A fantastic museum. Sitting on the west end of town in the old powerhouse building, the museum tells the story about transportation, with a definite emphasis on Route 66, the mother Road.... Everybody who works in the museum is so friendly, and you can tell that they really enjoy sharing the stories. The prices to get in are Reasonable, and your ticket gets you into other museums around town, as well The artifacts are very interesting, as well as the videos you see along the way. Toward the end of the museum is an interesting display of. Historic electric vehicles, including one that was so fast, it actually raced at the Bonneville salt flats, in Utah. And yes, there is a gift shop of course, very large with lots of cool stuff. Thank you for the great stop. read more

See all

Visited the Arizona Route 66 museum/visitor center in Kingman on our way to The Town of Oatman, AZ. The visitor center is on the 1st floor and offers a nice size gift shop with so many cool souvenirs. They also have nice clean bathrooms. The 2nd floor is the entrance to the Museum. The Museum was very informative about the history of Route 66 and Kingman. We also got to tour the electric vehicle museum. Admission was only $10 for adults. Unfortunately the day we went The Bonelli house was not open which is included in that price. It's a self tour and they also have an hour long movie about Route 66 and the boom and bust that happened. After visiting the shop and touring the museum we had a little picnic lunch outside before continuing our road trip. They had some clean picnic tables under an awning with some shade so we were able to enjoy our lunch outside instead of in our car which was nice! Great place to stop and take a break while visiting Arizona. read more

See all

Wow! What a nice place. It has memorabilia from way back to the early days of Kingman. After visiting we drove through the famous Rt66 Shield for a photo op. We see people from all over the world there. There's always a car waiting to take their turn for their photo op! We love our town! read more

From trade route, to train route, to State Route 66 [Kingman AZ] The Arizona Route 66 Museum is located on the 2nd floor of the Powerhouse. As we were leaving we didn't immediately notice that the museum was just above the Visitor Center. We went back inside LoL! General admission is $10/person but if you're a senior (60+) it's $6. The ticket can be used as a bookmark to remember your visit to Kingman AZ. The $10 ticket is good to see 3 places: The Mojave Museum (unfortunately was closed at the time), 'The Powerhouse' Route 66 Museum including the Historic Electric Vehicle Exhibit and The Bonelli House. Arizona Route 66 Museum ~ To summarize, the museum depicts the historical evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66. We viewed vintage artifacts, dioramas, murals, photographs, and more that took us on a journey from a pre-Route 66 America to the present and, well, everything in between. Informative museum! Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum ~ Why is there a Tesla in here?? Well, I did not know that they made Tesla's then. There is a 2008 Tesla Roadster "The Simo" on the exhibit floor. Elon Musk launched a Roadster into space carried by a Falcon Heavy rocket in a test flight on February 6, 2018. Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield ~ We drove through this roadside attraction that allowed cars to drive a loop and go under and through the classic Route 66 shield. Pretty cool! Review #3696 read more

See all

Visiting the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman felt like stepping into a living scrapbook of America's most legendary road-a place where nostalgia and discovery dance together in the desert air. As a passionate traveler, I've wandered through countless museums, but this one truly captured my heart and left me smiling long after I hit the road again. From the moment I walked into the historic Powerhouse building, I was greeted by friendly staff who seemed just as excited about Route 66 as I was. Their warmth set the tone for a visit that felt more like joining a community of fellow road lovers than just touring a museum. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, weaving together the stories of the people, vehicles, and towns that gave the "Mother Road" its soul. I was especially moved by the black-and-white photographs from the Great Depression era-each image told a story of resilience and hope, making history feel personal and alive. The museum isn't massive, but every corner is packed with treasures: vintage cars, quirky memorabilia, and fascinating displays about the evolution of travel in the American West. I loved learning about the first electric cars and seeing the impressive collection tucked away downstairs-a delightful surprise for any automotive enthusiast. The recreated storefronts and colorful facades transported me straight into the heyday of Route 66, and the documentary film looping in the viewing area was both informative and heartwarming. One of the best parts? The ticket includes entry to other local museums, making it a fantastic value and allowing for a deeper dive into Kingman's rich history. The gift shop is a gem, filled with unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the open road-perfect for remembering the journey or sharing a piece of Route 66 with friends back home. What made my visit truly special was the sense of connection-both to the past and to fellow travelers. Swapping stories with others in the museum, snapping photos at the iconic Route 66 sign out front, and feeling the buzz of adventure in the air made this stop much more than a history lesson; it was a celebration of the freedom and wonder that only a great road trip can bring. If you're passing through Kingman, don't miss this museum. It's a heartwarming tribute to the dreams, struggles, and triumphs that shaped the American road trip-and a reminder that sometimes, the journey really is the destination. read more

