Overnight stop on Historic U.S. Route 66 at the Wigwam Village in San Bernardino, California

Wigwam Village #7 in San Bernardino, California

Frank A. Redford developed the Wigwam Village concept after adding tipi-shaped motel units around a museum-shop he had built to house his collection of Native American artifacts.

Wigwam Village #1 was built in 1933 by Mr. Redford, and was located on the corner of US-31E and Hwy 218 in Horse Cave, Kentucky.

Wigwam Village #2 is located on U.S. Route 31W in Cave City, Kentucky, close to Mammoth Cave National Park and a few miles south of the original Wigwam Village #1. The address is 601 North Dixie Hwy, Cave City, Kentucky. It consists of 15 wigwams used as guest rooms that are arranged in a semicircle. In the center is a much bigger concrete and steel central structure that originally served as a restaurant, plus a common area with playground, recreation space, and pavilion. The Village remains open today.

For more information, visit the website of Wigwam Village Inn #2

A total of seven Wigwam Villages were constructed between 1936 and the 1950s. After Wigwam Village #2 was completed in 1937 in Cave City, five more were built over time:

#3 - New Orleans, Louisiana - Built in 1940 on U.S. Highway 61 in suburban Metairie. Closed in 1954.
#4 - Orlando, Florida - Built in 1948 at 700 S. Orange Blossom Trail, and featured 27 tipis. It was razed in 1974.
#5 - Bessemer, Alabama - Located north of downtown on U.S. Highway 11. It featured 15 tipis. Closed in 1964.
#6 - Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
#7 - San Bernardino / Rialto, California

Village #1
Horse Cave, KY
Wigwam Village #1, Horse Cave, Kentucky

Village #2
Cave City, KY
Wigwam Village #2, Cave City, Kentucky

Village #4
Orlando, FL
Wigwam Village #4, Orlando, Florida

Wigwam Motel #7

Driving down Route 66, this San Bernardino motel immediately grabs your attention with its one-of-a-kind roadside architecture.

In 1933 Frank Redford started developing the Wigwam “Villages” by designing teepee (tipi) shaped motel units. This was the last of seven Wigwam Motels built across the country; only three survive today. The others are located in Holbrook, Arizona and Cave City KY.

This one was opened in 1949, and remains open today at 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard, and welcomes travelers to "sleep in a teepee".

This motels remains a unique and whimsical accommodation option with modern tee-pee guest rooms and first-class amenities. The property features free WiFi, a free parking, tea and coffee in the lobby, a refreshing outdoor pool, an around-the-clock front desk, non-smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, daily housekeeping and an on-site gift shop.

Website of the Wigwam Motel or phone 909.875.3005

WigWam Motel in San Bernardino, California, since 1949 ... welcome travelers ... sleep in a teepee!