5 Must stops on Route 66 in West Arizona
The Mother Road: Route 66. The images you see passing by speak, but in reality, it is even better. Whether you’re a biker, road-tripping by car or RV, Route 66 is a must-stop. The road starts in Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica Pier. One of the most beautiful parts of The Mother Road is the part in western Arizona. Go past old mining towns such as Oatman and Hackberry. Don’t forget Kingman, Seligman, and Williams. Leave the I-40 for what it is, Route 66 is filled with history.
Table of Contents
- Old Route 66: Oatman
- Kingman
- Hackberry
- Seligman
- Williams
Oatman
Oatman is an old mining town. What once was a gold mining town with over 10.000 people and 20 saloons is a one-street town out of a Western movie today. Known for its burros wandering the streets. It’s a great stop to feel what Route 66 once was.
During the 30 years the gold mines were open, they produced 2.000.000 ounces of gold. Follow the Historic Route 66 sign from Kingman, exit 44 off I-40. Take exit 1 on the Arizona side of the river when coming from the west.
Oatman isn’t likely to change because of the conservative local population. This makes it perfect to go back in time.
Kingman
Kingman has always lived out of the passing travels, it still does today. Both the I-40 and Route 66 go through. Keep an eye on the signs if you want to stay on Route 66, one little mistake and you’re on the I-40 again.
Kingman is home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, the general admission for the museum is $10. It’s located on the second floor of the Powerhouse Visitor Center (120 W. Andy Devine Ave.) The visitor center is free. The well-known Kingman Route 66 Arch is located at the parking lot, it’s a must to drive under and take a photo.
Across the street is Locomotive Park and the Santa Fe Steam Engine (310 W Beale St.) Don’t forget to stop at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (105 E Andy Devine Ave) for a burger, fries, and a milkshake.
Hackberry
Today, Hackberry is a town of less than 70 people. Once it was the place to live for everyone working in the Silver mines.
The only stop in Hackberry is the Hackberry General Store (11255 AZ-66.) It’s one of the most popular stops along the Mother Road. The walls are filled with historical signs and other Route 66 memorabilia. The old timers and fuel pumps complete it.
Seligman
We like to say that Seligman is Cars Town because of the cars referring to the like-named Pixar movie. But it’s much more than that. Seligman breathes the spirit of the good old Route 66.
Stop at The Rusty Bolt (22345 Old Route 66.) This junk shop is a nonnegotiable along the Mothers Road. The Seligman Grocery Market (54130 N Main St.) is the photo stop. The walls are painted with the name of the town with an old rusty car in front, the Route 66 photo.
Stop at The Roadkill Cafe (22830 W, AZ-66.) Back in the day, you needed to bring your meat and they would grill it. Not just meat from the butcher but a dead animal you shot, killed, ...
Williams
Most of us will know Williams as a gateway for the Grand Canyon but its also a part of Route 66. Almost every store sells Route 66 items. It is the place to be for metal sign lovers. One of souvenir shops is Addicted To Route 66 (124 Historic Rte 66), the prices are reasonable and the staff is very friendly.
For food go to Red Raven 135 Historic Rte 66.) It is a small restaurant, not the cheapest but the food is great. We loved having dinner here.