Route 66 Museum - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

We were really disappointed in this museum. We had been looking forward to it given we've been to other Route 66 tourist attractions over the years. The guy selling tickets was friendly but the museum lacked much memorable. Yes they told the story of the earlier trails through the area but not much on Route 66 itself. They didn't even play the famous Nat King Cole song that mentions Kingman! They also have a large section on electric cars - go figure! Anyway far less content than expected on the main topic and not worth the price of admission. read more

I arrived with only an hour before they closed, so the lady generously and surprisingly let me in for free. An hour was perfect - there wasn't much else to see more than that. Goes through the history of route 66, and then had a final exhibit on the history of electric vehicles and has tons of old ones. In my opinion, this wouldn't be worth the $10 on its own, but the admission also gets you into the nearby Mohave Museum (and Bonelli House), so it's worth it. read more

See all

It's a nice place to stop in and browse. The museum is nice and, most importantly, the adjoining gift shop is tastefully set up. Not kitschy. The little photo drive thru is pretty cool; a fun place to take a fun photo. read more

This is a very cool, museum and gift shop! There is a Tesla charging station outside, which is what brought us there. The restrooms are very clean and nice. There is a bunch of wonderful historic displays, and the staff here is very kind and helpful. Stop by if you want to learn all about the history of the area. read more

Route 66 Museum - Mr. Kingman. - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

The Route 66 Gift Shop and Museum is a gem for anyone traveling along the historic highway. The museum portion is small but packed with nostalgia, showcasing vintage photos, classic memorabilia, and fun facts about the iconic route. It's a quick, 10 dollars for each adult that's both educational and entertaining. The gift shop is just as impressive -- full of unique Route 66 souvenirs, locally made items, and quirky trinkets you won't find anywhere else. Prices are fair, and the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They clearly care about preserving the spirit of Route 66. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a fun stop to stretch your legs, this place is totally worth visiting. Don't forget to snap a photo with one of the classic cars parked out front! Or have your cars pictures taken under the Route 66 archway! read more

This is a nice little place to stop at in Kingman. Kingman is not a very big town to start with. It's more of a drive thru town on your way to the Grand Canyon or somewhere out East. I would recommend stopping here if you plan on eating somewhere close or just want to break up the drive. The train is right next to the museum. Lots of Route 66 souvenirs to look at. There's no food here, but there's a restaurant across the street. Big plus is that the A/C in here works really well. There's also a water filling station by the restrooms. read more

Customer Service. Traveling through Route 66 and we stopped by the museum in Kingman. The lady taking payment for the $10 entrance at the museum questioned the age of my stepdaughter and started giggling as if we were lying about her being 12. Little does she know my stepdaughter and my daughter are the same age with the same exact birthday , my stepdaughter is taller with more meat on her bones so for her to laugh in her face was so disrespectful. I didn't know we had to bring birth certificates. I asked her for my money back and didn't even want to go in the museum after that. Do better. read more

Great experience! It was so nice to see the first electric cars and learn about the history of the mother road. Nice stop if you are in a road trip! read more

