Arizona Route 66 Oddities




Arizona Route 66 has so many awesome things to see and do but maybe you like the different… But what if that’s not what you’re looking for in Arizona? How about unusual, strange, uncommon, peculiar, bizarre, weird, curious, rare, out of the ordinary, and unique? Maybe abnormal, atypical, offbeat, outlandish, eccentric, uncustomary, queer, oddball, remarkable, and noteworthy. Well, do we have a few things to share with you! As a matter of fact we invite you to be part of the Arizona Route 66 “Why did I stop to see this?” family!

Roadside Attractions with a Twist:

  • Giganticus Headicus (Antares): A massive, 14-foot tall tiki-like head standing in the Arizona desert. It’s a photo opportunity you won’t forget!
  • Hackberry General Store (Hackberry): This isn’t just a store; it’s a living museum of Route 66 memorabilia with vintage gas pumps, rusted cars, and countless quirky artifacts inside and out. You might even catch Elvis (a local impersonator) visiting.
  • Cool Springs Camp (between Kingman and Oatman): Rebuilt from the ruins of a 1920s gas station, it now features a museum with Route 66 artifacts and a gift shop. Keep an eye out for the autographed Rolling Stones albums!
  • Oatman’s Wild Burros (Oatman): This old mining town is now home to descendants of burros brought by miners. They freely roam the streets, offering unique photo opportunities and a touch of the Wild West. Be sure to watch out for the staged bank robberies!
  • Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman): A classic burger joint with a heavy dose of humor. Expect a joke-filled menu and playful antics from the staff. The building itself, built from scrap lumber, is an oddity.
  • Jack Rabbit Trading Post (Joseph City): You can’t miss the numerous “Here It Is!” signs leading to this classic stop, famous for its giant fiberglass jackrabbit statue that you can pose with.
  • Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins (near Flagstaff): While no longer operating, the two giant arrows standing tall in the desert are a striking and somewhat eerie reminder of Route 66’s past.
  • World’s Largest Kokopelli (Camp Verde): While a slight detour off the traditional Route 66, this oversized flute-playing figure is a quintessential piece of Southwestern kitsch.
  • Frog Rock (near Congress): A 16-foot tall boulder painted bright green and decorated, a truly unexpected sight in the Arizona landscape.
  • London Bridge (Lake Havasu City): While not on the original alignment, the fact that an 1830s London Bridge was dismantled and reconstructed in the Arizona desert makes it a significant oddity.
  • Governor Hunt’s Pyramid Tomb (Phoenix area): Again, a bit south of the traditional route, the white pyramid tomb of a seven-time Arizona governor is a surprising architectural choice in the desert landscape.

Quirky Museums:

  • The Poozeum (Williams): Dedicated entirely to coprolites, or fossilized poop. See the world’s largest specimen and learn all about this unusual subject.
  • Arizona Route 66 Museum (Kingman): Housed in a historic powerhouse, this museum tells the story of the Mother Road with murals, photos, and life-size dioramas. Don’t miss the attached Electric Vehicle Museum.
  • Historic Cool Springs Museum (between Kingman and Oatman): As mentioned above, this rebuilt gas station features a museum with unique Route 66 memorabilia.
  • Area 66 (near Yucca): A UFO and space museum housed in a distinctive geodesic dome, exploring alleged alien encounters in the area.
  • Ash Fork Route 66 Museum (Ash Fork): A small museum offering a glimpse into the local history of this Route 66 town, complete with a 1926 Model T.

Other Unique Encounters:

  • Standin’ on the Corner Park (Winslow): A park dedicated to the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy,” with statues and a mural referencing the lyrics.
  • Abandoned and Historic Motels: Keep an eye out for the remnants of old motels and their neon signs, frozen in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Some, like the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, are still operating and offer a unique night’s stay in a concrete teepee.
  • Unusual Art Installations: Beyond Giganticus Headicus, you might stumble upon other unexpected art pieces along the roadside.

Driving Arizona’s Route 66 is like stepping back in time and encountering a unique blend of history, Americana, and quirky creativity. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for these unforgettable oddities!