Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips and more.
On this venture we are visiting Historic Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona. Is it worth a visit (see below)?
U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926 and covered 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The highway became one of the most famous roads in the United States. It was recognized by the 1946 hit song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” and the CBS-TV series “Route 66” from 1960-1964.
From the 1950’s-1980’s, much of Route 66 was replaced by five much faster Interstate Highways, including the I-40 in the state of Arizona. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985.
One of the longest stretches of the original Route 66 is located in Arizona. It covers 385 miles from the town of Lupton on the Arizona-New Mexico border to the city of Kingman.
If taking a day trip from Las Vegas to visit Historic Route 66 it will take about 90 minutes to Kingman, taking I-11 to US-93.
Once in Kingman, hit the road down Historic Route 66 with retro motels, classic diners, iconic landmarks and much more. Stop at the Kingman Visitors Center in the Powerhouse (120 W Andy Devine Ave).
The Arizona Route 66 Museum is also in the Powerhouse and is a must. It features lots of history, colorful murals, photos, and life-size dioramas that capture each of the groups that have traveled what came to be known as the Mother Road.
General Admission $10, Seniors $6 and 12 years and under free with paid admission. Party of 3 or more $30.00. 🌐
You can also visit Historic Downtown Kingman with more than 40 sights and buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places. A walking guide is available at the Powerhouse Visitors Center. 🌐
So is it worth a visit? Yes, if you want to check out some “old school” Americana, but it is not worth the drive to just visit Route 66. If you include other museums in Kingman or attractions nearby, it can be a great day trip.
You could also add a visit to the Keepers of the Wild Animal Sanctuary (30 minutes from Kingman) 🌐, Historic Oatman, Arizona that we wrote about in April 2024 (45 minutes from Kingman), Laughlin, Nevada (30 minutes from Kingman), Lake Havasu, Arizona with The London Bridge and more (60 minutes from Kingman) 🌐 or Grand Canyon West (75 minutes from Kingman) 🌐.
