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You might get your kicks all along Route 66, but you can’t miss topping up your tank and grabbing a bite to eat at the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café! Nestled in the charming town of Shamrock, Texas, the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café stand as a remarkable reminder of Route 66’s golden age. Opened in 1936, this iconic establishment was designed to cater to travelers journeying west on the “Mother Road.” The U-Drop Inn Café, celebrated for its Art Deco elegance, quickly gained a reputation as “the swankiest of the swank eating places” in the area. At the time, it was the only café within a 100-mile radius, making it a crucial stop for weary road-trippers to grab a cup of joe to keep them going. The name “U-Drop” itself is a charming nod to a local schoolboy’s winning entry in a naming contest, adding a touch of local flavor to this historic gem.
📸: Ben Geier
Today, the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café are owned by the City of Shamrock, which has undertaken an extensive restoration project with the help of a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant and local fundraising efforts. The restoration has reinvigorated this beloved structure, ensuring its preservation for future generations to “drop-in” any time. Now operating as a visitor center, chamber of commerce office, and community center, the building has become a hub of activity and a warm welcome for travelers from near and far.
Each year, over 25,000 visitors from around the globe make their way to Shamrock to experience this piece of Route 66 history. The Tower Station and Café continue to captivate and charm guests with their unique architectural style and rich history. In fact, the Tower Station and Café claim to be the most architecturally interesting buildings along Route 66. The Art Deco design, so unusual for a gas station and restaurant, stands out as a symbol of the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Route 66’s heyday.
📸: Ben Geier
Moreover, this iconic building has even made its mark in popular culture. The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café served as the inspiration for Ramone’s House of Body Art in Pixar’s 2006 film “Cars.” As a cherished symbol of Route 66, the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café continue to celebrate and preserve the essence of a bygone era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into America’s road trip history. Thankfully for weary riders, the swanky eating place not having a neighbor within 100 miles is also history.
