Kingman Arizona: Things To Do & Historic Route 66
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Kingman, Arizona is a historic Route 66 destination in northwestern Arizona, known for its railroad heritage, classic roadside attractions, museums and scenic desert surroundings. Located where Interstate 40 and US Highway 93 meet Historic Route 66, Kingman offers visitors a walkable historic downtown, the Arizona Route 66 Museum, restored landmarks and easy access to the Hualapai Mountains. Often called the Heart of Historic Route 66, the city is also a convenient starting point for scenic drives and day trips to Oatman, Hoover Dam, Lake Mohave and Grand Canyon West. This Kingman travel guide highlights the best things to do, local history, outdoor recreation, nearby attractions and practical tips for planning a visit.
- Kingman Arizona Quick Facts
- Historic Route 66 Attractions
- Best Things To Do In Kingman
- History Of Kingman
- Historic Downtown Kingman
- Outdoor Recreation
- Hualapai Mountains
- Best Day Trips From Kingman
- Best Time To Visit
- Kingman Travel Tips
- Official Visitor Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Kingman Arizona Quick Facts
- County: Mohave County
- Region: Northwestern Arizona
- Elevation: Approximately 3,300 feet
- 2025 population estimate: 35,829
- Major highways: Interstate 40, US Highway 93 and Historic Route 66
- Known for: Historic Route 66, railroad history, museums and desert scenery
- Visitor center: Kingman Visitor Center in the historic Powerhouse
- Popular nearby destinations: Oatman, Hoover Dam, Laughlin, Lake Mohave and Grand Canyon West
A Brief History Of Kingman Arizona
Kingman developed as a railroad town during the 1880s and was named for Lewis Kingman, a railroad surveyor who worked in the region. The arrival of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad connected the community with expanding markets and helped establish Kingman as an important transportation center in northwestern Arizona.
Mining also shaped Kingman's growth as gold discoveries in the nearby Black Mountains increased activity around the turn of the 20th century. Transportation remained central to the city's development through the railroad era, the rise of automobile travel and the establishment of Route 66 in 1926.
Today, Kingman's surviving railroad, mining and Route 66 landmarks give the city a distinctive historic character while its location at Interstate 40 and US Highway 93 keeps it important to modern travelers.
Kingman & Historic Route 66
Historic Route 66 is central to Kingman's identity. The city lies along Arizona's exceptionally well-preserved western Route 66 corridor and serves as a natural starting point for road trips toward Oatman, Topock, Seligman and other Mother Road communities.
Begin at the historic Powerhouse, now home to the Kingman Visitor Center and Arizona Route 66 Museum. Exhibits trace the evolution of travel along the corridor that became Route 66, while nearby downtown streets preserve signs, buildings and roadside architecture associated with generations of travelers.
Route 66 was established in 1926, making 2026 its centennial year. The anniversary brings additional attention to Kingman and northwestern Arizona's surviving sections of the Mother Road.
Kingman's Historic Route 66 Landmarks
One of Kingman's recognizable roadside landmarks is the historic water tower bearing a large Route 66 shield and a welcome message for travelers. It reflects the city's close association with the Mother Road and provides a memorable photo opportunity. Other Route 66 sights include the historic Powerhouse, vintage commercial buildings, railroad landmarks and the Route 66 Drive-Through Shield. Visitors can explore several of these attractions while walking or driving through central Kingman.
Historic Downtown Kingman
Downtown Kingman preserves an important collection of historic commercial, civic and residential buildings associated with the city's railroad and Route 66 eras. A self-guided walking tour covers more than 40 historic sights and buildings, giving visitors an easy way to explore Kingman's architecture and local history on foot.
Downtown also provides convenient access to museums, Route 66 landmarks, locally owned restaurants, shops and public art, making it one of the best areas to begin a Kingman visit.
Best Things To Do In Kingman Arizona
- Kingman Visitor Center & Powerhouse: Start your visit in the restored historic Powerhouse and pick up current maps and local information
- Arizona Route 66 Museum: Explore exhibits covering transportation and travel along the historic Mother Road
- Historic Downtown Kingman: Walk past preserved buildings, Route 66 landmarks, shops and restaurants
- Mohave Museum Of History & Arts: Learn about northwestern Arizona history, communities and regional culture
- Bonelli House: Tour one of Kingman's notable historic homes
- Locomotive Park: See railroad equipment reflecting Kingman's long transportation history
- Route 66 Drive-Through Shield: Stop for a classic Kingman Route 66 photo
- Hualapai Mountain Recreation: Escape into higher-elevation pine country for hiking, scenery and outdoor recreation
For additional roadside landmarks and historic destinations, explore our Arizona Route 66 attractions guide.
Outdoor Recreation Around Kingman
Kingman's high-desert setting provides year-round opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, off-highway travel and desert photography. For cooler temperatures and pine-covered mountain scenery, head southeast of town toward the Hualapai Mountains.
The surrounding public lands also contain historic roads, desert canyons and portions of the Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, giving visitors another way to explore northwestern Arizona beyond the city itself.
Hualapai Mountains Near Kingman
The Hualapai Mountains rise southeast of Kingman and provide a cooler mountain environment with pine forests, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and opportunities to observe wildlife. Hualapai Mountain Park is a popular destination for day trips, picnicking, hiking and overnight stays, particularly when temperatures are warmer in the surrounding desert.
