Barstow Things to Do Tips by Yaqui Top 5 Page for this destination

Old Iron Barstow Rail Bridge

I surmise this bridge was constructed around the turn of the century when the automobile came into play. There is not much history out there the tells about this bridge other than I think was built when services were needed to connect main street to the Harvey House rebuilt in 1911. So you can imagine how very old it is and still to this day connects the city to the other side of the tracks. It has a walking area fenced from the road, but still not an ideal bridge to walk on, other than to catch a look at the trains as they come and go from above, but a wonderful spot to take photographs of the trains and the Harvey House.

So, be carefule please with traffice, because they do wiz by way too fast and not abiding the speed limit posted on this road!

Address: First Street Barstow, Ca

Directions: Interstate 15/40: Take Barstow Road north (toward Main Street). Main Street turn left (west), go three blocks, then right (north) on 1st Avenue.

Website: http://www.route66ca.org/traveler/towns/13barsto/13toc.html

Skyline Drive-In

I truly miss the drive-ins. So I was so excited in seeing how my boys would react to one and they loved it. They sat outside in lawn chairs snacking away. It was a great evening and we certainly enjoyed the shows. You get to see a double movie and this drive-in has two screens, which is cool. The snack bar was very retro to the era and very clean. The bathrooms were still echoing the era too...lol...just with a new coat of paint, but they were clean too.

2006 PRICING: $6 ages 12 and over, $2 ages 2-11

The box office opens at 6:30 pm. The show starts at 7:00 pm.

A TIP: Bring an extra portable radio for the kiddies who sit outside so you don't have to have your car radio cranked so they can hear the movie.

Address: 31175 US Highway 58

Directions: About 1 mile east of downtown Barstow (take First Ave from Main Street and cross over the Old Iron Bridge and just follow that till you see the Drive In on old Highway 58 section or exit onto the old Highway 58 from Interstate 15, head west.

Phone: 760-256-3333

Website: http://www.drive-ins.com/theater/catskyl

Main Street Murals

What can I say...Murals Rock! Murals are so much part of the mystic of our Americana society. They are just beautiful pieces of just a climpse of our history. Barstow stepped up to the plate by being part of this wonderful part of California history and enhancing the charm of their wonderful Main Street. They all are located in the wonderful historic downtown area on Barstow's Main Street. Printer yourself a map from the site below.

Mural #1
The first mural painted (1998) "The Old National Trails Highway and it’s transition into Route 66, the Mother Road”.

Mural #2
The second (2000) “General Beale uses camels”

Mural #3
The third (2003) ”Three Million Dollar Harvey House”

Mural #4
The fourth (2004) “Waterman Junction becomes Barstow”

Mural #5
The fifth (2005) “The Mormon Trail”.

Mural #6
The sixth (2005) of 6 individual portraits of “The Early Explorers”

Mural #7
The seventh (2006) “The Californian Gold Rush”

Mural #8
(2007) "The Old Spanish Trail of 1829 – 1848."

Address: Main Street, Barstow, Ca

Directions: On interstate I-15, exit onto Main Street and head west.

Phone: 760-257-1052

Website: http://www.mainstreetmurals.com/

Old Woman Springs Meterorite

This facility houses the second largest meterorite in the US. It weighs 6,070 pounds (2,750 kg) and composes mostly of iron, about 6% nickel, plus small amounts of cobalt, phosphorus, chromium, and sulphur. Barstow is so lucky to have such a rare item, since it is on loan from the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. This facility also enhances by teaching children the importance Geology with on hands tours. Plus, it has a neat little trails around the building with many examples of desert fauna you will find in the Mojave Desert.
Open
Tuesday through Saturday
11am to 4pm

Address: 831 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311

Directions: From the east (via I-15 S) Take ramp right and follow signs for Barstow Rd / CA-247
0.3 mi, Turn right onto Barstow Rd 0.1 mi, Arrive at 831 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311

Phone: (760) 252-6060

Website: http://www.discoverytrails.org/about2.html

Mojave River Valley Museum

This museum has loads of wonderful exhibits and artifacts of the history of the Mojave River Valley and when Father Garces ventured through here in 1776. It encludes other pathfinders, pioneers, miners, railroads and so much more. A huge historical collection of photo's. Plus, there is a wonderrful area outside with lots of different items to see!

