McLean TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McLean, Texas.
1. Devil's Rope and Route 66 Museum
BARBED WIRE & ROUTE 66
Devil's Rope and Route 66 Museum is renowned as the world's largest collection dedicated to barbed wire and the history of fencing in the American West. The museum also features the Texas Old Route 66 Museum, displaying over 700 road-related artifacts and memorabilia from the iconic highway. Visitors can explore unique exhibits on ranching, fencing tools, and the culture of Route 66 travel.
2. Phillips 66 Restored Gas Station
HISTORIC SERVICE STATION
The Phillips 66 Restored Gas Station is a meticulously preserved example of a 1929 cottage-style filling station along historic Route 66. This site offers a glimpse into the golden age of American road trips and the original architecture of early gas stations. Its classic design and nostalgic charm make it a favorite photo stop for travelers.
3. McLean-Alanreed Area Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE DISPLAYS
The McLean-Alanreed Area Museum preserves and showcases artifacts from the region's rich agricultural and social history. Housed in a historic downtown building, the museum features memorabilia, photographs, and stories significant to McLean and its surrounding communities. It offers visitors a comprehensive look at the town's development over the decades.
4. Restored 1929 Route 66 Gas Station
CLASSIC ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Restored 1929 Route 66 Gas Station serves as an enduring landmark representing the historic travel corridor through Texas. This picturesque site is a magnet for road trip enthusiasts and those interested in automotive history. Its well-maintained exterior evokes the spirit of the early 20th-century highway era.
5. McLean Commercial Historic District
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PRESERVATION
McLean Commercial Historic District includes Main Street and other historic thoroughfares, with structures dating back to the heyday of Route 66. Visitors can stroll through downtown and admire preserved storefronts, historic buildings, and the ambiance of a classic Texas town. The area captures the essence of McLean's vibrant past along the famous highway.
6. Cactus Inn Motel
VINTAGE MOTEL EXPERIENCE
Cactus Inn Motel has long been a favorite lodging stop for Route 66 travelers, recognized by its distinctive cactus-shaped sign. This retro motel offers a nostalgic stay with updated comforts, evoking the hospitality and style of mid-century road trips. The Cactus Inn is a local institution and a symbol of Texas roadside culture.
7. Avalon Theater
HISTORIC THEATER VENUE
Avalon Theater is a classic movie house that once served as the entertainment hub of McLean. Though not currently operating, its building remains a notable landmark reflecting the Art Deco era and local social history. The theater's façade and marquee evoke the small-town theater charm of decades past.
8. McLean City Hall (Historic Masonic Hall)
MUNICIPAL & HISTORIC LANDMARK
McLean City Hall, housed in the historic former Masonic hall, is an important civic and historical structure in the community. Its architecture and history connect visitors to the civic development of the town. The building stands as a testament to McLean's enduring civic pride and heritage.
9. Route 66 Church of Christ
LANDMARK CHURCH ON 66
Route 66 Church of Christ, established in 1924, stands at the corner of First and Kingsley Streets and is a key landmark along the historic highway. The church's building reflects local architectural styles and the deep roots of faith in this community. It is both an active house of worship and a touchstone for Route 66 history.
10. Texas Old Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD MEMORABILIA
The Texas Old Route 66 Museum, housed within the Devil's Rope Museum, features hundreds of artifacts highlighting the legacy of the famed highway. Visitors see everything from road signs and advertising to nostalgia-packed items like a recreated 1950s diner. The museum is a must-stop for fans of the Mother Road's history.
11. Magnolia Station (Restored Gas Station)
VINTAGE ROUTE 66 SERVICE
Magnolia Station is a beautifully restored historic gas station that harkens back to the glory days of Route 66 travel. Though no longer operating as a service station, its preservation adds to the authentic atmosphere of McLean's historic district. Visitors enjoy photographing and admiring its period-correct signage and architecture.
12. Red River Steakhouse
CLASSIC TEXAS DINING
Red River Steakhouse is a popular dining venue known for its hearty steaks and welcoming Western ambiance. Located along Route 66, it draws locals and travelers alike with its classic Texas cuisine and friendly staff. The steakhouse offers a memorable taste of regional flavor and hospitality.
13. Chubby's Burrito Company
CASUAL TEX-MEX EATS
Chubby's Burrito Company delights visitors with its fresh, made-to-order burritos and casual, family-friendly atmosphere. It is a favorite stop for travelers looking for quick and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine. Their menu features a variety of options to satisfy diverse appetites.
14. Route 66 Trading Post
SOUVENIRS & GIFT SHOPPING
Route 66 Trading Post offers a wide selection of souvenirs, memorabilia, and unique gifts celebrating the Mother Road. This shop is a go-to stop for visitors seeking mementos from their Texas road trip. The friendly staff and nostalgic décor make shopping a pleasant experience.
15. Leaning Tower of Texas
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Leaning Tower of Texas, located in Groom, is an intentionally tilted water tower that has become a beloved roadside oddity along Route 66. It attracts countless travelers eager to snap a quirky photo and marvel at its improbable appearance. The tower serves as a whimsical icon on the Texas plains.
16. Magnolia Gas Station (Shamrock)
ART DECO GAS STATION
Magnolia Gas Station in Shamrock is an Art Deco-style historic station restored to its former glory and now serves as a visitor attraction. Its retro design and distinctive architecture make it a photogenic stop on any Route 66 journey. The station reflects the heyday of auto travel in the region.