If you’re traveling through the Ozarks during the holiday season, it may be wise to stay one night at the Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo.
The historic motel will continue to be operational and offer its amazingly inexpensive $17-a-night rooms for at least the next few weeks.
But James Armstrong, son of the longtime and now-deceased owners Harold and Pauline Armstrong, said in a phone interview that the Wagon Wheel will probably be put up for sale fairly soon. Pauline Armstrong died a few years ago, and Harold died in November.
After the property is up for sale … well … who knows. Perhaps a preservation-minded person will take a chance with it. But there’s no telling.
The last I checked, the Wagon Wheel doesn’t take reservations. But if you’re in the area, you can call (573) 885-3411 to make informal arrangements for an overnight stay in one of those charming stone cabins that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
(Photo courtesy of Guy Randall.)
I knew Pauline from my Idlewild lodge days with Jim and Eleanor McGrath. The Wagon Wheel is an icon for Route 66 admirers. I hope it stays the way it is and people experience this place for the history it holds. Wish I could buy it myself but like myself, Upkeep on history is expensive in these hard times. Thanks for the many years of great memories. Of sitting in the main room and talking, the days when I remember Pauline coming down to Idlewild Resort and being with the McGraths. What a great time to remember for now and ever
check out my webpage on Idlewild Lodge in Cuba MO
https://idlewildlodge1961.bravehost.com/
great pics and memories……thanks
Hi Steven, I was thrilled to find your web site. Last night my daughter asked me where I went on vacation when I was little. I loved retelling the stories of my favorite summer place. So first thing today, she looks up Idlewild. I add Cuba, MO, and sure enough up pops the link to your wonderful site. It actually brought tears to my eyes. My parents, Ralph & Lill C. were your Aunt & Uncle’s first customers, Apr, 1942 for their honeymoon. They did not go back for almost 20 years, when we started going annually. Even up to the time when I was bringing my husband. I am still looking for a place that could come even a little close to the warmth and fun that we enjoyed there. I am going to share your site with friends and family that also joined us there. I still have some of those cedar souvenirs. Thanks for the memories, Nancy
I need to check back on this more ….thank you Nancy for writing.
Nancy do you have any pictures from Idlewild….I would love to chat more with you….did you see the home movies on you tube?
email me…. stever5964@hotmail.com.