unforgettable dining experience in McLean. With a wide selection of burgers, ribs, American classics, seafood, and, of course, steaks, there’s a dish for everyone to enjoy.
Whine Knot Ranch Cafe
Whine Knot Ranch Cafe is a quirky cafe that embodies the spirit of The Mother Road. Dine on comforting classics and southwestern staples among Betty Boop murals and Route 66 signs.
Where to Stay
Chances are you’re going to be staying in one of the the Best Route 66 Motels in Texas in either Shamrock or Amarillo. But, if you’re looking to stay somewhere between the two, here are your best accommodation options.
Cactus Inn & RV Parking
Cactus Inn is the closest hotel to the in McLean, Texas. Enjoy a quaint stay with necessities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and WiFi.
Chalet Inn
Chalet Inn is a budget-friendly Route 66 motel in Groom, Texas. Located close to restaurants in town, this property offers air conditioning and free WiFi and parking.
As your journey from Shamrock to Amarillo comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the memories made along this iconic stretch of Route 66. Whether it’s the nostalgic stops, the vibrant history, or the simple joy of the open road, this trip is one for the books.
