What café in Adrian, Texas, marks the geographic midpoint of historic U.S. Route 66?

The Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas, marks the geographic midpoint of historic U.S. Route 66.

Adrian lies roughly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica, the original eastern and western termini of the highway. The café’s location made it a natural stopping point for travelers crossing the Texas Panhandle, and its midpoint claim became one of the most memorable facts associated with Route 66.

The building opened in 1928, only shortly after Route 66 was established. It later became a popular photo stop for travelers and preservationists. A nearby sign identifies the location as the midpoint between the two historic endpoints.

The midpoint is a geographic idea rather than a statement that every surviving segment of pavement is exactly equal in driving distance. Route 66 was repeatedly realigned, so road mileage changed over time. Nevertheless, Adrian’s Midpoint Café remains the accepted and famous midpoint landmark for Route 66 travelers.