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Route 66 Museum – Kingman, AZ: A Journey Through Time in the Heart of the Mother Road
- Jenny Wallace
- May 18
- 3 min read
If you're traveling through Kingman, Arizona, there's one stop that shouldn't be missed—the Arizona Route 66 Museum. Housed in the beautifully restored Powerhouse Building, this museum is more than just a collection of artifacts—it's a vibrant, immersive storytelling space that brings the spirit and evolution of Route 66 to life.
From historic migrations to neon-lit cruising, the museum takes you on a comprehensive journey through the changing face of America’s most iconic highway.
A Fitting Home: The Powerhouse Building
The museum is located in the early 1900s Powerhouse, which once supplied energy to Kingman and surrounding mining camps. The building itself is a piece of history, making it a perfect home for a museum dedicated to the Mother Road. Its spacious, industrial design allows for large-scale exhibits and interactive experiences, offering both charm and historical significance.
What You'll Discover Inside
1. Multi-Era Exhibits
The museum's exhibits guide you through multiple time periods:
Pre-Route 66 Era: Explore how Native American trade routes and early pioneer trails laid the groundwork for the future highway.
The Dust Bowl Migration: See how families fled the Midwest during the Great Depression, seeking opportunity in California via Route 66.
The Post-War Boom: Discover the 1950s golden era of car culture, complete with jukeboxes, diners, and gleaming chrome.
Each section is carefully curated with a combination of photographs, murals, restored vehicles, and historical artifacts that help contextualize the time periods and their connection to the highway.
2. Restored Classic Cars
A highlight for many visitors is the array of beautifully restored vintage automobiles, from dusty Model Ts to shiny postwar sedans. These aren’t just showpieces—they’re characters in the story of Route 66, representing the families, adventurers, and wanderers who traveled west.
3. Interactive Displays
The museum also features hands-on exhibits, educational films, and personal stories that make the experience engaging for visitors of all ages. Families with kids can dive into the playful, tactile side of learning while history buffs will appreciate the rich detail in every corner.
4. Cultural & Artistic Highlights
A stunning Route 66 mural greets you at the entrance, setting the tone for a deeply visual experience. Additionally, the museum celebrates pop culture connections, including vintage travel ads, music, and cinematic moments that have cemented Route 66 in America’s cultural memory.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
The Arizona Route 66 Museum is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s an educational and emotional tribute to the people and stories behind the road. It's one of the most comprehensive historical centers on Route 66 in the country, and it's uniquely positioned in Kingman—a town that’s long been considered one of the most important stops on the Arizona stretch of the highway.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 120 W. Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401 (inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center)
Hours: Open daily; check local listings for seasonal hours
Admission: Modest entry fee; discounts available for seniors, kids, and groups
Nearby Stops: Kingman Visitor Center, Mojave Museum of History and Arts, Historic Downtown Kingman
Final Thoughts
Whether you're driving all 2,448 miles of Route 66 or just passing through Kingman, the Arizona Route 66 Museum offers a deep, enriching look into the road that helped shape modern America. It's a place to pause, reflect, and celebrate the resilience, curiosity, and creativity that made Route 66 the most storied stretch of pavement in the world.
Step inside, take your time, and relive the journey of a lifetime—one exhibit at a time.
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