Along the iconic Route 66, amidst the vast Texas landscape near Amarillo, lies a peculiar roadside attraction that echoes the legendary Cadillac Ranch, but with a Volkswagen twist. This is the Vw Bug Ranch, also known as Slug Bug Ranch or Bug Farm, a place where art meets automobile in a uniquely Texan way. While its lifespan was shorter and its current status uncertain, the VW Bug Ranch offers a fascinating glimpse into roadside Americana and the enduring appeal of the Volkswagen Beetle.
The story of the VW Bug Ranch begins with the Crutchfield family, who had been operating the Longhorn Trading Post and Rattlesnake Ranch since 1967. For decades, they catered to travelers along the Mother Road. In 2002, seeking to revitalize their business, Tommy Crutchfield reportedly took inspiration from the nearby Cadillac Ranch, a world-famous art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs. The legend goes that, facing competition from a newly opened Love’s Travel Stop, Crutchfield decided to create his own automotive art piece to draw in passing motorists.
Thus, the VW Bug Ranch was born. Five Volkswagen Beetles were procured and half-buried nose-down in the ground, mirroring the Cadillac Ranch’s iconic pose but with a more accessible, everyman vehicle – the beloved “Bug.” These Bugs were painted a bright, attention-grabbing yellow, and a sign boldly proclaimed, “Sign a Bug.” This interactive element, encouraging visitors to leave their mark on these automotive canvases, became a key part of the Bug Ranch experience. Travelers were invited to spray paint their names, messages, and artwork onto the yellow VW Bugs, contributing to an ever-evolving, collaborative art piece.
While the VW Bug Ranch did succeed in attracting tourists and generating buzz, it sadly didn’t achieve its intended goal of revitalizing the Crutchfield’s original businesses. Just a year after its creation, the Longhorn Trading Post and Rattlesnake Ranch closed their doors. However, the narrative surrounding the closure is not without its complexities. While popular lore attributes the closure to business struggles exacerbated by the Love’s Travel Stop, Ettie Crutchfield, Tommy’s wife, offers a different perspective. She maintains that the businesses closed due to personal family matters, not financial failure, and even clarifies that it was Tommy’s brother, Ricky, who was responsible for installing the VW Bugs.
Today, the VW Bug Ranch exists in a state of intriguing decay. The land remains in the Crutchfield family, but the buildings are described as vandalized and beyond repair, resembling a “micro ghost town.” The fate of the VW Bugs themselves is also uncertain. Reports suggest they may still be present, bearing layers upon layers of visitor graffiti, a testament to the fleeting but impactful nature of roadside attractions.
For those with a penchant for offbeat Americana and Route 66 history, the VW Bug Ranch, even in its deteriorated state, holds a certain allure. Located on the southernmost portion of the former Crutchfield property, adjacent to the road, it was once easily accessible. However, potential visitors should be aware that the area may be littered with broken glass, debris, and potholes, reflecting its abandoned status. Furthermore, the original name “Rattlesnake Ranch” serves as a reminder of the local wildlife, so caution is advised.
Whether the VW Bugs still stand or have succumbed to time and the elements, the VW Bug Ranch remains a noteworthy, albeit ephemeral, chapter in the story of Route 66 roadside attractions. It serves as a quirky, smaller-scale echo of Cadillac Ranch, celebrating the automobile as art and offering a unique, interactive experience for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Americana. While its future is unclear, its legacy as the “Sign a Bug” stop on Route 66 endures in the memories and photos of those who encountered this unique VW Beetle tribute.
