When you’re driving the wide-open stretch of Route 66 through Groom, Texas, keep your eyes peeled—you might think you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in Pisa. Rising out of the flat Texas plains is the Leaning Tower of Texas, a tilted water tower that’s been stopping travelers in their tracks for decades. The tower didn’t start out crooked. In the 1980s, local businessman Ralph Britten purchased the old water tower, planted it next to his truck stop, and cut down two of the legs so it would lean at a dramatic angle. The stunt worked—drivers couldn’t help but slow down, snap a picture, and often pull in for a meal or tank of gas. Though Britten’s truck stop is long gone, the leaning tower remains, drawing curious road-trippers with its offbeat charm.
Today, the Leaning Tower of Texas is one of those perfect Route 66 photo ops—quirky, free, and unforgettable. Park nearby, grab your camera, and line up the classic “holding up the tower” pose. It’s a little reminder that Route 66 isn’t just about the miles you cover, but the oddball surprises you find along the way.
Thanks for stopping
