Fuel Your Curiosity on Arizona’s Route 66

Find vintage vibes and hidden vistas on this retro road trip

Buckle up for a journey that blends science, history and natural beauty – all fueled by the spirit of Route 66. This Arizona adventure includes exploring the electric history of Kingman, stargazing at Lowell Observatory and uncovering the mysteries of the Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park.

High-Voltage History in Kingman

The town of Kingman pulsates with Route 66 energy. Your first stop is Kingman’s Historic Powerhouse to learn the story of the Mother Road at the Arizona Route 66 Museum. Keep an eye out for the model trains zipping by as you make your way through the exhibits. Life-size dioramas and vivid murals trace Route 66’s history from humble wagon trail to iconic highway. Your admission also grants entry to the adjacent Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum. Shift gears to marvel at an impressive collection of electric cars, motorcycles and race cars that showcase the evolution of green technology. Browse the gift shop for the perfect Route 66 mementos before continuing your epic Arizona road trip.

Stars Align in Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a cosmic and cultural haven tucked along Route 66. At Lowell Observatory, you can stand where astronomers first glimpsed Pluto in 1930. Peer through powerful telescopes and experience the thrill of discovery at this renowned astronomical institution. For a visual treat, stargaze from the iconic Clark Dome or the rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium to see the night sky like never before. Make plans to end your night at The Museum Club, a former taxidermist shop and trading post from the 1930s. Today, this lively roadhouse hosts electric country-western performances, making it the perfect place to dance the night away under the stars.

Crater and Culture in Winslow

Near Winslow, a cosmic collision from the last ice age carved one of Arizona’s most jaw-dropping landmarks. Prepare to be awestruck by Meteor Crater, a colossal cavity formed by a meteorite crash thousands of years ago. Traverse the rim on foot, descend into the crater on a guided tour or marvel at the sheer scale of the crater from observation decks.

Back in town, you can discover Winslow’s artistic spirit at the Affeldt Mion Museum, nestled within the historic La Posada Hotel. Uncover the tales behind this architectural gem and browse exhibits honoring southwestern icons like entrepreneur Fred Harvey and architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. It’s hard to miss the museum’s masterpiece, the Hubbell-Joe Rug – this artifact is the largest hand-spun Navajo rug.

Arizona Adventures Just Off the Beaten Path of Route 66

Veer off the main route to Petrified Forest National Park, where time has turned ancient trees into colorful stone. Hike the Giant Logs and Long Logs trails to see massive, petrified trunks that shimmer in vibrant hues. At the onsite Rainbow Forest Museum, you’ll be mesmerized by life-size skeletons of long-extinct creatures. Another must-see is the nearby Painted Desert, a surreal expanse of colorful badlands. Stop by its visitor center to witness paleontologists in action as they carefully prepare fossils in the Demonstration Lab. For a truly unforgettable experience, snag a free backpacking permit and sleep under a canopy of stars.

Getting Ther

Land at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, pick up a rental car, and cruise south on U.S. Route 93 for an hour and a half towards Kingman, Arizona to begin your Route 66 adventure.