What has been made famous for being a stop on Route 66, Kingman, Arizona is home to several interesting attractions that are fun for all ages. From a historic mansion to a museum dedicated to America’s Mother Road, there are plenty of things to see and do. If your next journey brings you through Kingman, be sure to check out these fun attractions.
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About
The land that is present day Kingman was once a plotted point along the historic Beale’s Wagon Road. This trail was meant to be a pathway from east to west for both military and settler pursuits. In 1857, the land was crossed by Lt. Beale who lead the creation of the road. This road was one of the first federally funded wagon transit corridors.
However, it was not until the 1880s that Kingman got it’s name. Railroad surveyor Lewis Kingman was sent to mark a suitable pathway for the railroad that would soon create faster transport of freight and passengers across country. The town of Kingman sprouted up as being a location on that western trek.
Over the years, Kingman has grown to expand and was once again a popular commuter passthrough when the iconic Route 66 made it’s way into the city. The song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” in 1946 sung by Nat King Cole mentioned the small desert town. Every since, Kingman has been cemented in the legacy of American transportation and the west.
Things to Do
1. Stop by the Kingman Railroad Museum
Address: 402 E Andy Devine Ave Suite B, Kingman, AZ 86401
This quaint museum is dedicated to preserving Kingman’s railroad history. Through a diverse collection of train artifacts and memorabilia, the Kingman Railroad Museum welcomes visitors to explore the history of train transportation. Visitors can also see the Amtrak waiting room and 3 operating model railroads that showcase the difference between Model “N”, “HO” and “O” scales.
2. Visit the Arizona Route 66 Museum
Address: Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
Located inside a historic powerhouse, the Arizona Route 66 Museum shares a location with the Kingman Visitors Center. While at the attraction, be sure to check out the history of the area and see the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum that shows cars from the late 1800s to the present. The powerhouse that the museum is located in not only generated power for Kingman but also the early days of Route 66 and the construction of the Hoover Dam.
3. Explore the Mohave Museum of History and Arts
Address: 400 W Beale St, Kingman, AZ 86401
Dedicated to the historic preservation of northwestern Arizona, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts features years of history. Exhibits at the museum include a Hualapai Native American Room which displays old pottery and turquoise jewelry. In addition to vintage maps and other local documents, the outdoor portion of the museum has a 1923 railroad caboose along with information on regional mining and ranching.
4. Take a Tour of the Bonelli House
Address: 430 E Spring St, Kingman, AZ 86401
George Bonelli was a successful businessman in the Kingman area. He owned a ranch and several businesses in the region. George and his wife raised 9 children and in 1915, built this beautiful home in Kingman after their previous home burnt down. The home stands with 18-inch wide Peach Springs Tuff stone walls. The stone was quarried from a nearby mine. Today, the Bonelli House is used to show visitors what it was like to live in Kingman in the early 20th-century.
5. Hike in Hualapai Mountain Park
Address: 6250 Hualapai Mountain Rd, Kingman, AZ 86401
With certain points in the park at elevations of 8,000 feet, Hualapai Mountain Park offers 11 miles of scenic hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the combination of both forest and desert environments along with geological wonders. Also, see the remnants of Silver Bell Mine that was closed many years ago. Extend your stay with an night or two at a cabin or campsite within the park.
6. Snap a Photo with Giganticus Headicus
Address: 9855 AZ-66, Kingman, AZ 86401
You can’t miss the towering 14-foot tall Tiki Head rising over Route 66. Created by artist Gregg Arnold, Gigantic Headicus has become an iconic roadside attraction in Kingman. In addition to the big head, see other art created by Arnold or check out the gift shop!
7. Visit the Church Where Clark Gable and Carol Lombard Married
Address: 318 N 5th St, Kingman, AZ 86401
Famed Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard retreated out to the quaint desert city of Kingman to get married in 1939. When they wedded, the building was Saint John’s Methodist Episcopal Church but today it is the Office of the Public Defender for Mohave County. The location still makes for a great photo opportunity as the location of Gable and Lombard’s wedding.
8. Grab some dinner at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner
Address: 105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401
Hop inside this retro diner that makes for a great place to refresh and refuel your adventure. Serving up nostalgic Americana fare from root beer floats to hamburgers with fries, enjoy a tasty meal with vintage style. Check out the vintage cars or maybe even play a song on the jukebox.
Plan Your Visit
Kingman is located along Route 66 about 100 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada and 200 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona.
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