A couple of weeks ago we took an RV mini vacation to Seligman, Arizona, on the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. Although it is sometimes heralded as the “birthplace of historic Route 66”, it is really one of the longest intact stretches of the original Route 66. It stretches from Seligman, AZ, to Kingman, AZ, about 74 miles.
Springfield, Missouri, is actually the birthplace of Route 66. In 1920, the federal government began construction of a national highway system there. About 85 percent of Route 66 is intact, but in bits and pieces across the country.
Nonetheless, Seligman’s claim to fame is Route 66, and the main street reflects that with old-time cafes, motels, and an abundance of gift shops. Tour buses frequently stop there on their way to the Grand Canyon, and we heard several different languages being spoken around town.
Seligman was the inspiration for Disney’s “Cars” movie. Restored and not-so-restored cars line the main drag. It is an easy walk from one end to the other, and we enjoyed stopping in the gift shops. One shop had two antique cars and a lineup of old motorcycles. A plaque mentioned that the first federal highway in the southwest, the Beale Wagon Road, went through Seligman. It was built in 1857 with 100 men and 22 camels!
We stayed at the Seligman KOA while there. It was a nice and friendly KOA. The sites weren’t too close together, and they had full hookups. The only drawback, and it was major drawback until we got used to it, was that 100 trains go right next to the park, all night. Sometimes two at once. We had front row seats out our motorhome window!
We decided to check out Williams, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, while there. It looked like an easy 41 miles on I-40. It was easy… until it wasn’t! And although I spent a lifetime driving in Minnesota winters, I was not prepared for the snow and icy roads at the higher elevation. We have become snowbirds, after all. Once there, we decided to just have a quick lunch and turn around. The winds in Seligman were a sustained 22-35 miles per hour, and I obviously should have checked the incoming weather in Williams.
All and all, it was a pleasant adventure and a mini vacation before we start our six-month RV summer travels.
Get your kicks on, well, you know how it goes…
“The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road” is the perfect companion for anyone traveling down Route 66 or who has ever wanted to. Amy Bizzarri, a Route 66 expert, takes you on an inspiring and entertaining journey down America’s most famous favorite road. Along with fascinating history and travel inspiration, the book also includes itineraries so trip planning is a breeze. Learn more or order.
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RVT1208
Sorry the weather wasn’t cooperating in Williams. You missed a great little museum there. The Poozeum.
We recently stopped there for the first time. Although I am “follicly challenged”, I was hoping to get a haircut from Angel, the 98 year old barber and self proclaimed “Father of historic Route 66”. Unfortunately, he was out and about town, so I had to settle for a t-shirt and fridge magnet.
We traveled that Kingman – Seligman section of Route 66 lasr spring. Peach Springs was an interesting remnant of the “Mother Road” and the original transcontinental mainline of the Santa Fe Railroad. We spent the night at Grand Canyon Caverns RV Park, north of Seligman. Mostly dirt RV sites with pinon pine shade, but the hookups worked well and the caverns and the “dinosaurs” were interesting. It was a well-advertised tourist attraction before I-40 opened; not so much now. That section of Route 66 was still in pretty good condition, so we were able to mostly travel at the speed limit in the motorhome.
We cruised route 66 from Kingman to Seligman last year. Lots of interesting things to see from yesteryear and of course we ate at the Roadkill Cafe!
Have stopped there three times in the last 7 years and have had good food especially the chicken fried steak which is huge.
Thank you for the account of your visit, Nanci! I am glad that you had no mishaps when the weather turned against you. Sounds inviting. Will try to remember this if we return to Arizona one day. Meanwhile, have a great week and safe travels!