of Interstate 40 and U.S. 93. Kingman is situated in the
Hualapai Valley between the Cerbat and Hualapai Mountain
Ranges at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The city was established in
the early 1880s by Lewis Kingman who located the route of the
Santa Fe Railway. It was incorporated in 1952 and has served as
county seat of Mohave County since 1887.
Kingman is a regional trade, service and distribution center for
northwestern Arizona. Its strategic location relative to Los
Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Laughlin and the Grand Canyon has
made tourism, manufacturing/distribution, and transportation
leading industries.
Favorable Arizona taxes, I-40, Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railway mainline, and the proximity to the California market
make Kingman a prime site for industries and distributors. The
fully developed Airport Industrial Park, with reasonable land
costs is attracting the attention of manufacturers and distributors
who wish to establish facilities to serve the Western states.
True*Serve Hardware, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and
American Woodmark Corp. is a few of the more than 60 companies
located in the Airport Industrial Park. Northstar Steel has
also completed a major steel recycling plant in Kingman.
Kingman and its historic downtown shops are part of the
Arizona Main Street Program. Kingman is also an Arizona REDI
accredited community.
The scenic mountains around the Kingman area, including the
Hualapai Mountain Park and Cerbat Mountains, offer hiking, picnicking,
camping, and other outdoor activities. The Kingman and
the Colorado River areas offer unique recreational and historical
attractions as do several ghost towns in the area.
Water sports also play a central role in the county’s recreation.
The Colorado River forms the western boundary of Mohave
County. An estimated 1,000 miles of fresh water shoreline exist within
Mohave County along the Colorado River and Lakes Havasu,
Mohave and Mead. The rivers and lakes offer fishing along with
boating and other forms of water-oriented recreation. Nearby
Hoover Dam also have visitor tours.
Kingman has a Multiple Resource Historic District with a developed
walking tour and district map, which can be seen at
Locomotive Park. Other interesting sites may be seen in and
around Kingman including the Beale Wagon Road, Beale Springs,
and the White Cliffs Wagon Road. Historic Route 66, which runs
through Kingman, offers the longest remaining preserved stretch
of old, U.S. Route 66 left in the United States. The recently rehabilitated
Brunswick Hotel and Powerhouse Visitor Center are both
located along Historic Route 66 in the heart of Kingman.
Kingman is in Northwestern Arizona. It is in Mohave County. The town is situated in the Hualapai Valley between Cerbat and Hualapai Mountain Ranges. It is located at the intersection of Interstate 40 (heading west from Flagstaff and east from California) and U.S. Highway 93 (heading south from Las Vegas, Nevada).
Kingman is a great place to use as a hub for taking some fun day trips. It is a town based on transportation and location. Kingman is not far from lakes, Laughlin, ghost towns, Las Vegas, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Since Kingman has a terrific location, it makes getting there on highways coming out of Kingman easy. Today the population of Kingman is 33,000. The town is at an elevation of 3,336 feet. The climate in Kingman is mild in the winter and cooler in the summer. The low temperatures in the winter are 32 degrees and the highs 66 degrees. In the summer, the high temperatures are 97 degrees and the lows are 58 degrees. Kingman does receive precipitation of approximately 3 inches a year.
In 1883 Kingman was established as a railroad stop. The locating engineer named Lewis Kingman named the stop after himself. Later on, Kingman was chosen to be the county seat for Mohave in 1887. Since that time Kingman has been a unique stop over for many people.
During World War II, an air force base was built in Kingman. Today, the Mohave County Airport is located where the base once stood. It also houses surplus warplanes. In 1928, Charles Lindbergh (the first pilot to solo the Atlantic) made a stop in Kingman. This stop was made during the first 48-hour air mail service between New York and Los Angeles.
Other famous people stepped into Kingman throughout the years. The marriage of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard took place in the Methodist Church in Kingman. Actor, Andy Devine grew up in Kingman. Although he wasn’t born in Kingman, Andy always felt it was his hometown. As a matter of fact, the main street is named after him.