Route 66 Museum - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

Wanted to stop at the museum part but it had very limited hours, at the time of my visit. The rest of the building was open, as in the gift shops and the "outside of the museum" part where you can look at exhibits. I was coming here from Las Vegas in the late afternoon and I forgot that I was crossing a different time zone on the way here - so when I asked the attendant what time it was he looked at me like I was a dumb@$$ and he said "Sir, the museum is closed!". Umm, okay. I can hold a grudge all I want but I'd hate to with this sorta place. The gift shops sell a wide array of items with the Route 66 symbol on it, plus books, flags, postcards...you name it. I bought a Route 66 Passport stamp book that you can get stamped at places all over Arizona, which I did. The history of the building is very interesting, as this was once a powerhouse station that was connected to the Hoover Dam (which is about 45-60 minutes away - depending on how fast you drive!). There are also plenty of selfie spots outside the place, as well as a lot of electric car charging stations. This is also the homebase of Arizona Route 66 Association, which is the oldest of such kind (post-1985). It was spearheaded by Angel Delgadillo in 1987 and sometime later on it was relocated to Kingman. read more

This is a very memorable place. We traveled all the way to this place. If you have the opportunity, must visit it. This is a historical record point. read more

See all

Was closed when I arrived from Oatmen, so I can't give a honest review from only seeing the outside. Wish the hours were longer. The road leaving Oatmen is not one for speeding, 191 turns in 8 1/2 miles.. read more

Route 66 Museum - Mini takes Route 66 - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

I love life-size dioramas. This museum has wonderful dioramas of an old wagon train scene, a Grapes of Wrath scene and a post World War 2 road trip scene. Each scene encapsulates what it was like to travel the mother road on each major point in its history. They also posted chapter 12 of Grapes of Wrath on the wall, which transported me back to my 9th grade English class. Admission costs $4, which also includes admission to the Mohave Museum across the street. Cash only. read more

See all

There is no better place to start your journey than at the Route 66 Museum in Kingman. It's here where you can learn the backstory of Route 66 -- evolving from a Native American pathway to a major migration path during the 1930's dust bowl years to today as a popular tourist destination. The museum is located on the top floor a historic Powerhouse, the very building that supplied power to the surrounding Arizona towns and mines. Operated by the Mohave Pioneers Historical Society, the museum features murals, photos and dioramas. We walked through the museum in about 1 hour, but you could easily spend more time here, especially if you stop to watch the film strip about halfway through the museum. Makes a fun stop roadside along the classic Route 66. After wandering the museum, head across the street where you can grab lunch at Mr. D'z Diner. read more

Went on a mini day trip to Kingman, AZ. This museum was one of the....ten things there is to do here in this mini town. It's cute and all, but towns like this reminds me of something from a scary movie..you know, when the locals are nice and friendly to visitors but then at night they turn into crazy zombies or something...(pauses) ooooo...kay....lets not get side-tracked now. For $4 admission fee, besides this museum, you can also visit the art museum thing a couple blocks down the street and some historical house in "downtown" Kingman. Even though it may be small, it's a cute little attraction to pass the time and/or walk around a stretch your legs from a long drive you may be taking. I've actually learned quite a bit on how AND why Route 66 was created. (See? I've come to realize that history isn't boring or bad, just as long as I don't have to read endless chapters or take exams for them.) Expect to be here for about an hour to an hour and a half or so. read more

See all

We were going to Grand Canyon Sky walk, had to stay at Marriot King man for one night, and continue our trip to the Skywalk. That gave us some time to explore local attractions. We drove in early in the afternoon, wanted to check out this small town in Arizona, decided to go to city hall to get some visitors info, this museum is located inside the city hall. There is a free photo exhibition upstairs, and the entrance to Route 66 museum. There was a guest sign in book in the front, I signed in, cause I probably would never come back here in my entire life, loved this cute little museum, it tells you what is route 66, the paths of the Native American trade routes and the U. S. Army lead survey expeditions, and they journeyed along the Mother Road to a better life. very educational! There is a vintage theater downstairs too, it was fun and interesting to sit in a 50s theater. There are displays about 50's lifestyle as well, gas station, car, restaurant, barber shop, deli... etc. I just love vintage stuffs! They gave you a pretty good idea about the life in 50's, very interesting! There is a gift shop downstairs, it is good to get something to help you remember this museum. All the staffs were so nice, very helpful in so many ways. I strongly recommend to visit this museum when you are in town. :) read more

