November 13, 2022
KINGMAN ROUTE 66 MUSEUM
Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
“Located in Kingman's Historic Powerhouse this museum is one of the more noteworthy Route 66 stops. Everything from the beginning of this culturally significant thoroughfare to its current status is found on the second floor of the building. It's not your typical curios shop or roadside stops; the collection has been carefully curated and is tastefully displayed.” – fotospot.com
I stayed in Kingman, AZ, on my trek from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. With a free afternoon I decided to visit the Route 66 Museum. The museum does a good job of telling the story of how the famed highway happened to come through Kingman, beginning with trails used by explorers long before the highway was paved. Maps, dioramas, and artifacts told an interesting tale. A bonus I wasn’t expecting was the electric vehicle museum.
Overall, a nice, inexpensive, museum worth a stop when in the area.
Lots of people were stopping to get their vehicle picture taken here.
Early travelers along the trails that eventually became Route 66.
An area dedicated to Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath"
A vehicle that would have been prominent on Route 66 back in the day.
An antique gas pump.
An early automobile air conditioner.
A tribute to Burma Shave signs.
There were mock-ups of some of the businesses that sprung up along Route 66.
Mining was a big industry in the area.
Tools of the mining trade.
I hadn't thought about it, but golf carts were early electric cars. This one belonged to Willie Nelson
Some early electric vehicles used to get around town.
Solar car used in competition.
An early Tesla.
Railroads were also very important to settling the area.
