The Forgotten Fleet: Exploring the Slug Bug Ranch of Conway

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Slug Bug Ranch Conway Texas

A tribute to the VW Beetle, left to the elements in Conway.

The Backstory

If Cadillac Ranch is the crown jewel of Amarillo art, then Slug Bug Ranch is its rebellious, unpolished younger brother. Located about 30 miles east in the near-ghost town of Conway, this site features five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-first at a jaunty angle. It was created in 2002 by the owners of a nearby Longhorn Station and Crutchy's Garage as a deliberate "parody" of the famous Cadillac installation to draw travelers back to their corner of the Panhandle.

Unlike its predecessor, which is meticulously maintained and sits in a clean field, Slug Bug Ranch feels like a post-apocalyptic discovery. The cars sit beside an abandoned farmhouse and a crumbling gas station, offering a stark look at the "Mother Road" after the interstates took over. The Beetles have been stripped of their engines, interiors, and dignity, leaving only the rusted shells to serve as a canvas for passing travelers.

📍 At a Glance

  • Location: I-40 & Hwy 207 (Exit 96), Conway, TX 79015
  • Region: Panhandle
  • Typical Timeframe: 20 - 30 minutes
  • Admission: Free

A Ghost Town Vibe

The beauty of Slug Bug Ranch is the silence. While Cadillac Ranch often has crowds and music playing, Conway is quiet. You can hear the wind whistling through the hollowed-out frames of the VWs. It is a favorite for photographers who want to capture the "Old Texas" aesthetic—vibrant graffiti clashing with the weathered wood of the surrounding ruins.

The site has faced its share of trouble over the years, including vandalism that went beyond paint and occasional issues with trash. However, for those who love "Urbex" (urban exploration) or the strange history of Route 66, it remains an essential stop. It represents a time when local businesses used whatever they had—even a few broken-down German cars—to catch a driver’s eye.

Our Pro-Tip

Because this site is less "official" than Cadillac Ranch, the weeds can get high in the summer. Watch your step for Panhandle critters like snakes or grasshoppers. Also, if you’re heading west toward Amarillo afterward, keep your eyes peeled; the transition from the "Bugs" to the "Cadillacs" shows just how much this stretch of road loves its buried steel.

Note: There are no facilities or restrooms here, so plan your "pit stop" accordingly before you exit the highway.

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