Ever had that irresistible urge to grab a spray paint can and leave your mark on history? Well, at Cadillac Ranch, they don’t just encourage it – they practically hand you the paint and say, “Go wild!” So buckle up as we take you on a vibrant journey through this iconic tribute to automotive history and wanderlust.
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Where to Find the Cadillac Ranch
Tucked away in Amarillo, Texas, the Cadillac Ranch stands as a popular tourist attraction along the legendary Route 66. This historic route, once the lifeblood of American road trips, stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. From hit songs like (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch by Bruce Springsteen to the television show Route 66 and the more recent animated Disney Pixar Cars franchise, this road has cemented its place in history and American pop culture.
The Heartbeat of the Mother Road
Built in 1926, this 2,488-mile stretch of road has earned many nicknames like the “Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America” as it became synonymous with the American dream of exploration and freedom. But, as the post-war boom led to a surge in car production, Route 66 began to feel the strain of its narrow, two-lane design and limited capacity. Eventually decommissioned in 1985, it left behind a legacy of nostalgia and memories for road-trippers like us.
As we hit the road for our honeymoon adventure from Alabama to Yosemite National Park, we couldn’t resist visiting Route 66. Sure, Interstate 40 might have come to replace the Mother Road, but what better way to embrace its spirit than by visiting Cadillac Ranch?
Revving Up the History
Built in 1974 by the creative minds of the Ant Farm collective and funded by the eccentric Amarillo millionaire, Stanley Marsh 3, Cadillac Ranch is a masterpiece in buried metal.
Ten Cadillacs stand tall, buried nose-first in the Texas soil, said to be angled just like the Pyramids in Giza. From the sleek lines of a 1949 Club Sedan to the luxurious 1963 Sedan DeVille, each one celebrating the evolution of automotive design.
When this exhibit first opened, tourists couldn’t resist leaving their mark—literally. From spray paint to souvenir hunters scavenging for a piece of automotive history, it was chaos. Instead of crying over spilled paint, the creators embraced the madness. Today, you can bring your own spray can, buy one, or find one lying on the ground, and let your creativity run wild, 24/7/365, no admission required.
We wish we had known the history of Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch prior to visiting.
Leaving Our Mark
Let’s be honest, it was the allure of those ubiquitous social media posts featuring Cadillac Ranch that truly inspired our visit. You know the ones – vibrant tail fins and personalized graffiti adorning the iconic cars. How could anyone resist experiencing such a colorful spectacle in person? We had anticipated finding numerous cars buried in the Texas soil within a few feet of the Mother Road, but the actual scene was quite different.
When we arrived at Cadillac Ranch, we were greeted by a sight that was both exciting, unexpected and a little disappointing. Tens of cars had pulled off to the sides of the road, and the unmistakable smell of spray paint lingered in the air. Contrary to our expectations, the Cadillacs weren’t right next to the road but were instead 700 feet (214 meters) into a field covered in mud. As we walked over, we saw tourists from all corners of the globe gathered around the Cadillacs, each armed with a can of paint, leaving their mark. Some adorned with initials, while others with drawings.
There is something undeniably exciting about defying the norm and adding your style to this ever-changing canvas. While we hadn’t initially thought to bring our own spray paint, there is a truck stand nearby selling cans. Although we don’t recall the exact price, according to Tripadvisor users, it’s around $7.50 per can. We were surprised by the cost, especially considering that you can pick up some colors from Walmart for less than $3, just 6 miles from Cadillac Ranch. However, visitors frequently leave behind mostly full spray cans in the area. Naturally, we seized the opportunity to leave our initials, strike a few poses for pictures, and simply have fun—all without paying a dime.
Sure, our artistic skills might not rival Da Vinci’s, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? If there’s one bit of advice we can offer, it’s to capture plenty of pictures of your creations, as your art will probably only last only a few hours before it’s been covered.
For those looking to buy Route 66 or Cadillac Ranch souvenirs, less than a mile away is the 2nd Amendment Cowboy, a roadside cowboy statue. It’s an art exhibit which connects to a novelty Cadillac Ranch gift shop.
Reflections in the Rearview Mirror
As we peeled ourselves away from the technicolor Cadillac Ranch, we couldn’t help but smile. The world seems to move a mile a minute, it’s refreshing to slow down, spray cans in hand, and leave a mark that’s uniquely ours and part of something bigger than ourselves.
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