Tee Pee Junction Concrete Teepee
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7 (Exterior viewing only)
- Duration
- 5-10 minutes
- Parking
- Pull-off parking available nearby
- Access
- Visible from the roadside; ground surrounding the structure is unpaved grass and gravel
Standing as a whimsical remnant of 1930s roadside Americana, this iconic 30-foot concrete teepee once served as a bustling service station and diner. Located just north of Lawrence, it remains a beloved local landmark and a quick, nostalgic photo stop. It's a classic example of programmatic architecture from the golden age of highway travel.
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Standing as a nostalgic sentinel just north of Lawrence, the Tee Pee Junction Concrete Teepee is a classic relic of 1940s roadside Americana. Originally built to accompany a gas station and tourist camp, this quirky structure served as an eye-catching beacon to lure travelers driving along US Highway 24 and US Highway 59.
Today, the concrete teepee is one of the few surviving remnants of the original commercial complex. Visitors can admire its weathered, conical shape, which stands as a testament to the early era of automobile tourism when whimsical mimetic architecture was used to capture drivers' attention.
While the surrounding property has evolved over the decades, this iconic landmark remains a beloved subject for photographers and road trippers exploring eastern Kansas. It offers a quick, evocative glimpse into the mid-century golden age of the American highway.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Pull over safely on the wide road shoulder to view and photograph the structure.
- ◆ Visit during the golden hour just before sunset for the best photographic lighting.
- ◆ Combine this quick roadside stop with a visit to historic downtown Lawrence, located just a few miles south.
Heads Up
- ◆ The structure is located on private property, so please respect all boundary signs and view it from the public right-of-way.
- ◆ Traffic at the highway junction can be fast and busy, so exercise extreme caution when slowing down or stopping nearby.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Tee Pee Junction concrete teepee?
No, the concrete teepee is sealed shut and sits on private property, meaning you cannot go inside. It can only be viewed and photographed from the roadside.
Where is the best place to park to take photos of the teepee?
There is no dedicated parking lot for the attraction, but visitors can pull off onto the wide highway shoulder or use the parking area of adjacent commercial businesses.
What remains of the original Tee Pee Junction site besides the teepee?
The concrete teepee is the only surviving structure from the original roadside plaza. The associated gas station, tavern, and cabins have all been demolished.