Wigwam Village #7

Wigwam Village #7 on the border of Rialto and San Bernadino, California, is one of seven concrete tipi motels built between 1933 and 1950.

Only three of the seven still exist today. The tipi-shaped design (incorrectly labeled called a wigwam) was the brainchild of Frank A. Redford who created the first Wigwam Village around his Indian artifact museum and shop in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Wigwam Village #7 was built along Route 66 by Redford in 1947 through 1949. Unlike the other Wigwam Villages, this one has two rows of tipis.

I've not yet stayed at this Wigwam Village, but passed by on my way home from southern California.

Wigwam Village #6

Wigwam Village #6 in Holbrook, Arizona, is one of seven concrete tipi motels built between 1933 and 1950. Only three of the seven still exist today. The tipi-shaped design (incorrectly labeled called a wigwam) was the brainchild of Frank A. Redford who created the first Wigwam Village around his Indian artifact museum and shop in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Wigwam Village #6 was built by Chester E. Lewis along Route 66 in 1950, after obtaining rights to the name and design from Redford.

The Lewis family continues to operate the hotel today. I've not yet stayed here. The Wigwam Village is at the top of the list the next time we need a motel room in the Holbrook area.

Wigwam Village #2

Wigwam Village #2 in Cave Creek, Kentucky, is one of seven concrete tipi motels built between 1933 and 1950. Only three of the seven still exist today. The tipi-shaped design (incorrectly labeled called a wigwam) was the brainchild of Frank A. Redford who created the first Wigwam Village around his Indian artifact museum and shop in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Wigwam Village #2 was built in 1937, a few miles from the original.

We spent a night in Tipi #1, which provided accommodations similar to other older cheap roadside motels. The bed was equipped with the perfect mattress for simulating the experience of sleeping on the ground while camping. In spite of waking up with a slightly sore back, this was a fun and different place to stay. I'd sleep in a wigwam again.