Where is Kingman
Kingman is located in northern Arizona, in Mohave County, 142 km (88 mi) from Seligman, 170 km (106 mi) from Las Vegas, and 210 km (131 mi) from Williams.
Its historic downtown is crossed by one of the original sections of Route 66, and it is the closest Route 66 town to Las Vegas. Thanks to this location, Kingman is often included in any road trip along the Southwest, especially if you want to go from the Sin City to the Grand Canyon.
Why Kingman is one of the most famous towns on Route 66
Kingman holds a special place in the history of the Mother Road and is considered one of the must-see stops along Route 66 in Arizona. Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the city was founded in the late 19th century around the railroad line built by the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad.
The railroad spurred the town’s growth and turned Kingman into a major transportation and supply hub for the region. Decades later, the arrival of Route 66 further cemented its importance, turning it into a major stopover for travelers who stayed in its motels, filled up at its gas stations, had their cars repaired at its auto shops, and ate at its restaurants.
Kingman has managed to preserve much of its historical heritage; even today, visitors can explore original buildings from Route 66’s golden age, old motels with neon signs, restored gas stations, and several museums dedicated to the history of transportation and the highway. It is also the gateway to one of the most spectacular (and winding) stretches of Route 66: the Arizona Sidewinder, which crosses the Sitgreaves Pass and connects to Oatman.
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Things to do in Kingman
Locomotive Park
As soon as you enter Kingman from the west, the first thing you’ll see is Locomotive Park, which houses Santa Fe Railway’s steam locomotive No. 3759. This historic gem was built in 1927 and made the trip between Los Angeles and Kansas City 10 times a month, completing its final journey in 1953, when diesel replaced steam on this line. And best of all, you can climb aboard it!
Powerhouse
The historic building visible across the park, with a striking neon sign reading “Visitor Center”, was the Kingman powerplant. It supplied electrical power to both Kingman and the surrounding mines until the Hoover Dam became operational and began producing power at a much lower cost.
Today, there are several interesting places to visit inside:
- Kingman Visitor Center: here you can find out what to see in town and the surrounding area, pick up a map showing all the historic buildings, buy souvenirs, and get your Route 66 passport.
- Arizona Route 66 Museum: this museum explores the history of travel along the 35th parallel (which later became Route 66). Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12.
- Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum: a museum housing some thirty electric vehicles, ranging from the curious Buckeye Bullet to luggage tugs and golf carts from the early 1990s. Admission is included with the ticket to the previous museum.
Route 66 Arch in Kingman
Right next to the Powerhouse is one of Kingman’s biggest attractions: an arch shaped like the Route 66 shield, designed for vehicles to drive underneath. There’s no more iconic photo than the one with you and your car under this arch to commemorate your journey along Route 66!
🐶 If you have a pet, there’s a dog park across from the Powerhouse with a dog-sized replica of the arch. Your furry friend can take home a great souvenir, too!
Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner
Although there are many restaurants in Kingman, none are as eye-catching and unique as Mr. D'z. Its decor recreates the classic diners of the 1950s, but the building has a longer history: it was built in 1939 under the name Kimo Cafe (Ki for Kingman and Mo for Mohave), a Shell gas station located along the highway. In 1992, it was acquired by the Dunton family, who gave it its current look.
From the outside, its green and pink facade, the vintage cars at the entrance, the murals, and of course the sign—which lists its specialties: burgers, fries, and its famous root beer—really catch your eye. They also make delicious pizzas! The interior is wonderful, with its pink and green seats, a vintage jukebox, and decor filled with photographs and paintings.
Dunton Motor's Dream Machines
Next to Mr. D'z, you'll see a dealership with beautiful restored classic cars—both businesses are owned by the same family! It was in 1946 when N.R. Dunton, who already owned a repair shop, acquired this dealership and named it the N.R. Dunton Motor Company. Over time, he passed the business on to his nephew Roy Dunton, who transformed it into a Ford Edsel dealership, later selling other brands such as Lincoln and Mercury.
Although the business has had its ups and downs since then, it wasn’t until 1990 that it became Dunton Motors Dream Machines, a dealership specializing in classic cars. You’re welcome to come in and browse the cars on display and for sale, as well as their Route 66 gift shop.
Heart of Kingman Sign
Across the street is one of Kingman’s most photographed signs, especially among couples. ❤️ This heart-shaped sign, pierced by an arrow, bears the phrase: “Kingman, the heart of Historic Route 66.”
Historic Buildings in Kingman
Kingman has more than twenty buildings designated as historic landmarks. Pick up a map at the visitor center and explore the historic district to find them 😊! Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- U.S. Post Office: built in 1935, it served as a post office.
