At first glance, Kingman might appear to be what you might call a "small town" on Route 66. But no, Kingman is one of the great towns of Route 66, where it's impossible not to stop if you want to soak up the very special atmosphere of this epic journey to the American West. The town is full of little anecdotes that together form the story, with a capital 'H', of Route 66 and the great adventure that is the epic journey to the American West. Whether it's for its atmosphere, its history or its activities, visitors won't regret stopping off here.
Kingman is a town in the United States, in the state of Arizona. It is the seat of Mohave County and is crossed by Route 93 and historic Route 66, which links it to Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1882, the town's name is in honour of Lewis Kingman, who oversaw the construction of the railway that ran from Winslow to Beale's Springs.
The town of Kingman is proud to be part of the historic route of Route 66. However, to drive along the legendary historic route, you have to take Andy Devin Avenue, the name given to Route 66 in Kingman. But why is the road called this?
It's a reference to Andy Devine, the local golden boy (born in the early 20th century) who arrived in Kingman at the age of one (his father Tom ran the historic Beale Hotel). An actor and radio personality, he appeared in over 300 films, often playing a vital supporting role as the cowboy's sidekick. Andy Devine had a very special voice that made him famous, and it was the after-effects of an accident that left him with damaged vocal cords as a child. Since his death, this avenue has been named after him and several days are dedicated to him during the year in Kingman.
Pink, blue and pastel colours everywhere, black and white chequered floors, imitation leather banquettes, old adverts hanging on the walls - there's no doubt about it, we're in a typical American diner. It would come as no surprise to see the waitresses roll up to take our order. An authentic American-style breakfast is a must in Kingman, to give you a full belly before hitting the road again.
This petrol station almost met with an unfortunate fate. Destroyed by a violent fire in the 1960s, the establishment remained a sad pile of stones and rubble for several decades. It wasn't until the early 2000s that its renovation began. But thanks to perseverance and courage, the station finally got back on its feet and now houses a beautiful souvenir shop selling a wide range of items related to the legendary route.
Located in a two-hundred-year-old building known as the Powerhouse, the Route 66 Museum illustrates the historical development of the legendary road with paintings, life-size reconstructions, photos and other creations. A great visit for all the family.
📍 Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, United States
👛 $10 for adults, $6 for seniors ( over 60) and free for children under 12.
👉 Official website
Not far from Kingman, as you get back on the road, you pass over the famous Sitgreaves Pass, which rises to an altitude of 1,080 metres. The landscape is barren, with only a few sun-dried plants surviving as best they can.
This is a memorial to the dead (even pets), whose ashes have been scattered in the surrounding area.
Kingman is located in the highlands of Arizona, so it's best to visit during the summer months, between April and September. May and June are preferable, as July and August can be a little stifling during the day.