See all

Fun brief roadtrip pit stop. loved the electric car exhibit along with the more general one. Gift shop has just about every route 66 paraphernalia you could possibly need read more

You just gotta stop! This is absolutely Magical! The History they have amassed is mind boggling! The displays are gripping, down to feeling like you ARE experiencing that dust bowl drove! I absolutely love this place and can't wait to go back! Thank you to the Creators for all of your hard work! Love and miss you all. #templemastery read more

General admission is cheap ($4, $3 for seniors). However, we got in free as long as you do a survey in Chinese (you also get a pin of the flag of Arizona). I gathered that this place attracted a lot of Chinese tourists prior to the trade embargo. This is a great way to learn about the settlement and incursion of native land, the gold rush, the Great Depression, and how the infrastructure of Route 66 brought about the population boom in the West. There were very interesting dioramas for each time period and cool electric cars. Good place in Kingman to learn about American history. read more

My soulmate and I did another extended weekend trip to his other place in Parker, AZ. He had been to Kingman before and wanted to take me there for the day. The pre-planner I am, I created a list of things to see and do, and the Powerhouse Visitor Center (formerly the Desert Power & Water Co., 1907-1911) was one of those. Inside, is where the Route 66 Museum stands. I'm a hit or miss on museums. I usually prefer to go at my own pace, and not be led or lectured to. I realize many prefer that. This museum was on your own and for the admission price, it included an electric vehicle display at the end of the museum and the chance to use your admission ticket to visit other local landmarks. The work here is top notch. The information presented in written words, scene depictions/props/costumes, audio portion (theatre) and more, really makes you feel empathetic to those who had no choice but to head west in search of a better life. Or better put, survival. There are two types of souvenier shops inside the building that sell clothing, hats, license plates, jewelry, and other knick knacks. There were stairs and an elevator inside and bathrooms for use. I would recommend this tour to anyone. read more

See all

This is a fun museum and very affordable. There's a lot of information about the area and the people who lived here. The displays are nicely laid out and their gift shop has a lot of souvenirs to take home. Very much a family atmosphere. There's also a movie about the history of route 66 and though it is one hour long, the seats were comfortable and we enjoyed it very much read more

$4 admission - cash only. This was a nice museum - with some good information and cool photo opportunities. It's pretty small but provides a glimpse into the history of Route 66. There is also an electric car museum downstairs which I thought was a nice addition. Surprisingly large gift shop. If you are traveling through Kingman, be sure to check it out. read more

Wife was workin in town I had a little time on my hands so when's over to the local Route 66 Museum. Well worth the 4 dollars (cash only). This gives one access to 3 buildings. The museum part of Route 66 doesn't take more than an hour but so full of interesting displays that have come from so many interesting people. The videos they have are very informative and interesting learned a lot about the local history and how Route 66 is so much of our countries history. The electric car museum is down stairs as is the local information area and gift store. If one has a little time on there hands and would like to see something interesting would recommend walking around old Kingman and a stop at this local museum at the powerhouse. read more

Next to the train tracks, this cute looking place is multi tasked with visitor brochures and tourist information. There is a small Arizona gift shop, and a Route 66 gift shop with everything you can think of covered in Route 66 paraphernalia. There is a museum which after taking a quick look decided we'd skip it and move on. A stop in the restroom and we're off to do more exploring. read more

The best Route 66 museum deal on the whole Route. For $4 (or $3 for seniors) you get access to three museums - the Route 66 museum, Mohave Museum of Art and History, and the Bonelli House and all were very interesting. The Electric car display and hour long video on the Arizona portion of Route 66 city by city. read more

Route 66 Museum - Bonelli house was really interesting. - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

See all

Wealth of history of Route 66. Exhibition well presented. Love the chance to hear Joshua speak with so much passion, dedication and love. read more

