Nobody ever wants to go to a gas station (thanks mostly to overpriced fuel and snacks), but we have come to find that some stations are better than others. How? It’s if said overpriced snacks are outstanding (like QuikTrip soft pretzels) or if the station is unique in some way, like the oldest gas station in America, which just so happens to be in the small town of Lamar, Colorado:

Welcome to the aptly named Petrified Wood Service Station, the oldest gas station in the U.S.!
Google Maps
(Okay, so it isn't technically the longest-operating gas station, but it is the oldest due to the materials used to make it.)
TripAdvisor/Don224
Constructed in 1932, the Service Station was built initially as a gas station before becoming an office for a car dealership and, finally, a fascinating Ripley’s Believe It or Not endorsed attraction.
Stagner Inc.

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Constructed entirely of -- you guessed it! -- petrified wood, the Petrified Wood Service Station materials were all sourced from local petrified trees, making it equal parts historical and fire resistant.
TripAdvisor/007BigBlue
The way the Station was designed is truly remarkable! For example, the doors alone were made of great trees almost 4 feet in diameter, with a single piece weighing a whopping 3,200 pounds!
Google Maps
While the inside of the structure is not open to the public, the exterior can be seen at its original location in Lamar.
TripAdvisor/234happyvisitors
To learn more about this truly unique piece of Colorado history, please visit Stagner Inc's website. This is truly one of the most fascinating roadside attractions in Colorado.
Google Maps


Curious about what Lamar, Colorado looks like from above? Take a look at this aerial footage by @dcg8808:

Have you ever seen the oldest gas station in America? Do you have a favorite attraction, restaurant, or event that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it by filling out this nomination form! To discover even more to see and do around the small town of Lamar, you will want to check out The One Small Town In Colorado With Delicious Mexican Food On Every Corner.

Stopping in Lamar and need a place to stay? Check out the vacation rentals on Vrbo.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Historic Places In Colorado

Melissa M. | November 17, 2023

What are some of the most historic places in Colorado?

Among the most historic places in Colorado are the following:

  • In Denver alone, you can discover numerous historic places. Among the ones that are a must-visit are Confluence Park (located at the junction of South Platte River and Cherry Creek), the historic Larimer Square, and Union Station (est. in 1881).
  • Here are the historic landmarks to visit in Silverton, CO: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Animas Forks Ghost Town, and Mayflower Mill.
  • The town of Lake City is home to plenty of historic places and even has its own historic district.
  • Here’s where to go in Idaho Springs, CO: The Argo Gold Mine And Mill, Tayler Waterwheel, and Indian Hot Springs.

 

What are some of the most unique roadside attractions in Colorado?

Some of the quirkiest and most unique roadside attractions in Colorado include the following:

  • Mike the Headless Chicken in Fruita, CO
  • The Cold War Horse in Arvada, CO
  • Cano’s Castle in Antonito, CO
  • Bishop Castle in Rye, CO
  •  The Face on the Barroom Floor in Central City, CO. 
  • The UFO Watchtower in Saguache County, CO
  • Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, CO
  • Picket Wire Canyonlands at the Comanche National Grasslands. Here’s where you’ll find the largest set of dinosaur tracks on the continent.
  • Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum in Eaton, CO

As you can see, there are so many incredible roadside attractions throughout Colorado. What are your favorites?

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