Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center
Experience the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort at the beautifully restored Boots Court Motel—a boutique gem nestled along historic Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway at the “Crossroads of America” in Carthage, Missouri. Stay the night, take a guided tour, browse our unique collection of souvenirs, and take home a piece of history.
A Treasured Symbol of Route 66’s Golden Age
Opened in 1939 by Arthur and Ilda Boots, Boots Court Motel is a treasured symbol of Route 66’s golden age. It’s sleek Streamline Moderne design features black glass accents and green neon trim, showcasing the era’s modern aesthetic. Originally offering four rooms and a gas station, each room had a “Radio in Every Room” and a covered carport— both rare luxuries at the time. The nightly $2.50 rate aimed to attract a respectable clientele. In 1946, a five-room addition brought the total to 13 rooms. The motel flourished mid-century, welcoming notable guests like Clark Gable and Gene Autry. However, by the early 2000s, it had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of demolition.
On Big Blend Radio
Janna Conklin, provides an insightful overview of what to experience at the renowned and historic Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center, located in charming Carthage, Missouri.
Experience 1940s Charm
In 2011, sisters Deborah Harvey and Priscilla Bledsaw purchased and began restoring the motel to its 1940s charm, reviving features like the flat roof, neon signage, chenille bedspreads, and period furnishings.
In 2021, community advocates established the nonprofit Boots Court Foundation to complete restoration and revitalize the surrounding area. After purchasing the property, their efforts culminated in a significant milestone in July 2022, when all 13 newly restored rooms were opened to guests.
As part of their broader vision, the foundation began renovating the adjacent mid-century Sinclair gas station, transforming it into the Boots Court Visitor Center. By late 2023, the center opened, serving as a vibrant hub for local culture and community engagement, complete with a charming souvenir shop featuring keepsakes and handcrafted goods from 21 talented local artists and vendors. An online store was later launched, allowing fans to purchase those unique items worldwide.
In 2024, the motel welcomed visitors from 48 states and 35 countries. It received national recognition from Route Magazine, earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center. In 2025, USA Today ranked it the 5th Best Roadside Motel in the U.S., celebrating its continued commitment to historic preservation and guest experience.
Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center
-
Website: https://bootscourt66.com/
-
Address: 107 S. Garrison Avenue (Route 66 and the Jefferson HWY), Carthage, MO 64836
-
Phone: +1 (417) 310-2989
