Munger Moss Motel on Route 66 – Lebanon, Missouri
One of the more iconic and classic motel neon signs along Route 66 is the large, brassy, in-your-face sign of the Munger Moss Motel, in Lebanon, Missouri. Its gigantic, colorful and totally retro sign will catch your eye as you enter the town.
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Note: This is not a review of the motel itself, as I did not stay here.
Munger Moss Motel – Location
Address: 1336 U.S. Rte 66, Lebanon, MO 65536
Quick History of the Munger Moss Motel on Route 66
The Munger Moss Motel was built in 1946 and is one of the original motels along the mother road. It is still in business today – this well-kept, throwback motel gets great reviews, so you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep here.
The Munger Moss name originally began as a BBQ cafe known as the Munger Moss Sandwich Shop, located in Devils Elbow, Missouri in the 1930s. Their famous BBQ sandwiches quickly became well-known along Route 66, until the 1940s, when the government re-aligned Route 66, and took away all of the traffic from the Munger Moss Sandwich shop. Eventually, the restaurant closed and was sold to the Hudson brothers in the 1940s. However, the original building remains today, known as the Elbow Inn.
Read more: Route 66 Travel Tips
The brothers moved their business to Lebanon, Missouri, set up shop, starting a new restaurant called the Chicken Shanty, using the same recipes as used in the Munger Moss Sandwich shop. Additionally, they built a service station and motel. The motel originally was built in a cabin court style, with carports between the rooms.
The motel quickly gained popularity and needed an expansion. Spaces between the cabins were filled in and additional rooms were created. The motel now looks like your traditional motorcourt motel.
As the years went by, the iconic neon sign was falling into disrepair and eventually no longer lit up at night. In 2010, the Neon Heritage Association, the Missouri Route 66 Association, along with the National Park Service, helped restore the sign with a grant. Today the sign is illuminated every night, greeting weary travelers.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to stay overnight at the motel, as I was traveling through Lebonan during the mid-morning. But given the chance, I’d definitely stay here if I find myself in this area again!
Regardless if you’re staying here, this is a great stop to snap a photo of this iconic and retro neon sign on your Route 66 road trip!
Check rates and book your stay at the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri!
Have you stayed at the Mungar Moss Motel on Route 66? Let me know in the comments!
