Discover Kingman: Route 66 and Local History

Kingman offers several ways to shape a stay focused on history and the outdoors: the history of Route 66, museums about the city and region, and trail systems for hiking and cycling. The historic downtown can also be explored from different perspectives—from architecture and railroads to an audio-guided tour.

Route 66 and Kingman’s History

The original 1926 route of Route 66 passed through Kingman along the National Old Trails Road. The Kingman Commercial Historic District also has a direct connection to the highway: the historic district lies along Route 66 and includes nine buildings on the 300 and 400 blocks of East Andy Devine Avenue. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kingman’s history is therefore linked both to the historic route of the highway and to a clearly defined district.

The Arizona Route 66 Museum presents the road’s history, from its origins as a prehistoric trading route and its role as an escape route for Dust Bowl refugees to its revival in American culture. A small theater complements the museum visit with a one-hour film about Route 66 in Arizona. The museum thus brings together several eras in the road’s history: its early origins, the Dust Bowl period and its later cultural significance.

Museums, Architecture and Railroads

The Mohave Museum of History & Arts makes the history of Kingman, Mohave County and the wider Southwest accessible to the public. Its overview of northwestern Arizona spans from prehistory to the present. Dioramas and murals illustrate this development; other exhibits include a display about Andy Devine, outdoor exhibits on ranching and mining equipment, and a 1923 railroad boxcar. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

The Bonelli House was completed in October 1915 and is an example of Anglo-territorial architecture. Its construction date provides a specific historical reference point alongside the broader themes covered by the museums and the Route 66 district. Visitors particularly interested in architectural history will find a distinct architectural perspective here, in addition to the stories of the highway and the region.

The Kingman Railroad Museum is housed in Kingman’s historic railroad depot, in the heart of Route 66. It displays donated railroad memorabilia and operates model trains in O, HO and N scales, which are rotated regularly. While the Arizona Route 66 Museum focuses on the history of a highway, this museum explores railroads and their representation in model form.

Trails and Exploring the City

To compare the trail systems, consider their length, layout and designated activities. The Monolith Garden Trail is an 8.5-mile network of loop trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and trail runners. It connects to the Camp Beale Loop Trail, managed by the City of Kingman, but is not fully accessible. The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area has 43.4 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Its trail system connects downtown with Kingman’s higher-elevation Uptown area. The trails therefore differ both in length and in their described layout and orientation.

Kingman Tours, A Walkabout offers a way to independently explore significant sites along Route 66 and in the historic downtown. The interactive, audio-guided tour currently includes 28 stops. Its focus differs from that of the trails in the recreation areas: here, the stops are located in and along the historic urban landscape.

Downtown Event

First Friday in downtown Kingman is a monthly event held from February through November. Local artists, small businesses and community groups come together for locals and visitors. If you’d like to plan your stay around an event date, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Colorado City, Lake Havasu City, Yucca, Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, Meadview, Peach Springs, Dolan Springs

View the overview of the wider travel region: Mohave.