Rattlesnakes Sign on Route 66 – McLean, Texas
It’s a sign that says Rattlesnakes. That’s it. What more can be said, right?
Well, not quite. I love this stupid sign. I can’t quite explain why, but when I first saw a picture of this sign online somewhere, I first had to figure out where it was and then I made a mental note that if I was ever traveling along Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle, that I’d have to stop and photograph this sign. I know that’s probably really weird – visually, this sign isn’t even that interesting – after all, there are plenty of really cool neon signs along this route. All this is, is a sign that says “Rattlesnakes”, placed in a patch of grass in Bumfuck, Texas. But for some reason, I was drawn to this sign, so when I finally had the chance to travel out this way, I made it a point to stop in McLean, Texas to check out the Rattlesnakes sign.
Rattlesnakes sign on Route 66 – Location
The Rattlesnakes sign is located in McLean, Texas. If you are traveling west on I-40, once you exit the interstate and enter the town, you will see the sign off to your right, placed in a small park.
Rattlesnakes Sign on Route 66 – History
This sign once belonged to E. Mike Allred’s Rattlesnake Ranch (aka Regal Reptile Ranch) in Lela, Texas. Snake pits were a big thing back in the ’50s and ’60s! Fortunately, this tourist attraction closed in the late ’70s after Mr. Allred’s death. With the attraction closing, people still loved the “Rattlesnakes – Exit Now” sign so much that they took up efforts to preserve it (see? I’m not the only nutjob who loves this sign!). The sign stood tall off I-40/Route 66 in Lela, Texas for decades until a nasty storm came through and knocked down the sign in 2007.
The love of this sign runs deep, and once again, the “Rattlesnakes” sign was saved by a local historian. The sign was moved further west to McLean. Although the sign no longer stands as tall, and the “Exit Now” section couldn’t be salvaged, it remains a piece of old Route 66 lore, set up in a small park for everyone to enjoy to this day. Or not. I imagine some people would take the large “Rattlesnakes” sign as a warning not to hang out in the park!
Other things to see in McLean, Texas
The rural town of McLean, Texas feels like a ghost town – lots of abandoned buildings and not a soul in sight, but there are a few things worth seeing if you have the time.
The Devil’s Rope Museum: This museum is devoted to, of all things, barb wire. I didn’t have time to check it out but it seems interesting. Interesting note: E. Mike Allred’s sister also operated a Route 66 snake pit – you can see some of her original snakes at this museum — they’re pickled.
Old Philips 66 Station: Traveling Route 66, you’ll see a ton of these old service station, but this is one of the more well-kept and preserved stations and is worth a few photos.
One-Way Church: I don’t know much about this church, just thought it was interesting.
Abandoned Buildings: Like any old Route 66 town bypassed by the interstate, McLean, Texas has its fair share of abandoned buildings.
Have you ever been out to McLean Texas? Better yet, did you ever have the chance to visit Mr. Allred’s snake pit back in its hey day? Let me know in the comments!