The construction of dams along the Colorado River also made Kingman grow. Once again because of Kingman’s strategic location, it became the perfect stop for fishermen and water sports lovers on their way to Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River. When Route 66 opened and found its way through Kingman, many motel-café-service stations popped up. Kingman continues to be connecting spot for many on their way to Las Vegas, Phoenix or Los Angeles.
Today Kingman uses its location to lure tourism, manufacturing/distribution and transportation industries to the area. The Airport Industrial Park combines reasonable land prices with its prime site to attract such companies as True Server Hardware, Goodyear Tire and Rubber and American Woodmark. There are nearly 60 companies located at the airpark.
Community Features:
There are several attractions you will enjoy seeing in and around Kingman. In Kingman, there are several attractions. The Bonelli House and the Hotel Brunswick/Hotel Beale are great spots that reveal more about the history of Kingman. The Mohave Museum of History and Art and Locomotive Park are more spots to take in the history of the area.
If you are interested in today, you might want to take a short 40-minute drive over to Laughlin, Nevada. Here you will eat great food and casino entertainment.
Just outside of Kingman are many outdoor spots that you will enjoy visiting. One unique spot is the Grand Canyon Caverns, where you will see what the earth is like 21 stories below. Grand Canyon West is another place that you will have an opportunity to look at the Canyon in its beauty. Hoover Dam is an amazing place to visit. You will marvel at is its size and power.
If camping is your thing, then you will have several choices in the area. Packsaddle Campground, Wild Cow Springs Campground and Windy Point Campground are three good camping areas. Along with camping, there are hiking trails near Kingman. The Waboyuma Peak Trail and the Cherum Peak Trail are fun ones to experience.
Many people come through Kingman to get to Lake Mead. This is a spectacular lake, placed in the desert. The views from the lake are one of a kind. Burro Creek is another outdoor place that you won’t want to miss.
There are two special ghost towns located near Kingman. Chloride and Oatman are interesting towns that will take you back to the old mining days in Arizona. You will have a great time at both of these western towns.
Kingman is known for being a stop along Route 66. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America. You will learn a lot about the original Route 66 in Kingman. Kingman is located in the middle of the longest remaining preserved stretch of Route 66. You can find out more at the newly rehabilitated Powerhouse Visitor Center.
Events:
KORCC Sand Drags January
KORCC Sand Drags February
Gun Show March
Annual Route 66 Fun Run Weekend April
Mohave Education Festival
Festival of the Arts May
“A Taste of Kingman” June
Kingman Fireworks Display July
Mohave County Fair September
Kingman Army Airfield October
Andy Devine Days P.R.C.A. Rodeo
Gem and Mineral Show
Kingman Cancer Arts and Crafts Fair November
Olde Towne Christmas Caroling Festival December
There are several offices that you might need to get in contact with in Kingman. The City of Kingman Complex at 310 North 4th Street (753-5561) might be able to answer your questions about the city. The Planning and Zoning (county) office is located at 301 West Beale Street (753-0903). If you are in search of a good book, then head on over to the Mohave County Library at 3269 Burbank (693-BOOK). The Mohave County Recorder can be contacted by calling 753-0701. The Kingman Animal Shelter is at 950 Buchanan (753-2727).
Kingman includes several elementary schools, a junior high school, charter schools, high schools including one with two campuses, an off site campus for the Northern Arizona University and a local Community College. There are six elementary schools. They are Kingman Elementary at 3033 McDonald 9753-5678, Manzanita Elementary School at 2901 Detroit Avenue (753-6197), Palo Christi Elementary School at 500 Maple (753-2473, Hualapai Elementary School at 350 Eastern (753-1919), La Senita Grammar School at 3175 Gordon (757-4328) and Cerbat Elementary School at 269 Jagerson Avenue (757-5100). There is one junior high school called Kingman Jr. High School at 1969 Detroit Avenue (753-3588). The two main high schools are Mohave Union High at 323 Gold Street (753-6211) and Kingman High School (South Campus – ninth grade only) at 400 Grandview Avenue and Kingman High School (North Campus – 10th through 12th grades only) at 4182 Bank Street (692-6480). The off site Northern Arizona University campus is located at the Mohave Community College Campus at 1971 Jagerson Avenue (757-0818). The local Community College is Mohave Community College located at 1971 Jagerson Avenue (757-4331).
