Welcome to Kingman, Arizona — A Route 66 Treasure in the Desert
Kingman Arizona
Elevation: 3,333 ft.
Population: 32,463 (2021)
Tucked into the scenic Mojave Desert, Kingman, Arizona is a must-see destination for anyone journeying along Historic Route 66. Known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66,” Kingman offers travelers a blend of desert beauty, nostalgic Americana, and genuine small-town charm. Whether you’re passing through or staying a few days, this historic town has something to offer every Route 66 explorer.
Kingman is in northwestern Arizona and serves as the county seat of Mohave County. The city’s motto is “The Heart of Historic Route 66”. The city is named after a civil engineer named Lewis Kingman, who surveyed routes for the Acheson Topeka and Santa Fe railroad across Arizona. He directed construction of the railroad from Winslow to Beale Springs which is near Kingman.
Attractions to see in Kingman.
- Kingman Powerhouse Visitor’s Center
- Historic Route 66 Museum
- Route 66 Drive Thru Shield
- Locomotive Park
- Kingman Water Towers
- Kingman Railroad Museum
- Mojave Museum of History and Arts
History of Kingman, Arizona
In the 1851, the U.S. Government sent Capt. Lorenzo Sitgreaves to explore parts of Arizona. He was followed in 1857 by Lt. Edward Fitzgerals Beale who was charged with surveying and then building a wagon road along the 35th parallel in 1859. He was also to test the feasibility of the use of camels as pack animals in the southwestern desert. Beale’s Wagon Road became part of Highway 66 and later, Interstate 40. Remnants of the original wagon road can still be seen in White Cliffs Canyon in Kingman.
Kingman was actually founded in 1882 and had modest beginnings as a simple railroad siding near Beale Springs. Gold and silver were discovered nearby in the 1870’s and cattle were driven to Kingman to take advantage of the lush green grasses. It became a shopping and shipping center for the mines and ranches in the sparsely settled northwestern Arizona.
During World War II, Kingman was the site of the U.S. Army Air Force airfield where it served as an aerial gunnery training base. It trained over 35,000 airmen during the war.
During the golden age of automobile travel, Kingman flourished with motels, diners, and gas stations serving cross-country travelers. Today, Kingman embraces its Route 66 heritage, with beautifully preserved architecture and museums dedicated to this iconic era.
The Name: Kingman
The town of Kingman, Arizona was named after Lewis Kingman, a civil engineer for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. In the early 1880s, Kingman supervised the surveying and construction of the railroad line through northwestern Arizona. When a siding and camp were established in the area in 1882, the site was named “Kingman” in his honor, recognizing his significant contributions to railroad development in the American Southwest.
Weather in Kingman
Kingman boasts a semi-arid desert climate, making it a pleasant stop for much of the year. Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:
Average Temperatures:
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures (60s–80s °F), perfect for sightseeing.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and dry, with highs often exceeding 100°F. Stay hydrated!
- Fall (September–November): Cooler and scenic with highs in the 70s and 80s.
- Winter (December–February): Chilly nights, but daytime temps are generally mild (50s–60s °F).
If you’re planning a road trip, April to early June and September to October are ideal months to visit.
Route 66 Tours in Arizona
***City Hotels***
Kingman and Route 66: A Timeless Bond
Kingman was on the National Old Trails Highway and when Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, it followed the N.O.T. roadbed to Kingman. It became a popular stopping place for travelers along the Route.
Kingman’s roots date back to the 1880s, founded as a railroad town on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. It quickly became a hub for mining, ranching, and transportation. When Route 66 was established in 1926, Kingman was positioned as a vital rest stop between California and the Grand Canyon.
During the golden age of automobile travel, Kingman flourished with motels, diners, and gas stations serving cross-country travelers. Today, Kingman embraces its Route 66 heritage, with beautifully preserved architecture and museums dedicated to this iconic era.
Route 66 runs straight through the heart of Kingman, and the town has embraced its identity as a central part of the “Mother Road.” Kingman is one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns in Arizona, offering both modern amenities and nostalgic landmarks.
Many buildings from the 1930s to 1950s are still standing, and Route 66 travelers can enjoy retro neon signs, classic diners, and vintage motels. It’s also a major starting point for one of the longest, uninterrupted stretches of original Route 66 west toward Seligman.
Map of Route 66 Through City
Route 66 Attractions in Kingman, Arizona
Kingman Powerhouse Visitor’s Center
The Powerhouse Visitor’s Center is a good place to begin your tour of Kingman and find out what to see and do. The Visitor’s Center and the Arizona Route 66 Museum are both located within the Powerhouse building.
