Top 25 Retro Stops on Route 66 Between Kingman and Tusayan
Load your Classic and Oldies Rock Playlist and set out on this epic road trip that highlights the 25 best stops along Route 66 between Kingman and Tusayan. This route will have you travelling parts of the longest continuous stretch of Historic Route 66, as you make your way north to the Town of Tusayan and the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.
Whether you’re looking for world-class milkshakes, vintage neon, or quirky roadside oddities, here are the top 25 retro stops to make your journey unforgettable.
The Kingman Kick-Off
Kingman is the “Heart of Route 66,” and it wears its history on its sleeve.
1: Arizona Route 66 Museum (The Powerhouse): Located in a 1907 power plant, this museum offers life-size dioramas and a deep dive into the evolution of the Mother Road.
2: Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner: A turquoise-and-pink dream. Stop here for their famous homemade root beer and a burger served in a classic 1950s booth.
3: Locomotive Park: Home to the towering Santa Fe Steam Engine #3759. You can climb the stairs to see the massive 1928 “Northern” type locomotive up close.
4: El Trovatore Motel: Famous for its Hollywood history and the world’s longest Route 66 map painted on its walls. At night, its neon sign is a photographer’s dream.
5: Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield: A massive metal archway in the shape of the Route 66 shield. Drive your car through for the ultimate “I was here” photo op.
The Longest Curve: Kingman to Seligman
This winding stretch of two-lane blacktop is where the “Mother Road” feels most alive.
6: Giganticus Headicus (Antares Point): A 14-foot-tall green tiki-style head that serves as the ultimate quirky roadside selfie spot.
7: Hackberry General Store: Often called the “Crown Jewel” of Route 66. It’s a sensory overload of vintage gas pumps, rusted classic cars, and Elvis memorabilia.
8: Valentine Station: Once a busy stop, now home to the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park. It’s a bit of a retro-wildlife hybrid where you can see lions and tigers in the high desert.
9: Frontier Motel & Cafe (Truxton): A classic 1950s roadside motel with a cool neon sign, the motel and cafe are no longer in operation, but it’s a great spot for some vintage photos.
10: Peach Springs Trading Post: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this was once the primary hub for the Hualapai Tribe and travelers alike.
11. John Osterman Shell Station: A beautifully restored 1920s gas station in Peach Springs made of unique “rock-face” concrete blocks.
12 Grand Canyon Caverns: A true “vintage” attraction. Take an elevator 21 stories underground to explore dry caverns that were once used as a fallout shelter during the Cold War.
13. The Grotto at the Caverns: Dine in the middle of a cave! This underground restaurant is one of the most unique—and retro—dining experiences in the world.
The Birthplace of the Revival: Seligman
When the Interstate bypassed Route 66, Seligman fought back. This town inspired Radiator Springs in Disney/Pixar’s Cars.
14: Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In: Built in 1953 with scrap lumber, this place is famous for its “Dead Chicken” (it’s just fried chicken!) and the playful pranks of the staff.
15: Angel & Vilma’s Route 66 Gift Shop: Visit the barbershop of Angel Delgadillo, the “Guardian Angel of Route 66,” who spearheaded the movement to save the highway.
16: The Rusty Bolt: A quirky souvenir shop easily identified by the mannequins and vintage cars perched on its roof.
17: Seligman Historic District: In 1987, Seligman became the Birthplace of Historic Route 66 when the State of Arizona acknowledged the stretch of road from Seligman to Kingman as Historic Route 66. Angel Delgadillo formed the Historic Route 66 Association and he led the efforts to preserve this historic area.
18: Roadkill Cafe & OK Saloon: With the motto “You kill it, we grill it,” this kitschy restaurant offers a great Western-meets-Route-66 atmosphere.
The Gateway to the Canyon: Williams
Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by the I-40, and it has preserved its 1950s charm perfectly.
19: Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum: A tiny, impeccably restored gas station filled with vintage gas pumps and bright neon.
20: Colors of the West: Originally a bank in 1912, and then a grocery store, the building has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind shopping destination that you won’t want to miss!
21: Grand Canyon Railway Depot: Built in 1908, this historic depot is the starting point for the vintage train that takes visitors directly to the Grand Canyon Rim.
22: Wild West Junction: A fun, immersive replica of an Old West town, complete with a saloon, restaurant, and live “gunfights” during peak season.
23: The Sultana Bar: Open since 1912, this historic dive bar features a “shaking” floor (from an old pool table mechanism) and plenty of local lore.
From Williams, you will exit Route 66 and head North on Hwy 64 for approximately 50 miles to reach Tusayan. While the 66 ends for you at Williams, the adventure is just beginning in the closest town to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.
24: Big E Steakhouse & Saloon: This iconic restaurant was founded in the 1960’s by Elling “Big E” Halvorson, after Halvorson came to the Grand Canyon area in 1963 to build the water pipeline, and he and his wife Barbara fell in love with the region, eventually establishing the restaurant as part of their commitment to tourism.
25: Papillon Helicopters and the Grand Canyon Group: Celebrating 60 years in 2025, Papillon Group is the longest-running family owned and operated helicopter tour company in the world. Papillon was founded by Elling Halvorson after he came to the Grand Canyon to build the original pipeline. Today, the Grand Canyon Group at the South Rim includes Papillon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, and Buck Wild Hummer Tours.
While you’re in the Town of Tusayan, check out the Plaza Hotel, the perfect place to stay during your Grand Canyon Visit.
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