Kingman has a regional medical center in town. The Kingman Regional Medical Center is located at 3269 Stockton Hill Road (757-2111). Kingman has several family physicians. There are physicians for podiatry, neurological and headache disorders, osteopathic, neuropsychiatry, ophthalmology, dentistry, and chiropractors all in the area to help.
Citizens Utility Company is your provider for electric, gas, and phone. The Company is located at 2202 Stockton Hill Road. The phone number is 928-753-4051.
You may receive propane in bulk or in bottle sizes from several places in town. The Ferrellgas Products at 2813 Beverly (phone 757-1101) or Discovery Propane at 1838 Golden Gate Avenue (phone 753-9596) or Bud’s Pioneer Propane at 3490 East Andy Devine (phone 757-2202).
The Kingman City Police are available if you are in need at 2730 East Andy Devine (753-2191). The Mohave Sheriff Department is also ready to serve you at 301West Beale Street (753-0753). If you have questions about your motor vehicle, you may stop by the Motor Vehicle Department at 3670 East Andy Devine or call 757-9202. The Department of Public Safety is also in town at 2319 East Andy Devine (753-5552).
The Kingman City Fire Department is ready for emergencies at 3310 North 5th Street (753-2891).
Kingman has four local papers available for reading. The Kingman Daily Miner at 3015 Stockton Hill Road (753-6397), The Prospector at (the same address as the Miner – 753-4111) and The Standard at 221 East Beale Street (753-1143).
The local post office is located at 1901 Johnson Street. If you need to contact the office, call 753-2480.
Living Accommodations:
Kingman has many banking establishments in town. There are at least six banks. Several of the bank names are familiar around the country. Bank One Arizona is at 3755 Stockton Hill Road (757-3181), Norwest Bank at 330 East Beale Street (753-5555) and Bank of America at 2307 Stockton Hill Road (753-2181). Check in town for the names and addresses of other banks.
Kingman has six beautiful parks located around the town for everyone to enjoy. The Centennial Park (Harrison and Beverly), Neal Butler Park (Jagerson and Bank Street), Metcalf Park (Grandview and Beale), Locomotive Park (1st and Andy Devine Avenue), Lewis Kingman Park (Andy Devine Avenue and Louise) and Firemen’s Memorial Park (Fairgrounds and Detroit). All of these parks are great places to picnic and enjoy the day.
The Centennial Park is the largest one in town. It is where many individuals go for sporting events. It is a popular spot and you will see why after you read about all the things that are at the park. Centennial Park is a multi-sport complex. The complex has four lighted tennis courts, two lit basketball courts, two lighted racquetball courts, a walking track, five softball fields, soccer fields, horseshoe pits and an Olympic-sized pool with a water slide.
There is a terrific golf course in Kingman located at 9686 Concho Drive (757-8744) called Valley Vista. The course has 18 holes.
Things To See & Do Around Kingman Arizona
Mohave Museum
This museum has information and exhibits ranging from the Indians that lived in the area to cowboys and miners that followed later on in history. This 12,000 square foot museum will let you slip back in time. The historical displays and dioramas set the stage for reliving the history of Kingman. The Mohave Museum showcases collections of turquoise and artwork and artifacts from the Mohave and Hualapai Indians. You will also find an exhibit on ranching in the area. Another special part of the museum is the section dedicated to Andy Devin, a television-movie-radio-Broadway star.