- Old Trails Garage: dating back to 1915, it’s one of the oldest auto repair shops in Kingman. Although you can’t see inside, its facade features a really cool mural.
- Hotel Beale: dating back to 1900, this famous Route 66 hotel (now closed) features a huge, iconic neon sign.
- The Cohenour House: built in 1911, this house was constructed for Mrs. Cohenour at the request of her husband, who served as sheriff and postmaster of Mohave County.
- Central Commercial Co.: established in 1917, it operated as a store for 61 years.
- Mohave County Courthouse: built in 1915, this courthouse was constructed of volcanic tuff.
- Bonelli House: built in 1915, it was the home of the Bonelli family.
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Kingman Water Towers
Another of the most iconic landmarks in Kingman and along Route 66 in Arizona are the Kingman Water Towers, which once supplied water to the steam locomotives that ran along the railroad line.
When steam locomotives fell out of use, the towers lost their purpose and were on the verge of being demolished, but local residents rallied together and managed to save them. Today, they have been restored and feature several murals, including the Route 66 symbol and a locomotive.
Kingman Railroad Museum
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the railroad in Kingman, the old train station—built in 1907—is located next to the water towers. This is another historic building worth seeing; inside, you’ll find railroad-related artifacts that once belonged to former workers, as well as several working model trains.
Admission is only $2, but it's only open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Beale Street
Beale Street is definitely worth a visit—it’s packed with local businesses, murals, and cool neon signs, like the one at the Kingman Club. It’s a lively area with restaurants, craft breweries, and some historic buildings. Don’t miss it!
Mohave Museum of History and Arts
If you'd like to learn more about Arizona's history, this museum is dedicated to its various periods, covering prehistory, mining, ranching, the railroad, and more. It features murals, photographs, and antique machinery. Admission is $10; free for children under 12.
White Cliffs Wagon Trail
Just outside Kingman, you can walk along the old route taken by the wagons in the late 19th century that transported ore mined at Stockton Hill. In a way, it reminds us of the 20-Mule Team in Deat Valley!
This road runs through a canyon, and what’s most striking is that the tracks are perfectly visible, since both the wheels of the wagons and the posts and ropes used to pull them created a massive depression on both sides of the road. Imagine how heavy they must have been! Its use began to decline with the construction of a new road in 1910, though what truly marked its end was a flood in 1925.
The entire hike is less than 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip from the parking lot, and the scenery surrounding the canyon alone makes it well worth the trip.
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Best hotels in Kingman
If you're looking for a place to stay in Kingman, we've got some options for you—including motels (one of which is a legendary Route 66 stop) and hotels—so you can choose between a more classic or a more modern option, depending on your preferences.
The Trovatore Motel
This is one of the few remaining historic hotels in Kingman, as well as one of the few pre-World War II hotels on Route 66 that is still in operation. Its neon sign is the kind that deserves to be captured on camera! The entire place is themed around Route 66 and features themed rooms.
Ramblin Rose Motel
If you're looking for cheap lodging in Kingman, this roadside motel located on the outskirts of the historic district is your best bet. As you might know, you can't expect too much for the price—the facilities and furnishings are a bit outdated—but it's a clean and functional place to stay.
Best Western Plus A Wayfarer's Inn
If you're looking for a more modern option and don't mind staying on the outskirts of Kingman, this American chain hotel is a good choice. Although it's located right on the highway, it features a pool, hot tub, laundry facilities, and a gym. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable and breakfast is included in the rate.
Clarion Inn Kingman I-40 Route 66
This hotel, located very close to the previous one, is another modern option for staying on the outskirts of Kingman. It features a fitness center, laundry facilities, a heated indoor pool, spacious rooms, and breakfast included.
Best restaurants in Kingman
If you're looking for places to eat in Kingman, here are some recommendations for both classic American food and more international dishes. We've also included a few craft breweries in case you'd like to grab a drink:
- 🍔Mr D'z: American food at a famous Route 66 diner. Try their root beer and their calorie-packed desserts!
- 🥢Bangkok Thai Cuisine: authentic Thai food right next to the visitor center.
- 🍝Garibaldi's: Italian food.
- 🌮El Palacio and Mi Lindo Jalisco: both serve Mexican food.
- 🍺Rickety Cricket Brewing and The Grand Canyon Brewing: craft breweries with a great atmosphere.
Things to do near Kingman
If you want to make your visit even more memorable, here are some of the places to see in the Kingman area:
Chloride
Just 37 km (23 mi) from Kingman lies Arizona’s oldest mining town that is still inhabited. Chloride was founded in 1860 following the discovery of silver deposits and eventually grew to have thousands of residents.
