Shamrock Court

About Us

Built in 1948 by local stonemason Marion "Grandpa" Berti for Freeman and Irene Dodds, Shamrock Court is a historic roadside motel in Sullivan, Missouri. Its distinctive horseshoe-shaped layout, native Ozark stonework, steep dormers, and decorative stone patterns reflect the craftsmanship of its era. Originally featuring ten guest rooms, a dining room, and living quarters for its owners, the motel welcomed travelers during the golden age of Route 66. In 1953, John and Rose Weiland purchased the property and continued operating it for decades. However, the arrival of Interstate 44 reduced passing traffic, and the motel was eventually converted into efficiency apartments during the 1970s. Despite these changes, the building retained much of its original architectural character.

In April 2021, Route 66 preservationist Richard "Roamin' Rich" Dinkela and his wife Christina purchased Shamrock Court and began an extensive restoration. Their efforts included structural repairs, modernized guest accommodations, and the recreation of the motel's historic neon signage, ceremonially illuminated in March 2022. That same month, Shamrock Court was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. Following years of preservation work, the motel reopened to overnight guests on May 29, 2026, after more than five decades without traditional motel service. Today, visitors can stay in eight individually restored guest rooms featuring contemporary amenities while enjoying the property's original stone architecture, illuminated signage, and central courtyard. Its successful revival preserves a distinctive piece of Missouri's Route 66 history for a new generation of travelers.