Wharton, Texas: Tee Pee Motel

After begging my parents in the 1960s to stay here and never succeeding, I took my 15-year old daughter to the Tee-Pee Motel in Wharton. It is a really good deal for the price (~52 dollars).

It was cold, so we built a campfire and did the S'more thing. It was very clean. The beds are the worst as mentioned before. Too soft and too short, but was able to endure just to stay in my beloved tee-pee after all these years.

There are some good local restaurants in the area (Larry's Mexican to name one) and all the usual franchise for those who must have their Subway and McDonald's. The heater worked great in the unit and I have no complaints.

Spent the night at the Teepee Motel in Wharton -- it's up and running. Cute little teepee -- the only thing is, the bed was really short and uncomfortable; and it wasn't only me, because the visitors' book said the same thing. They are painted brown (sort of mud hut looking:). Otherwise, it's fine.

The old Tee Pee Motel has been refurbished and looks great. It has been out of business for years, but the new owners are really making it nice. Rooms have a nice bed, microwave and fridge and cable tv (channels are very limited). Nice tile shower in bathroom. Located on Business Hwy 59 on outskirts of Wharton. According to the owners, this is one of only four still operating in the US.

The Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, Texas, comprised of eleven aged and sagging teepee-shaped structures, is undergoing an extensive restoration by its new owner. This comes as welcome news to hordes of teepee sleepover fans who had to drive to Arizona, California or Kentucky for the last of the Wigwam Villages.

Photo of the former TeePee Motel near Wharton, Texas. As is evident, the teepees themselves are in a fairly dilapidated condition. The property is fenced and I couldn't get too close. Looks like most of the property is used for equipment storage and there is tornado bait (mobile home) on the site. I could not verify whether the Van Winkles still own it or not. I remember driving past it the late 1980's and it was still in good condition and recognizable as a motor lodge. Hopefully, the current owners will not let it deteriorate any further.