1. Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum
Located in the historic 1911 Casa del Desierto (House of the Desert), the Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum showcases interesting history relating to Route 66, the Mojave Desert and the early railways.
During the heyday of trans-American railway travel the historic building served as a railway depot, hotel and restaurant complex which served all long-distance rail travelers.
Today you will find a wealth of information about the legendary 2,248-mile Route 66 from the docents and displays and you can also pick up current information about driving Route 66 and crossing the Mojave Desert. I found some nice souvenirs at the gift shop to take home.
Address: Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum, 681 N. First Avenue, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-255-1890
2. Rainbow Basin Natural Area
The remarkable Rainbow Basin Natural Area is a must-see attraction for anyone who finds themselves in the vicinity of Barstow. A short drive along Route 58 to Fort Irwin Rd will bring you to the single unpaved road which winds through an otherworldly landscape of brilliantly colored canyons, crags and valleys which have been carved out of the soft sandstone by millions of years of water and wind activity.
You can admire the outstanding landscape on foot or stay in your vehicle and follow the one-way loop road. Primitive camping is allowed at Owl Canyon Campground – you will need to bring in everything you need including water.
Address: Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Fossil Bed Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-252-6000
For History Buffs
3. Western America Railroad Museum
You can spend a couple of informative hours learning all about the fascinating history of Pacific southwest Railroads at the Western America Railroad Museum (aka WARM).
The museum is housed in an authentic railway depot and showcases a large collection of everything to do with the railroads. You will be able to admire old timetables, uniforms, artifacts and much more. When you move outside you can see railroad operating equipment, rolling stock, locomotive and signaling and track equipment. You can visit the museum for free (donations towards the upkeep of the museum are much appreciated) and there is a small gift shop where you can buy railroad souvenirs.
Address: Western America Railroad Museum, 685 North First Street, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-256-9276
4. Barstow Harvey House
The Barstow Harvey House (aka Casa Del Desierto or House of the Desert) is more than just a historical building; the former train depot/restaurant/hotel today houses the Western America Railroad Museum, the Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum, the Barstow Chamber of Commerce and the Barstow Visitor’s Bureau.
As such, Barstow Harvey House forms the historical heart of Barstow. During the heyday of American rail travel there were several Harvey Houses dotted along the length of the railroad, where passengers could disembark and enjoy a good meal. The Barstow Harvey House was extensively renovated after earthquake damage in 1992.
Address: Barstow Harvey House, 681 N. First Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-818-4400
Attractions for Couples
5. Barstow Station
Barstow Station is a convenient pit-stop for motorists and buses traveling the famous Route 66 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The station has a large wrap-around food court where several fast-food restaurants vie for your custom. There are also a few retail outlets and souvenir shops as well as restrooms.
You will find a selection of well-known food outlets including a McDonald’s, Subway Sandwiches and Dunkin Donuts. If you have a sweet tooth you will love the candy counter at Double R Gifts which stock a wide variety of snacks for the road including chocolates, jelly beans and lots of other mouth-watering candy.
Address: Barstow Station, 1611 E. Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-256-0366
6. California Welcome Center
You can get all the travel information you need to make the most of your visit to Barstow and the Mojave Desert area at the California Welcome Center, located in the Outlets At Barstow off Highway 15.
Even if you already have a good idea of where you will be traveling, a visit to the center will bring you up-to-date with local events and offer some fresh ideas to add to your itinerary. Perhaps you can include a visit to the Calico Ghost Town or get some planning trips for an enjoyable tour of the Mojave National Preserve or Death Valley National Park.
Address: California Welcome Center, California Welcome Center, 2796 Tanger Way, Suite 100, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-253-4782
7. Mojave River Valley Museum
The Mojave River Valley Museum was established in 1964, thanks to the efforts of a group of local residents who wanted to draw attention to their remarkable area.
The museum protects and showcases various historic exhibits (including over 20,000 photos and hundreds of local newspapers) about the history of the Mojave River Valley from as far back as 1776. Here you can learn about the pioneers, railroads and miners who have shaped the valley over the last few hundred years. The Museum operates regular field trips for interested locals and visitors and everyone is welcome to attend their regular monthly meetings.
Address: Mojave River Valley Museum, 270 E. Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-256-5452
Recommended Activities for Families
8. NASA Goldstone DSN Visitor’s Center
Anyone who is interested in the fascinating world of space exploration and space communication should be sure to visit the NASA Goldstone DSN (Deep Space Network) Visitor’s Center located in the Barstow Harvey House.
The Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex is situated in a suitably remote location (for zero interference) near the old mining town of Goldstone in the Mojave Desert. Although the complex is closed to the general public you can learn all about the amazing space communication that have been taking place there since 1958 by calling in at the DSN Visitor’s Center in Barstow which is free to visit and open six days a week.
Address: NASA Goldstone DSN Visitor’s Center, NASA Goldstone DSN Visitor’s Center, 681 N. First Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, Phone: 760-255-8688
9. Giant Fire Helmet
Situated very close to the Desert Discovery Center off Highway 15 you will find a curious but fitting memorial to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York.
The Barstow Fire Department decided that a huge replica of an FDNY fire helmet would certainly invite passers-by to stop off and pay tribute to the 343 fire fighters who left home on that fateful day, never to return to their loved ones. You will find the memorial on Barstow Rd right in front of the Barstow Fire Department headquarters at Fire Station 361.
Address: Giant Fire Helmet, 861 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311
Plan Your Trip