Big & Unique Roadside Attractions on Route 66 in Arizona
Arizona's stretch of Route 66 is full of quirky and fun sights that dot the scenic landscape.
Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield in Kingman
The Route 66 Drive-Thru Shield is a striking, permanent installation featuring neon lights that illuminate at sundown, creating a memorable photo opportunity for visitors day and night.
Initially a temporary feature at the annual Route 66 Fun Run, the shield became a beloved symbol, leading to the installation of this permanent version. It's a must-visit for Route 66 enthusiasts, providing a perfect backdrop for capturing the spirit of this historic highway.
Giganticus Headicus
Where else would you find a green 14-foot-tall Easter Island-style tiki head in the desert? Well, about 15 miles east of Kingman. Find Giganticus Headicus (GH) standing guard outside the A-frame building that houses the Antares Visitor Center and gift shop.
Giganticus Headicus by Joyce WileyThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Created by artist Gregg Arnold
Composed of wood, metal, and stucco, GH spends his days welcoming visitors and watching over the Mother Road. He also serves as the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy selfie. Take GH home with you by grabbing your own miniature of the giant green head from the gift shop.
Flagstaff Muffler Man by Northern Arizona UniversityThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Flagstaff Muffler Man
Northern Arizona University is home to two 20-foot-tall muffler men nicknamed Louie. One stands outside the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome next to the box office and is considered the very first Muffler Man ever produced.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post
One of Arizona's best-known roadside attractions is the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, home to the iconic "Here It Is" billboard, the last of the famous billboards that taunted motorists with a mileage countdown to the Post.
It is also home to a giant saddled fiberglass jackrabbit that you can sit on or take photos of. This is kitsch at its finest. First opened in the 1940s, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post is still in operation today and an iconic stop for any Route 66 traveler.
Dinos of Holbrook (2024) by An PhamThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Holbrook Dinosaurs
Located in the heart of where dinosaurs once roamed, Holbrook can be billed as the dinosaur capital of the world with concrete replicas of these prehistoric creatures scattered around the town
Dinos of Holbrook (2024) by An PhamThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
The largest collection can be seen in the yard of the Rainbow Rock Shop. The dinos, ranging in size from babies to over 25 feet tall, reportedly took the owners over 20 years to create! Stop by the Painted Desert Indian Center and Stewart's Petrified Wood Shop for more of these homemade looming giants.
Whispering Giant by Lori Bentley LawThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
Whispering Giant in Winslow
In 1972, Peter Toth, a Hungarian-born artist, began carving his Trail of Whispering Giants across the United States.
Whispering Giant in Winslow by Lori Bentley LawThe Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona
He said, "I love America. It's the greatest nation in the world and I want to give a little of myself to my adopted county and to this important cause I believe in. My monuments are my way of saying what I must say. They are made to remind people of the contribution of the Indian to this great country."
Toth decided to carve one statue for each state, with Arizona as number 33.
Our sincerest gratitude to the Kingman Office of Tourism, Joyce Wiley, NAU, Discover Flagstaff, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, An Pham, and Lori Bentley Law for contributing their photos to this story.
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