If you’re looking for a place to stay in Wharton, TX which doubles as one of the prime tourist attractions in Wharton, then 1.2 miles South of Hwy. 59, you’ll find a row of 10 splendid Tee Pees. They look new now, and they are, but there’s a lot of history behind the tee pee units.

It’s even more impressive because there are no other tee pee motels in Texas, and even this one had been lying in ruins for years. Until, that is, Bryon Woods of Blue Dolphin Unlimited Investments, LP decided to do something about it.

Bryon Woods won $49 million in the Texas State lottery a few years back, and he and his wife decided that the historical tee pees needed to be restored. The tee pees were originally built by George and Toppie Belcher in 1942.

On the motel’s website, Bryon says that he decided to take on the project “Because we didn’t want to see a piece of history destroyed. The Tee Pee Motel has become a very important part of the history of Wharton County and when we started researching the possibilities, we were astounded at the numberof people who actually look forward to someone refurbishing them so they can get a chance to stay in one.”

Each of the ten units has a comfortable bedroom and private bath and are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and hairdryer. One of the units is designed to accomodate handicap visitors. Cover-up at night with homemade Star quilts that were purchased throughout Texas. 

Each room has its own unique interior design and no two rooms are alike. The Tee Pee complex also includes an RV park with full hookups and other amenities.

Photo by Susie Dusek

Info: 4098 E Business 59R Wharton Texas 77488; 979-282-TIPI; http://teepeemotel.net/

Posted on June 14th, 2009 by Thomas
Filed under: Hotels