The Kingman Powerhouse was built in 1906 and placed in service in 1907 to generate electricity for the city of Kingman and the surrounding mines in the Black Mountains. It was firs named the Desert Power & Water Company Electric Power Plant. When the Hoover Dam opened in 1938, there was no need for it to continue as a local generating station.
It sat vacant for many years. The old powerhouse was converted into the Visitor’s Center and also houses several other historic centered organizations.
Address:
120 W. Andy Devine Ave.
Arizona Route 66 Museum
Housed within the historic Powerhouse Visitor Center, the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman is one of the premier attractions along the Mother Road. This immersive and well-curated museum tells the sweeping story of Route 66 in Arizona, tracing the path of travel and migration through the region over centuries.
What You’ll Experience:
The museum’s exhibits are arranged in chronological order, guiding visitors through the different eras of westward movement. It begins with displays about Native American trade routes and continues through the pioneer wagon trails, the arrival of the railroads, and finally the advent of the automobile and Route 66’s golden age in the 20th century.
You’ll find beautifully constructed life-sized dioramas, historic photos, and authentic vehicles from the 1930s to 1950s, including classic roadsters and motorcycles. Murals and multimedia presentations further bring the stories to life, illustrating what it was like for Dust Bowl migrants, post-war vacationers, and long-haul truckers traveling the famed highway.
One highlight is the recreated 1950s diner scene, which captures the nostalgic charm of roadside America. The museum also includes a poignant section on the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, showing how Route 66 became a lifeline for struggling families heading west in search of opportunity.
About the Building:
The museum is located in the historic Powerhouse, a 1907 structure that once supplied electricity to the area and to the Santa Fe Railway. Restored in the 1990s, it now serves as a visitor center, gift shop, and home to multiple exhibitions including the Route 66 Museum, the Kingman Visitor Center, and the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation display—a separate but adjacent collection of vintage electric cars.
Hours & Admission:
The Arizona Route 66 Museum is open daily (except major holidays), and there’s a modest admission fee. Discounts are usually available for seniors, students, and groups.
Why It’s Worth the Stop:
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Route 66 traveler, or simply curious about American culture and transportation, this museum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience. It’s also a great way to cool off, gather information about the area, and take a deeper dive into the Route 66 legacy in Kingman and beyond.
Address:
Powerhouse Visitor Center
120 W. Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
Route 66 Drive Through Shield
An Instagram-worthy modern landmark—a giant Route 66 sign you can drive through!
The Drive-Thru Route 66 Shield at the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona, is a fun and iconic photo op for travelers on the Mother Road. This oversized, three-dimensional Route 66 highway shield is large enough for vehicles to drive through, making it a unique and memorable stop. Painted in classic black and white, it celebrates Kingman’s connection to Route 66 and offers visitors a playful way to capture their road trip experience. Located right outside the Powerhouse, it’s easy to access and perfect for Instagram-worthy shots.
Locomotive Park
Locomotive Park
1st and Andy Devine St.
The Locomotive Park in Kingman is home to Acheston Topeka & Santa Fe steam engine No. 3759. The big old steam engine is available for visitors to climb aboard. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This locomotive, known as a 4-8-4, was built in 1927 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works originally as a coal-burning locomotive. In 1941, it was converted to use oil. It was retired from service in 1953 after having traveled over two and a half million miles. For more than twenty years, this engine was used to transport passengers making ten round trips each month.
In 1957 it was the last steam engine to travel the main line from Chicago to Kingman and the Santa Fe Railroad presented the engine to the city of Kingman.
In 1987, caboose 999520 was retired from service and donated to Kingman to add to the Engine 3759 display.
Kingman Water Towers
The Kingman Water Towers, located just off Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, are striking landmarks that stand as silent sentinels of the town’s railroad and highway heritage. These towering white structures were originally built to supply water to the steam locomotives that once rumbled through Kingman on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Today, they remain iconic features of the local skyline and are often photographed by Route 66 travelers.
Positioned near the historic railroad tracks and visible from the highway, the water towers symbolize Kingman’s role as a vital stop along both the railroad and the Mother Road. While no longer in use, they serve as enduring relics of a bygone era and are a popular stop for those exploring the industrial history and classic Americana charm of Route 66.
They are more than 100 years old. In 1986, they were slated to be torn down because they were rusting and leaking. A longtime Kingman resident, Betty McBrayer, led a citizen effort to save the tanks as historical artifacts. They collected over 1,000 signatures urging the tanks’ preservation. After the tanks were refurbished, local residents pitched in with the upkeep and it’s prominent Route 66 shield.
Address:
500-510 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
Kingman Railroad Museum
The Kingman Railroad Museum is a hidden gem along Historic Route 66, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of rail travel in the American Southwest. Located in the historic Kingman Santa Fe Depot, the museum showcases the critical role that the railroad played in shaping the town of Kingman and the broader region.
