Route 66 Arizona
Around Flagstaff - Arizona
Our visits: Since Interstate 40 runs very centrally across the state, we have passed one or another place along Route 66 on almost all of our trips through the Southwest. Our last visit was in June 2023.
Route 66 - Arizona
Description: In large the Mother Road between Chicago and Los Angeles leads once across the state of Arizona. There is a lot to discover along the old Route 66. However, since we are not the huge junk fans, we have not yet explicitly driven along Route 66. We visited some places like Williams, Flagstaff and Seligman without taking many pictures. But on our tours through the southwest we passed one or the other place where you can still see the remains of the old Route 66. Unfortunately, most of the road has disappeared and is mostly replaced by Interstate 40. Between Seligman and Kingman, however, you can still travel a long stretch on the old road.
Our rating: For all those who are interested in the history of the Mother Road , there are some very nice places in Arizona. The road has really been brought back to life here in some places like Seligman. Stores, gas stations, old diners, etc. have been renovated and are now becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Depending on your interests, you can make a few detours to walk in the footsteps of the old road. We especially liked the Hackberry Store between Seligman and Kingman.
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Winslow
Description: Winslow was founded in 1880 by the Atlantic and Paific Railroad as a junction of the Atchison and Topeka Railroad and the Santa Fe Railroad. Today, the town is primarily a destination for Route 66 tourists, as the famous "Corner in Winslow Arizona" from the Eagles' famous song "Take it easy" can be found here. All around the corner there are also a few tourist facilities like a small Route 66 museum and a few souvenir stores. There are also a few other small sights on the outskirts of town, such as a 9/11 Memorial or a pretty totem pole.
Our rating: The fact that we have made it here only after more than 20 years of travel in the USA, perhaps shows a little the importance of the location for us. It is certainly different for Route 66 fans. We liked the small place for a side trip quite well.
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Flagstaff
Description: According to the legend, Flagstaff was founded when settlers on their way west were looking for a place to spend the night. They wanted to raise the flag and dug a tree stump as a stake in the ground. After they had moved on, other settlers came and founded the town around the tree stump.
day Flagstaff is a small thriving city that is a popular destination for tourists, especially due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon National Park. Also a small part of the historic Route 66 leads through the city. Along this route, there are still a few relics from the time when the road was still drivable from Chicago to LA.
Our rating: Flagstaff is always a popular destination for us because of its central location and its very good tourist infrastructure. Besides that, it is also fun to explore the historic old town on a walk.
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Williams
Description: Just like Flagstaff, Williams is considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon National Park because of its proximity to the park. In addition, you can also take the steam train from here to the Grand Canyon. Besides that, Route 66 tourists also get their money's worth here, because many of the historic buildings have been preserved and offer Route 66 fans a lot to see. Even if the tourist infrastructure in Flagstaff is much more developed, you will find everything you need as a tourist for a stop in Williams.
Our rating: Williams has also been frequently on our routes through the Southwest. It's always fun to make a stop here to explore the small town. The Route 66 memorabilia always provide pretty photo motifs.
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Seligman
Description: Seligman calls itself the "birthplace of Route 66. After the revival of the historic road, Seligman has become one of the main attractions along Route 66. There is a lot to discover.
Our rating: Since we are not the real Route 66 superfans, we have driven through the place several times, however, have stopped only in June 2023 to walk a little through the streets. Although the main tourist attractions are located directly on the main road. We found it quite nice to stop and take a few photos.
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Kingman
Description: Kingman was established in the 1880s after the railroad was built between Albuquerque and Needles. The discovery of mineral resources in the area around the city also helped to attract more and more people.
The city developed as a junction between several important cities in the region. Today, there are still a few remnants of historic Route 66.
Our rating: Because of its central location, we've passed through Kingman several times on our tours through the Southwest. It is quite a good place to spend the night.
Oatman
Description: Oatman is a former gold mining town in the far west of the state of Arizona. Today it is a popular stop for all bikers and tourists traveling on the old Route 66. The town is a good example of how places along the historic road are brought back to life.
Fun Fakt: On March 18, 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night at the Oatman Hotel. The room from that time is still originally furnished and can be visited.
Our rating: Oatman is definitely worth a trip. If only because of the wild donkeys which are everywhere. It was fun for us to stroll through the town and breathe in the Route 66 air.
