Cool Springs Station in Golden Valley, Arizona is the last place to pull over over before driving the winding mountainous road through the Black Mountains up Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman, a road this flat midwesterner was not mentally prepared to ride her brakes through. Or it’s a place to pull over for a Route 66 soda and a souvenir after taking the same drive back east
Cool Springs is located about 20 miles west of Kingman, Arizona on Route 66. It first opened in the mid-1920s as a place for motorists to fuel their vehicle or have a meal (it became well-known for its famous chicken dinners). Later, cabins were added so travelers could spend the night.
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Like many Route 66 attractions, Cool Springs has a long past that brought it between multiple owners before eventually shutting down for good.
A family affair, it was owned and operated by James Walker and his wife, his wife and Floyd Spidell (after James left for the midwest), and Spidell’s niece, with many other family members lending a helping hand through the years.
In the 1950s a realignment of Route 66 bypassed the winding road to Oatman and signaled the beginning of the end for this famous stop. In the mid-1960s, a fire torched the property, leaving only fragments of remains behind, and seemingly sealing its fate for good.
For a long time the property remained as simply remains. In 1991 it was briefly brought back to life in the form of a movie set. A frame was built around the remaining foundation for the Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme film “Universal Soldier.” For the movie, it was then blown to pieces, leaving it in remains once more.
In 1997 real estate Broker Manager Ned Leuchtner passed through the area and fell in love with the beauty and history. Captivated by the ruins of Cool Springs he tried, and failed, to purchase the property for himself. But, years later, in 2001, the owner agreed to sell and Ned’s mission to rebuild the ruins to their former glory began.
In 2004 Ned and general contractor and builder Dennis DeChenne completed the rebuild, working off of old photographs to be as authentic as they could, and, for the first time in 40 years, Cool Springs was open again.
Today the business serves as a Route 66 gift shop. They sell Cool Springs memorabilia, Route 66 souvenirs, Americana merchandise, and snacks and sodas for the road. It’s a welcome stop to oull over for, whether you want to admire the unique architecture, take some photos, grab a souvenir, or just need to breath after driving that Arizona Sidewinder between here and Oatman.
More Photos of Cool Springs Station in Golden Valley, Arizona
Before or after driving Route 66 between Cool Springs Station and Oatman, stop in Kingman and add these attractions to your road trip itinerary: Kingman Visitor Center and Route 66 Museum, the Kingman Drive Through Route 66 Sign, Mr D’z Route 66 Diner, Giganticus Headicus, and the World’s Longest Map of Route 66.
Spening the night in Kingman? Don’t forget to book a room at the famous El Trovatore Motel!
Cool Springs Station
Address: 8275 Oatman Road, Historic Rte 66, Golden Valley, AZ 86413
Hours:
Cost: Free to See, Souvenir and Snack Costs Vary
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