Shell-Shaped Gas Station
The last remaining Shell-shaped gas station in the U.S., a vibrant 1930s architectural marvel and historic landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Shell-Shaped Gas Station
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The last remaining Shell-shaped gas station in the U.S., a vibrant 1930s architectural marvel and historic landmark.
"A quirky roadside attraction tucked in the middle of nowhere, but surprisingly well-maintained. Worth a quick photo stop."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This is the ultimate stop for a unique roadside photo op. Capture its iconic shell shape!
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking can be tight as it's on a neighborhood street. Be mindful of residents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Shell Shape
1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC
The last remaining Shell-shaped gas station in the U.S., a vibrant yellow landmark from the 1930s.
A Piece of Architectural History
Exterior
This unique promotional piece for Shell Oil is a testament to creative marketing and a preserved piece of roadside Americana.
Glimpse Inside
Through the door
While not open for service, you can peek inside to see decorations, offering a glimpse into its past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse of Roadside History
Quick Photo Op, Not a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This is the ultimate stop for a unique roadside photo op. Capture its iconic shell shape! 
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking can be tight as it's on a neighborhood street. Be mindful of residents.
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a brief stop; plan for photos and a quick look around.
📍 Historic Landmark
Appreciate its history as the last of its kind, preserved for the public.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This is the ultimate stop for a unique roadside photo op. Capture its iconic shell shape!
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking can be tight as it's on a neighborhood street. Be mindful of residents.
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a brief stop; plan for photos and a quick look around.
📍 Historic Landmark
Appreciate its history as the last of its kind, preserved for the public.
💡 Peek Inside
You can often see inside through the door, offering a glimpse of its preserved interior.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shell-shaped gas station to be a unique and well-preserved historic landmark, offering a great photo opportunity. While it's not an operational business and the visit is brief, its rarity and quirky design make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in roadside attractions and local history.
"I gave it 5 stars even though it's not functional but because it's well restored and very rare being the only one left of its kind. Amazing landmark definitely worth taking a look and a photo but don't expect much more. It's sits on a neighborhood street corner with nothing else to do and very little parking space so your trip will
Most likely be short."
William Cummings Jr
"Spotted this golden clam-shaped gas station thanks to The Impossible Road Trip book by Eric Dregni. It’s a quirky roadside attraction tucked in the middle of nowhere, but surprisingly well-maintained. Worth a quick photo stop. There was another couple there, so apparently I’m not the only one shell-struck."
Rebecca Nathanson
"It was really cool to see the gas station. We were on Google, trying to find historical sites in Greensboro, NC and we came across this gas station from the 1930's!"
Qidonna Gordon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The last remaining Shell-shaped gas station is located at 1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC. It's situated on a neighborhood street corner.
While it's a unique landmark, it's tucked away on a residential street. Using GPS with the address 1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC is recommended.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the station. Public transport options may be limited due to its residential location.
The station is primarily a standalone attraction on a neighborhood street. It's best visited as part of a larger itinerary exploring Winston-Salem.
Parking is limited as it's on a residential street. Visitors should be respectful of local residents and park considerately.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to visit the Shell-shaped gas station. It is a free, outdoor landmark.
The exterior of the Shell-shaped gas station is always accessible. The interior does not have set hours as it is not an operational business.
The gas station is not operational, so you cannot go inside to purchase anything. However, you can often peek through the door to see the preserved interior.
Admission to see and photograph the Shell-shaped gas station is completely free.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, primarily for taking photos and appreciating the unique architecture.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the vibrant yellow of the station. Early morning or late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Absolutely! Its unique shape and bright color make it a very photogenic spot, perfect for Instagram and other social media.
Built in the 1930s by the Quality Oil Company, it was a bold marketing move to attract attention. It's now the last of its kind, preserved as a historic landmark. +2
Yes, taking photos is the primary activity here. It's a popular spot for photographers and tourists.
The main activity is admiring and photographing the unique architecture. You can also peek inside to see the preserved interior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers & Roadside Attraction Enthusiasts
+1 Plan for a quick visit during daylight hours for the best lighting. Be prepared for limited parking as it's in a residential area. Bring your cameras and capture this piece of roadside Americana. It's a fantastic addition to any road trip itinerary focused on quirky landmarks and historical sites. Don't expect amenities, but do expect a memorable photo opportunity.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
Remember, it's a brief visit focused on the exterior. You can snap some great photos and appreciate its historical significance in just a few minutes before continuing your travels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of a Unique Landmark
+2Its survival is largely due to preservation efforts. In the 1990s, Preservation North Carolina stepped in to save this iconic structure, ensuring it would remain a visible part of the local landscape. Today, it stands as a protected historic landmark, a bright yellow beacon of a bygone era. While it no longer dispenses fuel, it continues to draw visitors who are fascinated by its unique form and the stories it holds.
+1For those interested in roadside Americana, architectural oddities, or the history of advertising, this station offers a compelling glimpse into the past. It serves as a reminder of how businesses once used creative and bold designs to capture public attention, a stark contrast to modern, often uniform, branding strategies.
+1Visiting the Last Shell Station
While the station is not operational, you can often get a glimpse of the interior through the doors, which may feature some preserved decorations. This offers a small peek into what the station might have looked like in its heyday. The surrounding area is residential, so parking can be a bit limited, and it's important to be considerate of the local residents.
It's important to manage expectations: this is a quick photo stop rather than an extensive attraction. Many visitors discover it through road trip guides or local recommendations, making it a delightful surprise on a journey through North Carolina.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit