Route 66 is more than a road - it's a piece of living history preserved in bits and pieces from California all the way to Illinois. One of the most unique gas stations in Arizona, Cool Springs, is a Route 66 treasure dating to the 1920s. Part museum and part gift shop, it keeps the spirit of the Mother Road alive, and it's a must-visit next time you're in the Kingman area. Cool Springs Station Route 66 is seriously an experience in and of itself!

When you visit the Cool Springs Station in Golden Valley, you can still experience the heyday of Route 66.

Located about 20 miles west of Kingman, this historic gas station dates to the mid-1920s. It was one of the only places to stop along this stretch of the Mother Road, so it was quite popular among weary travelers.

Cool Springs was originally a restaurant, and the 1930s saw the addition of eight on-site cabins. The chicken dinners were practically world-famous, along with the breathtaking views of the Black Mountains that customers could enjoy while they ate.

Today, the restaurant and cabins are no more, but Cool Springs still lives on (after a nearly 40-year closure). It now serves as a gift shop and museum filled with Route 66 souvenirs and authentic memorabilia.

You'll see everything from old license plates to motor oil once used to service cars at the station.

There is also plenty of merchandise that isn't specific to Route 66 itself, but rather the Americana era as a whole.

Handmade jewelry and other one-of-a-kind items round out the selection, leaving it nearly impossible to walk away empty-handed.

Don't forget to check out the exact replica of the old café - while it isn't functional, it's still such a charming blast from the past.

Products are typically also for sale outside, including unique gemstones harvested from the surrounding area.

There's also a memory garden, plus a resident roadrunner who's always in the mood to make new friends!

This fun video provides an excellent overview of Cool Springs Station.

Visit the Cool Springs Station website or Facebook page for more information.

Have you ever been to the Cool Springs Station on Route 66? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! If you're interested in more unique gas stations in Arizona, check out our previous article for one of our favorites.