Open everyday except Christmas
Admission is Free!
11am-4pm

Address: 270 Virginia Way, Barstow, Ca

Directions: Intersection of Barstow Road and Virginia Way. Exit I-15 at Barstow Road and go north two blocks, turn left.

Phone: 760-256-5452

Website: http://www.mojaverivervalleymuseum.org/

Casa Del Desierto- aka Harvey House 1911

Growing up during much simplier times, watching TV all day on Saturday was relaxing. My sisters and myself were very active in sports, so it was always nice to just watch TV all day once in awhile. One of our favorites was Judy Garland musicals and the Harvey Girls is a classic. My mom remembers the Harvey Houses and the Harvey Girls, so these old movies are a wonderful reminder of our past. So, when I discovered Barstow had one, it was on my immediate things to do list. Finally, once my life was somewhat settled, the family ventured out to check it out. What a lovely building it is and I am thankful Barstowed saved her. If you browse the Harvey web site below, you'll see she is one of the prettiest Harvey Houses still standing. So if your every passing thru Barstow, please stop and see what she has to offer.

The Harvey House that was rebuilt in 1911 after the original 1887 building burned down in 1902. It still stands along the rail road to the testament of a once bygone era providing passengers with rest, food, and company. They almost lost this building, but some frisky saviors saw fit to save her and she is truly a beautiful building. It is being lovingly restored and utilized by the city of Barstow and houses their chamber of commerce, Route 66 Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum.

Harvey House Depot #75000458

Historical Landmark No. 892.

Check out my travelogue for more photographs.

Fred Harvey

Address: 681 N. First Avenue, Barstow, CA. 92311

Directions: Take I-15 north to Barstow, exit "L" Street, left at the end of the off-ramp to "L" Street, right on West Main Street (Route 66!), follow West to First Avenue, turn left on First Avenue. Once you hit the beautiful Iron Bridge you cannot miss it!

Phone: 760-255-1890 & 760-256-WARM or

Website: http://www.barstowrailmuseum.org/casa.html

Barstow's Route 66 Mother Road Musuem

This is one of the neatest Route 66 museums and gift shop! It is actually located in a section of the Historic Harvey House. It is filled with all sorts of memorabilia donated by locals who span from all the local communities outside of Barstow and remember the days of old Route 66. Plus, they have a wonderful gift with all sorts of Route 66 items to see. I bought a neat flip book illustrating the different sections to check out along Route 66. So, if your ever passing by, please stop and check out what they have to offer.

Hours:
Friday - Sunday
10am-4pm
Winter Hours:
11am-4pm
Free Admission
Group Tours available
Check for holidays hours may vary.

Address: 681 North First Ave, Barstow, Ca 92311

Directions: Interstate 15/40: Take Barstow Road north (toward Main Street). Main Street turn left (west), go three blocks, then right (north) on 1st Avenue. Cross the first bridge over the BNSF rail yard to the Harvey House entrance on your right

Phone: 760-255-1890

Website: http://www.route66museum.org

Western America Railroad Museum

This is a really neat museums that has lots of wonderful artifacts that inform and educate the history of the Western American Railroad. Plus, it is located in a section of the historic Harvey House. It has several rooms of railroad equipment, artifacts, memormabilla, date nails and the main gallery. It has even a neat little gift shop. So please check it out sometime.

Open to Public
11am - 4pm,
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Address: 685 North First Street, Barstow, Ca

Directions: Interstate 15/40: Take Barstow Road north (toward Main Street). Main Street turn left (west), go three blocks, then right (north) on 1st Avenue. Cross the first bridge over the BNSF rail yard to the Harvey House entrance on your right

Phone: (760) 256-WARM

Website: http://barstowrailmuseum.org/