“since 1936!”
The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café is located along historic Route 66 in Shamrock. Built in 1936 by J. M. Tindall and R. C. Lewis at the cost of $23,000, this gem of a building got its start in the dust when John Nunn drew his idea for the station on the ground with an old nail. Plans were later given to architect Joseph Berry who set the final wheels in motion. With its Art Deco detailing and two towers, the building was designed and constructed to be three separate structures. The first was the Tower Conoco Station, named for the dominating four-sided obelisk rising from the flat roof and topped by a metal tulip. The second was the U-Drop Inn Café, which got its name from a local schooolboy's winning entry in a naming contest. The third structure was supposed to be a retail store that instead became an overflow seating area for the café. The Tower Station was the first commercial business located on the newly designated Route 66 in Shamrock, and is one of the most imposing and architecturally creative buildings along the length of the road. Today, the City of Shamrock owns the building, which it has fully restored using a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant and local fundraising. Visitors are welcome to the station, which is now operating as a visitor center, chamber of commerce office, and community center.
Reviews
Great photo op to include on our journey. The site was nicely maintained. There was even a Tow Mater wanna be in the parking lot that kids were taking pictures with. It was nice quick little enjoyable stop only a couple blocks off of Interstate 40.
Here now! Charming downtown area if you stay on the road..people are nice, watch out for cops and if you see the billboards for Vern's Steakhouse, it's pretty much directly behind this Conoco.
WOW!!! After seeing the movie Cars, the kids recognized this building right off the bat.. They were excited to see something they could relate to as were us parents.. Definitely a must see., the lady working was very friendly and knowledgeable... They even mail your post cards..
cool photo opportunity. everything is closed down on Sunday however
Really amazing building w/ great photo op (especially at night with the neon lights!). Very pleasant host and good information, look forward to the renovated cafe opening soon!!
Such a great stop! It's easily accessible from the freeway. My two year old loved the building! It looks like it's straight out of Cars. The lady that works inside is so sweet and told us the history of the building and restoration. There is a corner with cars playing and puzzles for the kids to play with. The building is restored beautifully and is a sight to see!
You need to stop off at Shamrock, TX on your Route 66 road trip! The town doesn't have a lot going on, but it's got the iconic Conoco gas station and Big Vern's Steakhouse. I highly recommend pulling in around 5PM getting some late afternoon shots, and then some nighttime shots when it's all lit up. Definitely hit up Big Vern's Steakhouse too, I had one of the best steak dinners of my whole life there. The onion rings are awesome too.
Great place to stop and see the history. No food, but it was nice to stretch our legs.
Elvis stayed here! And this building was recreated brick for brick in the Disney movie Cars are Ramone's auto body shop. Really great place to get out and stretch your legs. plenty of parking nearby for RVs and motorhomes. Must do if you love nostalgia and Route 66. Tesla electric charging stations also available
Quick Stop Off The Interstate.
Beautifully restored and a great spot to take some nostalgic photos, visited on a Sunday and were the only people around so nothing cluttering photos except us.
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Tower Conoco Station & U-Drop Inn
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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