Museums
This section lists some of the museums along Route 66 in California. We’ve compiled these places that might interest you as they also include historical and nostalgic significance – some related to Route 66 and some that are simply along or near Route 66. Many of these museums are staffed by volunteers and hours may be subject to change. Make sure to confirm hours of operation as you plan your trip.
Alphabetical
- Western America Railroad Museum
- Mojave River Valley Museum
- Desert Discovery Center
- Daggett Historical Society Museum
- Needles Regional Museum
- Cooper Regional History Museum
- Mother Road Museum, Barstow
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
- Original McDonald's Site & Museum
- California Route 66 Museum, Victorville
- Goffs
- Harvey House Barstow
East to West
- Needles Regional Museum
- Goffs
- Daggett Historical Society Museum
- Desert Discovery Center
- Mojave River Valley Museum
- Harvey House Barstow
- Mother Road Museum, Barstow
- Western America Railroad Museum
- California Route 66 Museum, Victorville
- Original McDonald's Site & Museum
- Cooper Regional Museum
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
West to East
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
- Cooper Regional Museum
- Original McDonald's Site & Museum
- California Route 66 Museum, Victorville
- Western America Railroad Museum
- Mother Road Museum, Barstow
- Harvey House Barstow
- Mojave River Valley Museum
- Desert Discovery Center
- Daggett Historical Society Museum
- Goffs
- Needles Regional Museum
DETAILED LIST
Below is an alphabetical list of some of the museums along Route 66 in California.
California Route 66 Museum, Victorville
The museum is located across the street from the Victorville transit center, which used to be the old railroad depot. It is here where the center of town…
Cooper Regional History Museum
The Museum is dedicated to a better understanding of the history and culture in the communities of Upland, Ontario, Montclair, Mr. Baldy and Rancho Cucamonga.…
Daggett Historical Society Museum
Next to Stone Hotel in Daggett – you cannot miss it! Hours of operation very limited to weekends 35630 Santa Fe St, Daggett, CA 92327
Desert Discovery Center
This 7000 square foot museum is surrounded by 12 acres of desert land with native desert plants and animals. The Center is the home to the Old Woman Meteorite…
Goffs
The town of Goffs was founded in 1883. Originally named Blake after founder Isaac Blake, it was renamed Goffs in 1902 in order to be part of the alphabetical…
Harvey House Barstow
Harvey Houses were built out of the necessity to feed railroad passengers on their long journeys across the USA. In the late 1800’s, trains didn’t have the…
Mojave River Valley Museum
The Museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the scientific, historical and cultural heritage of the Mojave Desert. In addition to displays,…
Mother Road Museum, Barstow
The Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum was dedicated on July 4, 2000. The Museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66…
Needles Regional Museum
Located right across the street from the El Garces Harvey House, the Needles Regional Museum displays many artifacts from the area in one large room. The…
Original McDonald's Site & Museum
Not actually part of Route 66 history, this is the site of the first McDonald's. Opened in 1948 by brothers Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald, this…
Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
About the Garden Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden is a private, nonprofit research and education institution devoted to California flora. It was established…
Western America Railroad Museum
The Museum is dedicated to sharing the history of railroading in the Pacific Southwest. It features both indoor and outdoor displays and is popular with…