Route 66 Museum | Kingman

Arizona Route 66 Museum – In Detailed Overview

Location and Historical Context

The Arizona Route 66 Museum is located in Kingman, Arizona, inside the historic Powerhouse Building at 120 West Andy Devine Avenue. The Powerhouse Building itself is a remarkable piece of history, constructed between 1907 and 1911. It stands as Arizona’s oldest known reinforced concrete industrial structure and originally served as the electrical power plant for Kingman. During the 1920s and 1930s, this powerhouse supplied electricity to the local community and even supported the construction of the nearby Hoover Dam.

In 1997, the building was repurposed as Kingman’s visitor center, and by 2001, the Arizona Route 66 Museum opened on the second floor, becoming a dedicated space to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the iconic Mother Road-Route 66.

Museum Mission and Significance

The museum’s mission is to educate visitors about the cultural, social, and historical impact of Route 66, not just as a highway, but as a symbol of American mobility, freedom, and innovation. Route 66 played a pivotal role in the development of the American Southwest, facilitating migration, economic growth, and cultural exchange throughout the 20th century.

The museum uses authentic artifacts, photographs, dioramas, and interactive displays to immerse visitors in the era when Route 66 was the main artery for travelers, workers, families, and adventurers.

Exhibits and Collections

Route 66 History and Evolution:
Exhibits trace the origins of Route 66 from ancient Native American trade routes through its formal establishment as a federal highway in 1926. The displays chronicle the highway’s heyday as the "Mother Road," highlighting the economic boom it brought to towns like Kingman and the broader Southwest. Visitors encounter vintage signage, road maps, postcards, and memorabilia that evoke the spirit of cross-country travel during the 1930s through the 1960s.

Life-Size Dioramas and Interactive Displays:
The museum features several immersive dioramas depicting scenes from Route 66’s golden age. These include a 1950s-style diner, a gas station, and a motel room, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and artifacts. These settings allow visitors to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of the road culture that thrived along Route 66.

Electric Vehicle Museum:
A unique aspect of the museum is its Electric Vehicle Collection, established in 2014. This exhibit features an impressive array of electric vehicles, including vintage electric race cars, motorcycles, and modern electric automobiles. It offers an educational perspective on the history and future of electric transportation, tying in with Route 66’s themes of innovation and mobility.

Film Presentation:
Visitors can watch a professionally produced, one-hour film on the history of Route 66 in Arizona. The film uses archival footage, interviews, and narration to tell the story of the highway, its communities, and its enduring cultural significance.

Educational Programs and Group Visits

The museum is actively involved in education, offering tailored programs for school groups and tourists. For example, it provides a “Museum Hunt” activity aimed at 4th to 6th graders, encouraging interactive exploration and learning through a fun scavenger hunt format.

Group visits are accommodated with advance reservations, including guided tours and interpretive sessions led by knowledgeable staff or volunteers. These programs help deepen understanding of the historical and cultural contexts surrounding Route 66.

Visitor Amenities and Services

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission:

Adults (ages 13–59): $10.00

Seniors (60 and older): $6.00

Children 12 and under: Free with a paying adult

Groups (10 or more): $2 per person

Family Pass (3 or more): $30.00

Location: 120 W. Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401

Contact: (928) 753-9889

The museum is housed in a comfortable, air-conditioned space within the Powerhouse Building, with elevators and ramps ensuring accessibility. Two gift shops operate on-site, offering a wide range of Route 66 memorabilia, books, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Nearby Attractions

Mohave Museum of History and Arts: Adjacent to the Route 66 Museum, this facility provides additional exhibits on regional history, including Native American culture, mining heritage, and art collections.

Locomotive Park: Situated just across Andy Devine Avenue, Locomotive Park features the historic Santa Fe 3759 steam locomotive, a symbol of Kingman’s railroad heritage.

Bonelli House: A short walk from the museum, this historic home offers insights into early 20th-century residential life in Kingman.

Historic Route 66 Landmarks: Kingman’s downtown features preserved motels, diners, neon signs, and classic Americana that evoke the spirit of the Mother Road.

Visitor Experience

The Arizona Route 66 Museum provides a deeply engaging journey through the history and cultural legacy of one of America’s most famous highways. Visitors come away with a greater appreciation for Route 66’s role in shaping not only Arizona but the entire Southwest region.

From the moment guests enter the Powerhouse Building, they are transported through time by authentic artifacts, immersive exhibits, and compelling narratives. The museum’s blend of nostalgia, education, and innovation-especially with the electric vehicle collection-makes it a standout destination for travelers, history buffs, and families.

Whether exploring the exhibits, watching the film, or shopping for souvenirs, visitors experience the enduring allure of Route 66 as a symbol of adventure, opportunity, and the evolving American spirit.

Summary

The Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman stands as a comprehensive tribute to the iconic highway’s past, present, and future. It combines historical depth with engaging storytelling in a historic building that once powered a growing town. Through its diverse exhibits and programs, the museum preserves the legacy of Route 66 and invites visitors to celebrate the culture and history that continue to inspire generations of travelers.