Munger Moss Motel

As of 2025, the Munger Moss Motel is closed for renovation. It was sold in October 2024 and is being redeveloped into a mixed-use property. While you can no longer stay overnight, its iconic neon sign has been donated to the city of Lebanon for preservation and remains a significant landmark.

Yes, absolutely! The iconic neon sign, a star attraction and highly recognized icon of Route 66, was donated to the city of Lebanon in 2025. It will be maintained and renovated by the city, ensuring its continued visibility for visitors and its place as a beacon on the Mother Road.

The Munger Moss Motel itself is a historic roadside attraction, not a trailhead. While there are no direct hiking or walking trails on the motel property, the surrounding Lebanon, Missouri area offers opportunities for scenic drives and exploring other historic sites along Route 66. For specific hiking trails, you would need to venture a short distance from the motel's location.

The area around Lebanon, Missouri, offers opportunities for scenic drives along historic Route 66, exploring local parks, and visiting other historical landmarks. While specific rugged hiking trails might require a short drive, you can find pleasant spots for walks and enjoying the rural Missouri landscape. For detailed routes and points of interest, you can use komoot to discover what's available in the region.

While the motel itself is closed, visiting the site to see the iconic neon sign and learn about its history can be an interesting stop for families, especially those traveling Route 66. The nostalgic charm and historical significance can appeal to children interested in American history and road trips. For more active family-friendly outdoor activities, you would need to explore nearby parks or attractions in Lebanon.

The Munger Moss Motel site itself is an outdoor landmark, and dogs on leashes are generally welcome for viewing the sign and exterior. For more extensive dog-friendly outdoor activities, you would need to research local parks or trails in the Lebanon area that permit dogs. Always ensure to follow local leash laws and clean up after your pet.

Before its closure, the Munger Moss Motel was a classic "mom and pop" establishment known for its mid-century charm and warm hospitality. It featured 44 rooms, some of which were personally decorated with Route 66 themes, like the "Elvis Room" or "Route 66 Room." Amenities included cable TV, free WiFi, and a large shaded patio. Visitors often described it as "stepping back in time" and cherished the personal touch of its long-time owners, Bob and Ramona Lehman.

The name "Munger Moss" originated from a barbecue and sandwich shop opened by Nelle Munger and Emmett Moss in Devil's Elbow, Missouri, in the 1930s. When their original location was bypassed by a rerouted Route 66, the business relocated to Lebanon in 1945, eventually adding the motel portion in 1946.

The primary viewpoint at the Munger Moss Motel is the iconic neon sign itself, especially striking at night. While the immediate vicinity is roadside, the broader region of the Ozarks in Missouri offers various natural features and scenic drives. For specific natural viewpoints, you would need to explore state parks or conservation areas located a short drive from Lebanon.

For over 75 years, the Munger Moss Motel was considered an essential stop for anyone traveling Route 66. It offered a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of American road trips, attracting travelers globally who sought to experience the history and charm of the Mother Road. The warm hospitality of its owners and its unique themed rooms made it a memorable part of the Route 66 journey, often described as a true "stepping back in time" experience.

Since the Munger Moss Motel is closed for renovation and no longer offers its own services, visitors looking for food or drink will need to explore the town of Lebanon, Missouri. There are various local cafes, diners, and restaurants available within a short driving distance from the motel's location, offering a range of dining options.