Inside the museum, guests will find an impressive collection of railroad memorabilia, including historic photographs, vintage railroad equipment, uniforms, lanterns, and a variety of communication tools used by early train operators. One of the highlights is the series of operating model train layouts in multiple scales (HO, N, and O), complete with miniature towns, stations, and landscapes that replicate scenes from the heyday of the railroad era. These detailed displays delight both children and adults, and volunteers are often on hand to answer questions and provide insights into the trains and history on display.
The Historic Santa Fe Depot
The museum is housed in Kingman’s original Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot, built in 1907. This classic early 20th-century structure once served as a bustling stop along one of the most important rail lines in the West. The depot was a hub of activity for passengers and freight, helping connect Kingman to Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond. Though no longer used for daily passenger service, the depot has been carefully preserved, retaining many of its original architectural elements, including the brick façade, arched doorways, and wooden interiors.
The building itself is an attraction—offering a tangible link to Kingman’s past as a vital railroad town. Standing beside the active BNSF (formerly Santa Fe) tracks, it still resonates with the sound of passing freight trains, giving visitors a real sense of the site’s living history.
The Kingman Railroad Museum is a must-visit stop for Route 66 travelers, railroad enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the industrial and transportation history of Arizona. It’s a great way to experience the legacy of the rails while exploring the cultural fabric of one of Arizona’s most historic towns.
Address:
402 E Andy Devine Ave Suite B, Kingman, AZ 86401
Website:
https://www.kingmanrailroadmuseum.com/
Mohave Museum of History and Arts
Located along Historic Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts is a rich cultural destination that preserves and showcases the diverse history of northwestern Arizona and the Mohave County region. Founded in 1961, the museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and presenting the stories of the people, landscapes, and industries that shaped this part of the Southwest.
What You’ll Find
Inside the museum, visitors can explore thoughtfully curated exhibits covering a wide range of topics—from Native American heritage, particularly the Mohave people, to the lives of early settlers, miners, ranchers, and pioneers who built communities in the desert. The museum also highlights the development of railroads, Route 66, and aviation in the region.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Andy Devine Room, honoring the Kingman-born character actor best known for his roles in Western films and as a beloved radio and TV personality. There’s also a U.S. President Gallery, featuring painted portraits of every American president—an unexpected and fascinating addition to the museum’s offerings.
Other displays include:
- Mining artifacts and tools from the region’s gold and silver boomtowns
- Period rooms that recreate pioneer homes and businesses
- Artworks and sculptures reflecting regional themes and history
- A research library with historical documents and local archives
Location and Experience
The museum is conveniently located near other Route 66 landmarks in downtown Kingman, including the Powerhouse Visitor Center and the Kingman Railroad Museum, making it a perfect part of a day-long cultural exploration.
With its combination of educational exhibits, community history, and artistic presentations, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the area’s heritage—ideal for both history lovers and curious road trippers alike.
Address:
400 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(Just one block off Route 66)
Type
Motels & Lodging in City Name
Lodging in Kingman, AZ
1. El Trovatore Motel
A restored 1937 classic with themed rooms and one of the longest Route 66 murals in the world. True vintage charm.
2. Best Western Plus King’s Inn & Suites
Modern comfort with retro-inspired decor. Great for families and includes free breakfast.
3. Arizona Inn
Affordable and centrally located—perfect for budget travelers.
4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Upscale, newer option with spacious rooms and desert views.Where to stay in town….
Where to Eat in City Name
Where to Eat in Kingman
1. Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner
No visit is complete without a meal at Mr. D’z. Classic 1950s vibes, jukebox tunes, burgers, and their famous root beer.
2. Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner
Down-home cooking with generous portions and old-school hospitality.
3. Rickety Cricket Brewing
A craft beer haven with unique brews and a diverse food menu. Great for an evening out.
4. Diana’s Cellar Door Wine Bar
For a more upscale experience, enjoy Arizona wines and live music in a relaxed setting.
5. Calico’s Restaurant
A staple in Kingman with everything from steak and seafood to hearty breakfasts.Where to eat in town….
Classic Route 66 Motels, Service Stations, and landmarks in Kingman
Motels….
Service Stations…
Other Landmarks….
Where to go Next
Going East……
Going West…
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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Kingman on Route 66
Whether you’re a history buff, a nostalgic traveler, or simply taking the scenic road trip of a lifetime, Kingman is an essential stop on Route 66. It offers a blend of authentic Americana, friendly locals, and well-preserved landmarks that truly bring the Route 66 spirit to life.
Don’t just pass through—slow down, stay a night or two, and experience the charm and history of Kingman for yourself.
