The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, is the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, serving travelers since the late 1930s. Connie Echols purchased the property in September 2009 and is credited with saving the historic site from significant decline through a massive, multi-year restoration project. 

History of the Wagon Wheel Motel

The site has evolved through several major eras of ownership: 

• The Early Years (1930s–1940s): Originally opened as a café in 1936 by Robert and Margaret Martin, the complex quickly expanded to include a gas station and stone tourist cabins built from local Ozark sandstone. Designed by stonemason Leo Friesenhan, the buildings featured a distinctive Tudor Revival style.

• The Mathis Era (Post-WWII): John and Winifred Mathis bought the cabins, while William and Sadie Mae Pratt took over the café. John Mathis is famously credited with designing the iconic Wagon Wheel neon sign at his kitchen table in 1947, which prompted the name change from "cabins" to "motel".

• The Armstrong Era (1963–2009): Pauline and Hallie Roberts (later Pauline Armstrong) purchased the motel in 1963. Pauline ran the motel for 40 years and was instrumental in getting the site added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. After she and her second husband, Harold Armstrong, passed away in the 2000s, the property began to fall into disrepair. 

The Story of Connie Echols (2009-2026)

Connie Echols is a longtime resident of Cuba who took a significant personal and financial risk to preserve the motel. 

• Restoration Efforts: When Connie purchased the motel from Harold Armstrong's son in 2009, she undertook a "gut-to-the-stone" renovation. This included replacing all plumbing and electrical systems, installing new roofs, and modernizing interiors while preserving historic details like original hardwood floors, wooden doors, and glass knobs.

• Connie's Shoppe: She transformed the original 1936 café building into Connie's Shoppe, a retail space for Route 66 memorabilia and local gifts that also serves as the motel's office.

• Personal Connection: Connie's family is deeply rooted in the local community. Her late husband, Les, was an area cattle farmer, and her son-in-law, Joe Medwick, actually built the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, another famous Cuba landmark.

• Current Status: As of late 2022 into 2026, Connie announced her plans to retire and put the historic property up for sale. Christina and Rich Dinkela, owners of The Shamrock Court in Sullivan, MO, acquired The wagon wheel officially on April 8th, 2026.

Present Day - Dinkela Ownership (2026-?? )

With a history as rich as the Wagon Wheel’s, we know the future will be no exception. We plan to honor the legacy of Connie and the people who owned it before her. We have no idea who we will meet and the exciting things to come. We hope you visit and continue to help us make this place special!