Visitors can enjoy mountain scenery, forested slopes and trails that vary in length and difficulty. Elevation changes can produce noticeably cooler weather than in Kingman, especially during winter, when snow and icy conditions are possible. Before visiting, check current park access, trail conditions, weather and any applicable fire restrictions.
The mountains offer a worthwhile alternative to Route 66 sightseeing for travelers interested in outdoor recreation and scenic photography.
Best Day Trips From Kingman Arizona
Kingman's location makes it an excellent base for exploring northwestern Arizona, southern Nevada and the Colorado River corridor.
- Oatman: Drive Historic Route 66 through the Black Mountains to the old mining town known for its Wild West character and free-roaming burros
- Hoover Dam: Explore one of the Southwest's most famous engineering landmarks on the Arizona-Nevada border
- Grand Canyon West: Visit the Hualapai Tribe's Grand Canyon destination and the famous Skywalk
- Laughlin: Combine Colorado River recreation with restaurants, entertainment and Nevada resorts
- Lake Mohave: Enjoy boating, fishing and Colorado River scenery
- Chloride: Explore one of Arizona's historic mining communities north of Kingman
- Las Vegas: Kingman is conveniently positioned for travelers combining northwestern Arizona with southern Nevada
For a classic Route 66 excursion, consider driving west from Kingman toward Oatman through the Black Mountains. Travelers interested in Colorado River scenery can explore the Lake Mohave and Laughlin area, while Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West are better planned as substantial outings. Check current travel times, road conditions, attraction hours and admission requirements before departure, particularly when visiting remote desert destinations.
Best Time To Visit Kingman Arizona
- Spring: Mild temperatures make this an excellent season for Route 66 drives, downtown walking and desert recreation
- Summer: Expect hotter desert temperatures in Kingman, with cooler conditions available in the nearby Hualapai Mountains
- Fall: Comfortable weather is well suited to sightseeing, road trips and outdoor recreation
- Winter: Cooler days can be pleasant for exploring the city and desert, although winter storms can occasionally affect regional highways and higher elevations
Kingman Arizona Travel Tips
- Begin at the Kingman Visitor Center and Powerhouse for current maps and Route 66 information
- Allow time to walk Historic Downtown Kingman rather than treating the city only as an Interstate 40 stop
- Plan at least part of your visit around Historic Route 66
- Carry water when hiking or exploring desert areas outside town
- Check current road conditions before taking remote Route 66 or back-country routes
- Allow a separate day for major excursions such as Oatman, Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon West
- Check current museum and attraction hours before arrival
- Use the Hualapai Mountains when you want cooler high-country recreation during warmer weather
- Use extra caution on the winding Route 66 mountain road toward Oatman, especially when driving a large RV or towing a trailer
Official Kingman Visitor Information
- Kingman Office Of Tourism
- City Of Kingman
- Arizona Route 66 Museum
- Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway
Kingman Arizona FAQ
Where is Kingman Arizona?
Kingman is located in northwestern Arizona in Mohave County at the junction of Interstate 40, US Highway 93 and Historic Route 66.
What is Kingman Arizona known for?
Kingman is best known for Historic Route 66, its railroad and mining history, the Arizona Route 66 Museum, historic downtown and its location near Oatman, Hoover Dam, Lake Mohave and Grand Canyon West.
Is Kingman on Historic Route 66?
Yes. Kingman is one of Arizona's major Route 66 communities and lies along the state's exceptionally well-preserved western Route 66 corridor.
What is the best place to start a Kingman visit?
The Kingman Visitor Center in the historic Powerhouse is an excellent starting point. The building also houses the Arizona Route 66 Museum.
What are the best things to do in Kingman?
Popular attractions include the Arizona Route 66 Museum, Historic Downtown Kingman, Mohave Museum of History and Arts, Bonelli House, Locomotive Park and nearby Hualapai Mountain recreation.
Can you walk around historic downtown Kingman?
Yes. Kingman offers a self-guided downtown walking tour covering more than 40 historic sights and buildings.
Is Kingman a good base for Route 66?
Yes. Kingman is well positioned for exploring Historic Route 66 toward Oatman and Topock to the west and communities such as Seligman farther east.
What day trips can you take from Kingman?
Popular day-trip destinations include Oatman, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Laughlin, Lake Mohave, Chloride and Las Vegas.
How many people live in Kingman?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Kingman's city population at 35,829 on July 1, 2025.
Is there outdoor recreation near Kingman?
Yes. Hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving, desert recreation and Hualapai Mountain activities are available in and around the Kingman area.
What is the Arizona Route 66 Museum?
The Arizona Route 66 Museum is located in Kingman's historic Powerhouse and tells the story of transportation and travel along the corridor that became Route 66.
When is the best time to visit Kingman?
Spring and fall generally provide especially comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor recreation, although Kingman can be visited throughout the year.
How much time should you spend in Kingman Arizona?
Half a day allows time to visit the Kingman Visitor Center, explore Historic Route 66 and walk around downtown. A full day provides more time for museums and local attractions, while two or more days allow for nearby excursions to Oatman, the Hualapai Mountains and other regional destinations.
Are the Hualapai Mountains worth visiting?
Yes. The Hualapai Mountains offer pine forests, hiking, mountain scenery and cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert. They are especially appealing to visitors who want outdoor recreation in addition to Kingman's historic attractions.
Can you visit Oatman and Kingman in the same day?
Yes. Many travelers combine Kingman and Oatman on a Route 66 day trip. Allow extra time for the winding mountain road, sightseeing, photographs and exploring Oatman's historic streets.