The Mohave Museum of History and Art is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The museum is closed on major holidays. The admission to the museum is $2.00 and children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.
The museum is located in Kingman. If you are on Interstate 40 take the exit at U.S. 93 and head east into Kingman.
The address of the museum is 400 West Beale (753-3195).
You learn a lot about the area around Kingman and Kingman itself at this museum.
Locomotive Park
One of the most interesting parks in Kingman is the Locomotive Park. It is located at 1st and Andy Devine Avenue, in downtown Kingman. This park is home for steam engine #3759.
This steam engine began in 1927 when it was rebuilt to a coal-burning steam locomotive. It was a mountain type of locomotive. Then in 1941, it was converted to use oil.
Finally, in 1957, it was the last steam engine to travel the line to Kingman. On this last journey, the Santa Fe Railroad presented the engine to the city of Kingman. The steam engine #3759 is a historical monument for the town of Kingman. Later in 1987, a brightly colored caboose was added to Locomotive Park. You will have fun seeing this form of transportation up close.
Bonelli House
The Bonelli house a place to go to take a step back in time. The house is filled with history and you will learn a lot about what Kingman was like when it began as a town long ago.
The architecture of the house is typical of the Anglo-territorial style. The outside is a locally quarried tufa stone, gray in color and cut thick. The purpose of the thickly cut stone was to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. When you stroll through the house, you will see furnishing of the period. The pieces are common to those found in homes that were as prosperous as the Bonelli’s house. One of the most interesting pieces in the Bonelli house is the large wall clock. This clock was the only clock in Kingman, at one time.
The Mohave County Historical Society manages the home today and takes care of the heirlooms. If you are interested in seeing this piece of Kingman history, the Bonelli House is open Monday through Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm. It is closed on major holidays.
Hotel Brunswick/Hotel Beale
The Hotel Brunswick and the Hotel Beale are old western establishments you won’t want to miss when you are in Kingman. Both of these structures have a rich history. In 1909, the Hotel Brunswick was built. The hotel has cowboy rooms that will help you relive the old west. This hotel is going to become a bed and breakfast. You will want to plan a day’s stay at this hotel. The Hotel Beale was once the home of Andy Devine, an old time entertainer. Andy Devine’s parents owned the hotel since 1906. It too is decorated in its original western theme. The Devine family no longer owns the property. Today, the Hotel Beale is open for tours. You will have to look into scheduling a tour.
Grand Canyon Caverns
I would have to say that one of the most exciting places that I have been to in the State is the Grand Canyon Caverns. At first glance, you might find the caverns to look like nothing much at all. I want to know that looks are deceiving, especially in the case of the Grand Canyon Caverns. You will begin your tour of the caverns by taking a ride in an elevator down 21 stories. This is an amazing ride. Once the elevator doors open you will discover spectacular sights. The tour follows lit paths with handrails, where you will see the remains of a mummified bobcat and marine fossils. There is even a fake giant ground sloth to allow you to witness what kinds of creatures roamed the area 20,000 years ago.
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. There are amenities above ground such as a motel, restaurant and gift shop. You can get to the Grand Canyon Caverns from Kingman by taking the old Historic Route 66 east out of town. You will be heading toward Seligman. You will pass by the towns of Valentine, Peach Springs, and Nelson. Before you get to Seligman you should find Grand Canyon Caverns. Look for signs, it is right on Route 66. For more information, you can call 928-422-3223
Lake Mead is a long lake measuring 110 miles in length. The 550-mile shoreline encircles 157,900 acres of water. The deepest part of the lake is 500 feet. In 1964, the Lake Mead Recreational Area was established. This area not only includes the lake, but it also covers 1.5 million acres. This makes it twice the size of Rhode Island.
When you visit Lake Mead, you will see its geographical history in the rock formations. In Black Canyon, there are layers of granite-like rock dating back 1.8 million years ago. At Fortification Hill, there is lava flows that top it. These flows were formed 6 million years ago during the last Ice Age. Lake Mead is a spectacular sight to see.
