They tiny town of Seligman, Arizona is located not far from Interstate 40 but it may as well be out in the middle of nowhere. That's because from 1926 to 1978 Seligman was on the original Route 66... that is, until I-40 opened and the Arizonan local traffic all but dried up. While tourists aiming for that authentic Route 66 experience still pass through this relic of a town, native Arizonans seem more content to bypass it altogether in favor or getting from point A to point B a little faster. But there is much to see, admire (and just plain gawk at) in Seligman. The very next time you're on I-40 heading from any point between, say, Flagstaff and Kingman, take a detour and check it out.
Please note, The SnowCap is temporarily closed.
There is a lot to see and do in this small town, so slow down and take a look around.
Built in 1904, Historic Seligman Sundries is a bit of a visitors center and it still has an old-fashioned soda fountain.
But then again, many of the businesses found in this part of town are old enough to be considered visitor centers. Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop could give you the lowdown on the entire area, if you asked. You'll be enamoured by all the Route 66 memorabilia found within the store.
A visit to Seligman is kind of a surreal experience. You'll be in shock and awe of the roadside attractions found in the town. Forget people watching... you'll hardly notice the throngs of tourists because you'll be busy looking at all the interesting gawk-worthy stuff alongside the road.
From the Stagecoach Motel, where you'll find each room is filled with different decor, to roadside reminders of the past, like this tiny building labeled "Arizona Territory Jail," the eye candy in Seligman is such that you simply won't be able to look away.
The famous mannequins that sit atop the porch of The Rusty Bolt change clothes, form and locations quite regularly, like real people moving about the old building.
And just about everywhere you look, you'll find something colorful and eyecatching.
Hungry? Seligman has several iconic eateries. The SnowCap is a kitschy drive-in filled with authentic eclectic memorabilia.
Westside Lilo's Cafe may have the best dessert in town. But they also dish up heaping plates of classic American food.
The very next time you're on Interstate 40 and about to blow past one of the Seligman exits, swing off the freeway and head into this tiny little historic town many Arizonans seem to drive right on by. You'll be glad you did.
While only a short distance from I-40 in Arizona, this tiny town is now seemingly in the middle of nowhere as many Arizonans choose to bypass the town in favor of a faster route on the interstate. Make the turn and head into town... you'll be pleasantly surprised. If you're not familiar with the Seligman exit locations, then you'll find the location of Seligman on this Google Map.
To learn more about The Rusty Bolt, that crazy store with all the mannequins atop the roof, check out this previous article.
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