Barstow: Railroad History, Route 66, and the Desert

Barstow brings together railroad themes, Route 66, and the Mojave. The Harvey House Railroad Depot and the museums focus on different aspects of history, while the Rainbow Basin Natural Area adds geological and paleontological features. As you plan your stay, you can weigh cultural heritage, the history of different routes, and activities in the desert landscape.

Harvey House and Railroad History

The Harvey House Railroad Depot is a historic railroad depot on Route 66. The present-day Harvey House is a Spanish-Moorish building designed by Mary E. J. Coulter and built between 1910 and 1913. In 1975, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The construction period and the listing are two distinct historical dates: the first refers to when it was built, and the second to when it was added to the register.

The Mojave River Valley Museum presents the history of the Mojave River Valley, from the arrival of Father Garces in 1776 to the space program. The Western America Railroad Museum focuses on something different: it displays railroad memorabilia from the Barstow area and the American West as a whole. Exhibits include locomotives, photographs, and archives; two cabooses are also open for tours. Check the museum’s visitor information before your trip.

Route 66 and Historic Trails

The Route 66 Mother Road Museum displays historical photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the communities of the Mojave Desert. The story spans early pioneer trails and railroads, automotive history, and businesses and places along the route. Its focus is therefore not only the road as a transportation link, but also the historical themes and places the museum connects with it.

The Old Spanish Trail passes through Barstow and was designated a National Historic Trail in 2002. The Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow Scenic Byway also ends in Barstow. These details describe two different geographic relationships: one trail passes through Barstow, while the scenic byway ends here.

The completed Main Street Murals in downtown Barstow include depictions of the Harvey House, the Mormon Trail, Route 66, the Gold Rush, and early Mojave explorers. Main Street Murals offers a tour of the downtown murals. The subjects range from railroad and road history to other aspects of the region’s past.

Desert Landscapes and Discoveries

The Rainbow Basin Natural Area is eight miles north of Barstow. It is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern with geological and paleontological features. Activities in the area include hiking, camping, photography, sightseeing, and horseback riding. These activities can add to your stay, while the museums cover a range of historical topics.

The Desert Discovery Center in Barstow has exhibits and a desert trail for visitors to explore. The center is also home to the Old Woman Springs Meteorite, the second-largest meteorite ever found in the United States. The meteorite is a specific exhibit highlight alongside the themes of the desert landscape.

Discover more destinations: Big Bear Lake, Adelanto, Hesperia, Wrightwood, Redlands, Fontana, Montclair, Rialto.

For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.