Slug Bug Ranch in Texas on Route 66 - the history and visiting
Slug Bug Ranch: The Colorful Roadside Gem of Amarillo, Texas
If you're traveling along Interstate 40 or exploring the iconic Route 66, make sure to stop at one of Texas' quirkiest roadside attractions—Slug Bug Ranch. Located just outside Amarillo in Conway, Texas, this offbeat art installation pays tribute to the beloved Volkswagen Beetle and offers travelers an unexpected photo op full of color, creativity, and history.
📍 What Is Slug Bug Ranch?
Slug Bug Ranch, sometimes called VW Bug Ranch, features five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-down in the ground—an unmistakable nod to the more famous Cadillac Ranch located just 35 miles west.
However, unlike its luxury-car counterpart, Slug Bug Ranch takes a more grassroots, homespun approach. It’s free, uncrowded, and encourages visitors to interact with the installation by adding their own graffiti artwork.
Fun Fact: The term “slug bug” comes from a childhood car game where players punch each other on the arm upon spotting a VW Beetle.
🛠️ History of Slug Bug Ranch
Slug Bug Ranch was created in 2002 by the Crutchfield family, local business owners looking for a unique way to bring traffic to their nearby gift shop, the Longhorn Trading Post and Rattlesnake Ranch. As traffic declined and nearby competition grew, the family decided to create their own eye-catching roadside attraction.
Taking inspiration from Cadillac Ranch, they planted five rusted VW Beetles vertically into the ground, launching what would become a cult roadside favorite.
Although the original trading post has since closed, Slug Bug Ranch continues to thrive as a free outdoor art gallery and photo destination for adventurous travelers.
🎨 A Living Canvas
Slug Bug Ranch is not just something to look at—it’s a participatory art piece. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add their own flair to the cars.
Over time, the Beetles have become layered in bright graffiti, signatures, doodles, and slogans, changing daily as new travelers pass through. The result? A vivid, ever-evolving display of artistic expression in the middle of the Texas plains.
📸 Visiting Slug Bug Ranch
📍 Location:
100-110 I-40 Frontage Rd, Conway, TX 79068🕒 Hours:
Open 24/7 – best visited during daylight for photos💵 Cost:
Free🎨 Tip:
Bring spray paint if you want to leave your mark! (Just be respectful to others’ art.)🚗 Nearby Attractions:
Route 66 Historic District
Big Texan Steak Ranch
🧭 How to Get There
From Amarillo, TX, head east on Interstate 40 for about 35 miles. Take Exit 96 in Conway and you’ll see Slug Bug Ranch just off the frontage road. It’s hard to miss those colorful Beetles sticking out of the ground!
Pro Tip: Type "Slug Bug Ranch" into Google Maps for easy navigation.
🧳 Why You Should Add Slug Bug Ranch to Your Road Trip
Whether you're a fan of vintage cars, DIY art, or weird Americana, Slug Bug Ranch delivers a memorable experience. It's a low-key, high-impact stop that reminds us how even simple, community-driven ideas can become folk art landmarks.
So, pack your paint, bring your camera, and add a splash of color to your next Texas road trip!