See all

A must-visit if going through Kingman. You can go inside and take a look at this unique building and visit the gift shop without paying the museum admission. But I recommend entering the museum and enjoying some Route 66 history. This museum does a good job of presenting the history of Route 66 and the area. The gift shop had the best selection of souvenirs we encountered on our Arizona trip. read more

Route 66 Museum - Museums Near Me - Kingman, Arizona

Fun little place to understand the history of the iconic Route 66. I visited with my three kids and they liked the depression-era displays and photography. I thought the employees were very friendly and helpful. read more

We were excited to see this place, and it did look interesting. Little did we know they were about to close. They saw us come in, didn't say anything to us. After we were looking around for about 8 minutes, they just started turning lights off. After we walked down stairs and started to look at something, the gentleman (and I use this term very loosely) very rudely told us they were closing. I informed him we were just upstairs, to which he again rudely told us "well we're still closing". Not a good experience for my family. We were very disappointed, to say the least. I understand if you are closing, but that doesn't mean you turn the lights out on people who were already there and treat them disrespectfully! read more

This was a fun little museum to visit. It only costs $4 for admission I found it interesting but it wasn't one of the best museums that I have visited. read more

Cant say much about museum since there was a fee I didn't go in. I really came here to get some information and maps and to talk to the people at the desk since they are so knowledgable and I was in here before. They were even able to let me know what was going on in Oakdale, this town I wanted to swing by, they were able to tell me there were no more gun fights scheduled for the day so it saved me a trip. I will just have to try again next time. They have clean bathrooms and a gift shop and some local stuff to look at here and worth a stop if your heading out Route 66 and want to know how to stay on the original path they have all the maps and tricks at least to get through Arizona. Some of the other states aren't near as good at marking the Route as Arizona is. read more

Not kid friendly. Entrance fee is cash only. Items with broken glass are within child reach and not blocked off appropriately. We went to the gift shop first and the staff seemed uncomfortable with the presence of a small child. We were the only group closely watched by staff and repeatedly referred upstairs to the museum entrance. Honesty, this would be understandable if my child was acting up or misbehaving, but we truly were all just browsing. The employee at the ticket counter for the museum was also rude, just stating "Cash Only" when we went to purchase tickets. We did not have cash on us. He did not direct us to ATM or anywhere we would be able to get cash. Again, more staff that was inexplicably made uncomfortable by our presence. An old, rusty miniature model car with broken glass is on display about 3 feet off the ground, at the entrance to the museum. There is nothing blocking it off. When my child walked toward it, the desk staff yelled at us to make sure we don't touch it. Obviously, we would not have allowed a child to touch such a blatant hazard. I'm not sure if they have previously had issues with children in the museum. Perhaps that could explain our reception there. They have some cool trinkets in the gift shop and good information about the history of Route 66. I'm sure it is a fine experience for anyone without children. If you have children under 10, I would stick with the locomotive park across the street and historic downtown Kingman. read more

Excellent little museum. Entry fee well worth the price of admission. Captured this slice of history, America's love for the automobile, before the superhighway system. Loved the documented oral histories. And the Burma Shave signs. Well done! read more

This is a gem of a place. Interesting, colorful, engaging place, nice gift shops, friendly staff. Don't miss the electric vehicle exhibit on first floor! read more

This was a great museum. Yes, it's tiny, but I didn't mind that. There was still lots of displays to learn about Route 66 and Kingman. Lots of good history in this museum. The gift store was great. The employees in the museum and gift store and very friendly. The price of $4 to get in isn't too bad, either. I highly recommend this museum. read more

Small, but nice with a friendly staff. Definitely kid-oriented and everything is touch-able. You can do the whole thing without having to commit to a whole day (or even a 1/2 day). We also got maps, suggestions of places to eat, and the kids got to run around at the park acros the street (complete with a retired train engine that they could climb up into!). I don't know how often the train runs outside (on the real train track), but we happened to catch it - which was a special treat for our little ones!! They got to stand about 20' from the track and see it going by "up close". read more