Giant Tee Pee

Lupton, Arizona

Is a giant tee pee more authentic if it is found on a authentic Indian reservation?

Built in 1982, the Tee Pee Trading Post stood along old Route 66 when it opened -- apparently too late to save the famous highway, which was decommissioned three years later. At the time, the tee pee -- which stands 60 feet tall -- was known as the Tomahawk Indian Store and was painted flaming yellow.

Despite Route 66's demise, traffic never slackened; this part of Arizona runs through a canyon, which means that Interstate 40 -- which parallels the old highway -- runs right alongside. Backed against the canyon wall, the Tee Pee still packs a visual punch and remains a popular stop with travelers, although it's slightly less photogenic since it was painted a more correct but less vibrant white.

The Tee Pee's owners told us that all of its Native American arts and crafts are made locally, and that the only non-USA items sold in the entire tee pee are the cigars.