Present-day stewardship in Cuba, Missouri
Caring for a Route 66 Landmark
Rich and Christina Dinkela are the current owners and stewards of the Wagon Wheel Motel, a historic Route 66 motor court in Cuba, Missouri. Their purpose is straightforward: preserve its identity by keeping it useful, welcoming and true to the road.
The people caring for the property today
Meet Rich and Christina
Rich brings extensive Route 66 travel and preservation experience to the Wagon Wheel. That background helps guide decisions about authenticity, roadside character and the responsibility that comes with caring for a place travelers already know and value.
Christina shares responsibility for the motel’s day-to-day care and guest experience. Together, they approach ownership as stewardship: listening, maintaining what matters and making practical improvements without turning the Wagon Wheel into a generic hotel.
Preservation through continued use
What stewardship means here
The Wagon Wheel is not a museum piece sealed behind glass. Responsible stewardship keeps its defining character intact while allowing it to continue serving Route 66 travelers.
Protect the identity
Care for the stone architecture, neon, motor-court layout and roadside presence that make the Wagon Wheel unmistakable.
Improve with restraint
Maintain comfort and reliability while preserving the individual character that makes each room and building distinctive.
Keep history useful
Continue operating as a motel so preservation remains connected to travelers, Cuba and the wider Route 66 community.
Continuity, not a blank slate
Honoring Connie’s contribution
Connie Echols cared for and operated the Wagon Wheel for nearly 17 years. Her work helped carry the property forward as a functioning historic motel.
Rich and Christina accepted responsibility for a place that had already been protected through years of determined care. Their stewardship builds on that foundation rather than erasing it.
Living history you can stay in
What guests can expect
A stay at the Wagon Wheel supports the continued care of a historic Route 66 property. Its rooms retain individual motor-court character, so layouts and features vary rather than following a standardized chain-hotel plan.
The motel is also a practical home base for Cuba’s murals, local dining and nearby Ozark scenery. Guests can experience the property as it was meant to be experienced: in use, after dark under the neon and connected to the road around it.
Continue exploring
Know the place before you arrive
The complete story
Explore the property’s documented chronology, architecture and preservation history.
Explore the HistoryRooms with character
Review individual room photographs and features before choosing your stay.
Compare the RoomsCuba and the Ozarks
Plan murals, meals and nearby Route 66 and Ozark stops from the Wagon Wheel.
Explore Cuba and the AreaBe part of the continuing story
Experience the Wagon Wheel for yourself
Choose the room that fits your trip, or contact the Wagon Wheel if you would like help planning a stay at this operating Route 66 landmark.