Blue Swallow Motel

The Blue Swallow Motel is a Route 66 lodging establishment in Tucumcari featuring pink stucco walls decorated with shell patterns and twelve L-shaped rooms with individual garages. The interiors preserve mid-century furnishings and rotary phones alongside modern conveniences while maintaining the original 1940s architectural character.

The property was constructed in 1939 as a roadside lodging option for Route 66 travelers and has operated continuously since its opening. Mid-century upgrades added neon signage and air conditioning systems to keep pace with changing traveler expectations.

The motel inspired filmmakers creating scenes of classic American roadside travel and lodging. Walking through it today, visitors can see the design elements that became references in popular movies.

The motel sits directly on Route 66, making it easy to spot while driving through town. Rooms are small and compact by modern standards, so expect limited space, but the location puts you right on the historic highway to explore the surrounding area.

The establishment was recognized by a major museum as the final significant example of classic American roadside lodging architecture. This recognition underscores its importance in preserving a vanishing chapter of American travel culture.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: 1942

GPS coordinates: 35.17187,-103.71642

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53