Lake Mead is special, in that three of America’s four desert ecosystems are located there. The three ecosystems are the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Deserts. Since there are these ecosystems in the area, there are also a variety of plants and animals. Some of these plants and animals can be found nowhere else in the world.
There are numerous animals found at the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Some of the animals that you might see are coyotes, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep. Both the desert tortoise and the peregrine falcon are endangered species. These creatures live in the Lake Mead Recreational Area.
There are many recreational sites that rim the lake, along with picnic areas and sandy beaches. If you are interested in water sports this is the place to be. You will find free launching ramps and marinas to rent boats. Many people come to waterski, sail, houseboat, snorkel and jet ski.
The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish, for those who want to drop a line. The shoreline is a perfect place to make camp and enjoy your time fishing.
Temple Bar is a great spot on Lake Mead. There are several camping areas on the Arizona side of the lake. At Temple Bar, you will find 150 units for tent and trailer camping. If you want more information, call 928-767-3401. There is also RV camping at Temple Bar. For more information call, 928-767-3400. You can reach Temple Bar by taking State Route 93 north out of Kingman. When you get to Temple Bar Road on the right-hand side of State Route 93 turn and head north, until you dead end into Temple Bar.
Both Gregg’s Hideout and Pearce Ferry have camping areas for trailers and tents. If you want more information on either of these areas, you can call 928-564-2220. You can get to Gregg’s Hideout by taking State Route 93 north out of Kingman to Dolan Springs. At Dolan Springs turn right and head through the town of Dolan Springs. You will continue on Pearce Ferry Highway northeast to the turn for Gregg’s Hideout Road. Turn left and head north to Gregg’s Hideout. You can get to Pearce Ferry by heading out of Kingman north on State Route 93 to Dolan Springs. At Dolan Springs turn right and head through the town. You will continue on Pearce Ferry Highway, through Lake Mead City and on to the end at Pearce Ferry.
If you are interested in learning more about Lake Mead, you will have to venture across the border to Nevada, four miles east of Boulder City. Here you will discover the Alan Bible Visitor Center overlooking Lake Mead. The Center is filled with films and exhibits about the nature and history of the area. It is open daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. If you would like to know more about the Alan Bible Visitor Center, you may call 702-293-8990.
You will love your visit to this awesome lake. Every time I have gone, I have been amazed at the beauty of this gorgeous blue lake sitting amongst massive rock formations. The animals are there, you need to keep your eyes open.
Camping
Windy Point Campgrounds
Windy Point Campgrounds is a special spot just northwest of Kingman. It located in the Cerbat Mountains, just above the town of Chloride. The grounds are open May 1st through November 1st. There are only 7 tent or R.V. units available. Windy Point does provide vault toilets, picnic areas, and fire grills. The Campground does not have drinking water or showers. There is a $2.00 overnight fee.
You can get to Windy Point Campgrounds from Kingman by traveling north out of town on U.S. Highway 93, past Santa Claus and Chloride. Just after you pass Chloride, you will see the turnoff for Big Wash Road. Take the right turn off the U.S. Highway and continue down Big Wash Road to the very end of the road at Windy Point Campgrounds.
If you would like more information on this unique camping spot, just 31 miles north of Kingman, you may call 928-692-4400.
Wild Cow Springs Campgrounds
Wild Cow Springs Campgrounds is a beautiful area just southeast of Kingman. It located in the Hualapai Mountains, just past Hualapai Mountain Park. The grounds are open May 1st through November 1st. There are 24 tent or R.V. sites available. Wild Cow Springs does provide vault toilets, picnic areas, fire pits and fire grills. The Campground does not have water or showers. The grounds are handicap accessible. There is a $4.00 overnight fee.
