Last Updated on February 26, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay
Seligman, Arizona is a genuine piece of history along Route 66. It is a bit off the beaten path, which adds to the authenticity and experience of visiting.
The town, like many of its kind, originated as a railroad stop.
In time Route 66 made its way through Arizona and forever enshrined the town.
Visiting Seligman is a must if you fancy a drive along Route 66.
The town boasts one of the few stretches of original highway. It is full of colorful relics of the past glory of the town.
Stroll down the mile-long “Historic Route 66” road through town and allow your imagination to piece together its storied past.
Driving To Seligman, Arizona
Most people find Seligman on their way to or from the Grand Canyon.
Over the years Route 66 lost its glamour and importance. President Eisenhower authorized the development of a vast Interstate Highway system in the mid 1950s.
The route had already been in flux. But now “official” and “unofficial” portions connected various towns competing for the resources provided to the route’s “hubs.”
To this day there is still argument among cities and states over where Route 66 began.
There is also argument over where, in its various portions, it connected the east to the west.
This changing route dissolved most of the official Route 66 highway. What was left was decimated by the interstate system.
Seligman, however, remains true to its Route 66 roots.
The town is located just off I-40 about halfway between Flagstaff and Kingman.
If you are interested in other Route 66 Markers, Seligman is a great stop between Williams and Kingman.
READ MORE: 10 PLACES YOU NEVER KNEW TO STOP ON ROUTE 66!
Eat At Delgadillos Snow Cap Drive In
For a true taste of the past, you can’t go wrong with a burger and shake from Delgadillos Snow Cap Drive In.
The restaurant was built in 1953 and has retained most of its original character.
While it is no longer a drive-in restaurant there is typically plenty of parking nearby.
There is great outdoor seating and a great view for people-watching along main street.
Delgadillos Snow Cap Drive In is known for its comedy. From its outset founder Juan Delgadillo made humor a part of the restaurant and menu.
Cheeseburgers are called “cheeseburgers with cheese.” And you can order the “dead chicken” if you are interested in… well, chicken!
This was by far our favorite place to stop for a bite to eat!
You can find a relic graveyard in the parking lot behind the restaurant.
There are lots of pieces of the past parked out back to explore and photograph!
Stroll Down The Main Street of Seligman
Tourism remains the most vital economic resource for Seligman.
The town nearly died when Interstate 40 replaced Historic Route 66 nearby the town of Seligman, Arizona.
Now an allure for Route 66 and the resulting tourism renews the town.
There are a dozen or so shops where it would be quite easy to spend a few dollars on souvenirs from the small town.
All of the stores are locally-owned by people who can tell the town’s storied past.
A stop in any shop will give you an opportunity to meet the people who keep the town alive in time.
Locals have become quite creative in how they make a living these days.
If you fancy a view of the town from on top of a horse, a local man will offer that opportunity in exchange for a few dollars.
As part of the inspiration for the movie “Cars,” Seligman, Arizona is a unique example of how time can, in some ways, stop.
Relics from the past line the main street through town. Each one offers you the chance to use your imagination on what the vibrant town must have looked like at it’s height.
Of course all things change over time.
But one thing is certain: you will always remember the time you took to stop and visit Seligman, Arizona on your drive along Route 66!
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