Powerhouse Visitor Center: Kingman's Route 66 Landmark
Explore Route 66 history at Kingman's Powerhouse Visitor Center, home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum and a wealth of Mother Road memorabilia.
The Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona, is a must-see attraction for travelers along historic Route 66. Housed in the former Desert Power & Water Company Electric Power Plant, built between 1907 and 1911, the Powerhouse provided electricity to Kingman and surrounding mines. The completion of the Hoover Dam in the late 1930s made the Powerhouse obsolete, but it was rescued by concerned citizens and reopened as a visitor center in 1997. Today, the Powerhouse Visitor Center is home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, which depicts the evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66. Brilliant murals, photos, and life-size dioramas capture the experiences of those who traveled the Mother Road. Exhibits trace the road's emergence from Native American trade routes and wagon trails to a major cross-country artery. In addition to the Route 66 Museum, the Powerhouse Visitor Center also features the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum, the Carlos Elmer Photo Gallery, Bob Boze Bell's 'The 66 Kid' Exhibition, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona Gift Shop, Kingman Visitor Center & Gift Shop, and two model trains. Visitors can also drive through the Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield in the parking lot. The Powerhouse is a unique blend of history and information, making it a perfect stop for Route 66 enthusiasts.
Local tips
- Visit after sunset to see the Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield illuminated in neon lights.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and visitor center.
- Pick up a map at the visitor center for a self-guided walking tour of Kingman's historic downtown.
A brief summary to Powerhouse Visitor Center
- 120 W Andy Devine Ave #2, Kingman, Arizona, 86401, US
- +1928-753-6106
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Kingman, the Powerhouse Visitor Center is easily accessible on foot. Head west on Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66). The Powerhouse will be on your left, a short walk from the main downtown area. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
Kingman Area Regional Transit (KART) offers bus service in Kingman. Check the KART schedule for routes and stops near the Powerhouse Visitor Center on Andy Devine Avenue. A single ride fare is typically around $1 - $2.
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Taxi/Rideshare
Taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in Kingman. Request a ride to the Powerhouse Visitor Center at 120 W Andy Devine Ave. A short trip from downtown Kingman will likely cost around $8 - $15, depending on the service and demand.
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Driving
If driving, take Exit 48 from Interstate 40 onto Andy Devine Avenue. Turn left onto Andy Devine Ave and continue for about half a mile. The Powerhouse Visitor Center will be on your left. Free parking is available in the Powerhouse Visitor Center parking lot.