You can get to Wild Cow Springs Campgrounds from Kingman by traveling east out of town on Hualapai Mountain Road. Once you get up into the mountains, you will pass the Ranger Station and Hualapai State Park. Then the road turns to dirt, but continue on to the Antelope Wash Road. Here you will turn left and head southwest to Wild Cow Springs Campgrounds.
If you would like more information on this mountain camping spot, just 19 miles southeast of Kingman, you may call 928-692-4400.
Packsaddle Campgrounds
Packsaddle Campgrounds is a neat spot just north of Kingman. The grounds are open May 1st through November 1st. There are only 4 tent units available. Packsaddle does provide vault toilets, a picnic area, and fire grills. The Campground does not have drinking water or showers. The real threat to this camping site is that there is no fee to camp and reservations are not necessary.
You can get to Packsaddle Campgrounds from Kingman by traveling north out of town on U.S. Highway 93, past Santa Claus and Chloride. Just after you pass Chloride, you will see the turnoff for Big Wash Road. Take the right turn off the U.S. Highway and continue down Big Wash Road to Packsaddle Campgrounds. If you would like more information on this unique camping spot in the Cerbat Mountains outside of Kingman, you may call 928-692-4400.
Burro Creek Recreational Site
Burro Creek Recreational Site is available year round. The campgrounds provide space for 25 tent or RV units. There are flush and vault toilets, but no showers. The Recreational Site also has drinking water, fire grills, and picnic areas. The grounds are handicap accessible. The overnight fee is $8.00 or you may use the Golden Age/Golden Access.
Reservations are not necessary for this Recreational Site. There is a 14-day limit. You can get to Burro Creek Recreational Site by way of Kingman or Wickenburg. From Kingman travel east out of town on Interstate 40, then head south on U.S. Highway 93. You will pass by the small town of Wikieup, continue south on U.S. Highway until you cross the Burro Creek Bridge. From here, you will travel one more mile until you see the sign for the Recreation Site. Take the turn off at the sign and go one and a half miles down the access road. If you are coming from Wickenburg, take U.S. Highway 40 north out of town. You will pass the very small town of Nothing. Just before you cross the Burro Creek Bridge, you will see the sign for the Recreational Site turn off. Take the turn and head down the access road for one and a half miles to the campgrounds. If you have questions about this site you may call 928-692-4400. The bridge is huge and the creek looks cool. You will enjoy your stay at this camping site.
Mohave County, at the time of its creation by Arizona’s first Territorial Assembly in 1864, actually included portions of present-day Nevada. In 1865, the northern portion of Mohave County was split off as Pah-Ute County. In addition, in 1867, parts of both countries –including the present site of Las Vegas – were attached to Nevada, which had become a state in 1864. The much-reduced Pah-Ute County was merged with Mohave County in 1871. Today, most of the historic sites of “Arizona’s Lost County” are covered by the waters of Lake Mead. The area that is now Mohave County began to attract settlers shortly after it was brought into the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. The 1860s saw an influx of miners after gold was discovered, and Mormons who were sent south from Utah by their church. Mohave County is geographically the second largest in the state. Most of it is classified as desert, but of its 13,479 square miles, 186 square miles is water. The county boasts 1,000miles of shoreline and is a great water sports center. It also has the longest stretch of historic Route 66. The Colorado River and both man-made lakes, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, play an important role in the growth of Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City. Kingman, the county seat, was not founded until the 1880s with the coming of the railroad. Before being moved to Kingman in 1887, the county seat had been in Mohave City, Hardyville, Cerbat, and Mineral Park – none of which exist today. Although these communities did not survive, the forces that led to their establishment – mining, the Colorado River, and the railroad– are still important to the county’s economy. Enterprise Zones serve Bullhead City, Colorado City, Kingman Industrial Park and the I-40 industrial corridor. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land management own 55.2 percent of the land; Indian Reservations, 6.7 percent; the state of Arizona, 6.6 percent; individual or corporate,17.2 percent; and other public lands, 14.3 percent.