See it on the map

Photo: Wikimedia Commons — see author and license on the file page.

Leaning Tower of Britten

Art & landmarks
In Groom, Texas
0.1 mi from Route 66

Directions OpenStreetMap

The Leaning Tower of Britten, an old water tower in Groom, TX, stands at a deliberate slant of about 10 degrees, so it looks ready to topple. Ralph Britten saved it from the scrap heap and moved it here to advertise his truck stop, which is long gone. The tower stayed, and pictures of it fill Route 66 photo books. It makes a quick, fun photo stop.

What is Leaning Tower of Britten?

This is an ordinary water tank raised on legs, but the whole structure tips hard to one side. The lean is a stunt, not an accident: it was meant to catch the eye of drivers. Locals also call it the Leaning Tower of Texas. A big star in many colors sits on top, and in the Christmas season the town of Groom switches it on.

History of Leaning Tower of Britten

The tower once held water for real and was headed for demolition. Ralph Britten bought it, hauled it here and tilted it to pull customers into his truck stop, which also handed out tourist information. An electrical fire in the mid-1980s ended that business. A small leftover piece now houses a truck repair shop.

Visiting Leaning Tower of Britten: tips

A short gravel road on the site gives room to park and take pictures. The tower stands right by Interstate 40, so it is easy to spot. Ten or fifteen minutes is enough. Around Christmas, pass by after dark to see the star lit. McClellan Creek National Grassland is about 12 miles away.

Practical info

Address: I-40 U.S. Route 66, Groom, TX 79039
Website: atlasobscura.com/places/the-leaning-tower-of-groom-texas
Hours: Open 24 h
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

On the map

Leaning Tower of Britten with the 6 closest stops. Tap a marker for details.

Tap a dot to see that stop here.

Stops near Leaning Tower of Britten

McClellan Creek National Grassland near Amarillo, TX

McClellan Creek National Grassland

Amarillo, Texas · 1.9 mi from Route 66

A small national grassland around McClellan Lake in the Texas Panhandle, recovering from a huge 2006 fire.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

11.9 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

Devils Rope Barbed Wire Museum in McLean, TX

Devils Rope Barbed Wire Museum

McLean, Texas · on Route 66

A McLean museum all about barbed wire, ranching and the Texas stretch of Route 66, set in an old bra factory.

MuseumPhoto credit

27.5 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

Texas Air & Space Museum in Amarillo, TX

Texas Air & Space Museum

Amarillo, Texas · 1.3 mi from Route 66

An aviation museum by Amarillo's airport, with civilian and military aircraft and space artifacts.

MuseumPhoto credit

34.9 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in Amarillo, TX

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame

Amarillo, Texas · 1.7 mi from Route 66

The Quarter Horse breed's own hall of honor and museum, a short hop off the old road in Amarillo.

MuseumPhoto credit

41.0 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

Amarillo Museum of Art, Texas

Amarillo Museum of Art

Amarillo, Texas · 1.3 mi from Route 66

A free art museum on the Amarillo College campus, a short drive from the Sixth Street stretch of Route 66.

MuseumPhoto credit

43.1 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

Ranchotel in Amarillo, TX

Ranchotel

Amarillo, Texas · on Route 66

A 1940 motel on Amarillo's old Route 66 that was a favorite with highway travelers.

Retro roadsidePhoto credit

44.2 mi from Leaning Tower of Britten

Own or run Leaning Tower of Britten? Send us a photo or a correction.

See it on the map