Kingman brings together the history of Route 66 with railroad and regional history. It also offers trail systems for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. When planning your stay, one simple question can help: Would you like to focus on museums and historic buildings, outdoor activities, or a mix of both?
Route 66 and Kingman’s History
The Arizona Route 66 Museum spans a broad historical arc: from the road’s origins as a prehistoric trade route, through its role as an escape route for Dust Bowl refugees, to its revival in American culture. The visitor experience also includes a small theater showing a one-hour film about Route 66 in Arizona. The museum thus focuses both on the road’s long history and its cultural significance.
The Kingman Commercial Historic District offers a close-up look at historic buildings. It comprises nine buildings on the 300 and 400 blocks of East Andy Devine Avenue. Located along Route 66, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original 1926 alignment of Route 66 also passed through Kingman along the National Old Trails Road. The road’s local connections therefore range from its early route to a designated historic district.
Museums and Historic Architecture
The Kingman Railroad Museum is located in Kingman’s historic railroad depot, in the heart of Route 66. It displays donated railroad memorabilia. The museum also operates model railroads in O, HO and N scales; the layouts are rotated regularly. Its focus is therefore not just on the history of the road, but also on railroads and their models.
The Mohave Museum of History & Arts offers an overview of northwestern Arizona’s history. Dioramas and murals trace its development from prehistoric times to the present. Other exhibit topics include Andy Devine, ranching and mining: alongside an exhibit about Devine, there are outdoor exhibits on ranching, mining equipment and a 1923 railroad boxcar. Its focus on regional history differs from the narrower emphasis on roads and railroads at the other museums.
The Bonelli House also adds to the historic perspective: it was completed in October 1915 and is an example of Anglo-Territorial architecture. Visiting hours are listed as Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; last admission is at 2:30 p.m. Since opening hours may change, check before your visit whether these hours apply to your date.
Trails and Independent Exploration
The Monolith Garden Trail is an 8.5-mile system of loop trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and trail runners. The trail system is not fully accessible. It connects to the Camp Beale Loop Trail, which is managed by the City of Kingman. The range of activities and the accessibility information are important points to consider if you include this trail in your plans.
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 city center. This differs from the stated connection between the Monolith Garden Trail and the Camp Beale Loop Trail: for the Cerbat system, the connection specifically described is between downtown and the higher-elevation city center.
With Kingman Tours, A Walkabout, you can explore significant locations along Route 66 and in the historic downtown on your own. The interactive tour is audio-guided and currently includes 28 points of interest. It offers another way to explore, alongside museums and trails; its content takes you along the road and through the historic downtown.
An Event to Consider When Planning
First Friday in downtown Kingman is a monthly event held from February through November. Local artists, small businesses and community groups come together for residents and visitors. If the event coincides with your travel dates, check the specific dates in advance.
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