“Do it in a Tee Pee” Village #7

Of the original seven Wigwam Villages, only three still stand. Two of them—Village #6 in Holbrook, Arizona, and Village #7 in Rialto, California—are located on The Mother Road.

Frank Redford, the creator of the Wigwam Villages, actually built the Rialto location himself (he also built Village #2 in Cave City, Kentucky). Construction began in 1947, and by 1950, the teepees were open for business. Redford envisioned his villages as quirky, family-friendly roadside lodgings, branding them as “wigwam villages” despite the rooms being modeled on teepees. This inaccurate generalization of American Indian culture is common along Route 66.

Village #7 was designed as a welcoming rest stop for travelers. It featured a large central office and 11 teepee-style cabins. A firepit, outdoor play area, and picnic spots encouraged family fun and social gatherings. It was a place where road-trippers could relax, swap stories, share travel tips, and connect with fellow adventurers along Route 66.

As the population of the San Bernardino Valley surged, so did the demand for lodging. To accommodate the growing number of travelers, Redford expanded his popular village, adding eight more teepee units to meet the need.

After Redford’s passing, the village fell into disrepair as successive owners neglected its upkeep. Once a beloved family destination, it gained a questionable reputation, with rooms rented by the hour. Signs reading “Do it in a Tee Pee” only reinforced its decline, further distancing it from its original charm.

Fortunately, in 2002, the Patel family purchased the property and set out to restore it to its former glory as a safe, family-friendly, and iconic Route 66 motel. Their dedication paid off, and in 2012, the newly renamed Wigwam Motel earned a well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places.