Although much of the mining activity disappeared during the 20th century, Chloride has retained its Old West town charm, with original buildings, saloons, historic shops, and an atmosphere that seems frozen in time. Here you can see an old jail and the oldest church and post office in Arizona, as well as a reenactment of a ghost town at Cyanide Springs.
Another attraction is the Chloride Murals, a series of paintings from the 1960s by artist Roy Purcell, created on desert rocks on the outskirts of town.
Oatman
Located 47 km (29 mi) from Kingman is the old mining town of Oatman, one of the most distinctive towns along Route 66. Its Wild West atmosphere is really cool, though the most striking feature is the large number of wild donkeys that wander freely through the streets and surrounding areas 🫏, descendants of the old pack donkeys used when the mines were in operation.
Plus, to get to Oatman, you’ll have to drive along the Arizona Sidewinder, a stretch of Route 66 known for its winding curves and panoramic views of the Black Mountains. It’s definitely one of the most scenic stretches of the Mother Road!
Hackberry
About 45 km (28 mi) from Kingman, you can stop at the famous Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 gem right in the middle of the desert. Its old gas station is one of the most photogenic sights around, though its quirky gift shop is just as impressive, with its chaotic layout and eclectic assortment of items.
Outside, you can see some classic cars, vintage signs, and an old repair shop. And if you're lucky, 😻 Charlie the cat will welcome you with his affectionate personality!
Seligman
Known as the "Birthplace of Route 66," this town located 142 km (88 mi) from Kingman, is a gem you won't want to miss. From its appearance in the movie Cars (in fact, Seligman was an inspiration for Pixar) to its unique restaurants and shops where you could easily spend hours exploring. ➡️ Check out our post on things to do in Seligman for all the details!
Emerald Cove
A unique excursion just an hour from Kingman is a visit to Emerald Cove. Located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, this small cave is famous for the intense emerald green color of its waters when sunlight streams in through an opening.
The usual route starts at Willow Beach and involves a very leisurely 6-kilometer (3.8 mi) round-trip kayak trip. If you're lucky, you might also spot some local wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles.
If you're coming from Kingman, you have two options for visiting this place:
- Rent a kayak at Willow Beach and go on your own: this is the ideal option if you’re driving to Willow Beach and just want to rent a kayak to explore the canyon and Emerald Cove by yourself. This is the most economical option. ➡️ Book here your kayak at Willow Beach.
- Take a guided kayaking tour from Willow Beach: if you’re arriving with your own transportation but would like to take a guided kayaking tour, then this is the perfect option for you. ➡️ Book the kayaking tour to Emerald Cove from Willow Beach here.
Hoover Dam
An ideal stop between Las Vegas and Kingman is Hoover Dam, located about an hour away. This engineering marvel with Art Deco touches is an impressive sight that you can admire from the bridge connecting Arizona and Nevada or from other nearby overlooks. ➡️ You can discover more in our guide to visiting Hoover Dam.
Map of Kingman, Arizona
On this map, you can see all the places to visit in Kingman and the surrounding area, the best restaurants, and recommended places to stay:
FAQs about visiting Kingman
Is Kingman worth visiting?
Yes. Kingman is one of the most important stops on Route 66 in Arizona, offering a mix of railroad history, Route 66 heritage, museums, classic motels, and historic buildings.
What is Kingman famous for?
Kingman is known for its close ties to Route 66 and the railroad. It is also home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum and serves as the gateway to the spectacular historic stretch of road that connects the city to Oatman via Sitgreaves Pass.
What to see in Kingman?
Highlights include Locomotive Park, museums such as the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the Kingman Railroad Museum, the historic train station, the Kingman Water Towers, and Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner.
How long does it take to visit Kingman?
Ideally, you should set aside between half a day and a full day. This will give you time to visit the historic district, its museums, some of the iconic landmarks along Route 66, and enjoy its restaurants.
Where to eat in Kingman?
Kingman's most famous restaurant is Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, known for its retro vibe and its famous homemade root beer.
When is the best time to visit Kingman?
Spring and fall are usually the best seasons thanks to their pleasant temperatures. In the summer, the heat can be intense, and in the winter, it can get quite cold.
We hope you found this guide to visiting Kingman helpful!
Chloride: Victor Solanoy from Silicon Valley, USA, CC BY 2.0; Beale St: Joshua Noble, CC BY-SA 2.0; Train Station: Dean Cote, CC BY-SA 3.0; Water Towers: Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0
