The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Bottle Tree Ranch
Nov 25, 2025
Elliot Long, son of the Bottle Tree Ranch's creator, shares his journey of grappling with his father's artistic legacy. He reveals how his father's unique bottle trees transformed their ranch into a beloved Route 66 attraction, and the challenges he faced after his father's sudden illness and passing. From dealing with grief and the temptation to sell the ranch, to the surprising role of a loyal dog in protecting it, Elliot discusses his heartfelt commitment to preserving the magic of the ranch for the next generation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bottle Forest On Route 66
- Elmer built a roadside
Bottles With Personal Histories
- Elmer collected tens of thousands of bottles over years of trips with his dad.
Sudden Death And Its Aftermath
- Elmer died suddenly after a brief illness and a hip injury revealed lung cancer.