A journey through time in the heart of Arizona is an apt way to describe Kingman Tours. But developers of the innovative narrated self guided tour chose a different way to highlight the tour.

‘A Walkabout Kingman with Jim Hinckley involves an interactive, self-guided tour of significant sites along Route 66 and in historic downtown Kingman – all beginning with a life-sized bronze sculpture of Mr. Hinckley himself.

Jim Hinckley is an internationally acclaimed author, historian, and tour guide specializing in Route 66 based right here in Kingman. Through this project, Kingman Main Street wishes to recognize Hinckley’s contributions to our community.

Kingman Main Street commissioned Arizona-based J. Anne Butler, an experienced figurative bronze sculptor to create a sculpture piece to be placed at the historic Kingman Train Depot at 4th Street and Andy Devine. The “Depot Plaza” serves as a stop on several distinct interactive downtown walking tours, with virtual guidance and narration by Mr. Jim Hinckley.’

The Making of Kingman Tours

The Kingman Tours project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the community. It was developed with the aim of bringing Kingman’s history to life, making it accessible and engaging for all. Author Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America played a crucial role in this endeavor. He delved deep with historic research. And with the exception of the point of interest at Depot Plaza, Hinckley’s distinctive voice was used for the tours narration. Hinckley’s passion for sharing America’s story shines through in every detail of the tour.

The point of interest at Depot Plaza features a special narration by Kingman Mayor Jen Miles. This adds a welcoming touch and honors the city’s leadership.

Kingman Main Street spearheaded development of the innovative project. And Steve Le Sueur of Talisman Magic Marketing brought the project to life by linking tech with the ancient art of storytelling.

Points of Interest

The self-guided tour covers numerous points of interest. Each has its own unique story to tell. Some are historic sites. Others tell the story behind public art or of a brief moment in time when Hollywood came to town. As examples:

• Hotel Beale: Once the epitome of luxury, the Hotel Beale hosted many notable guests including Buster Keaton, Amelia Earhart, and Charles Lindbergh. It now stands as a mute reminder of Kingman’s glamorous past.  But that will be changing soon. Kingman Main Street in partnership with the hotels owners has initiated a facade renovation project.
• WWI Memorial: This solemn monument honors the brave men and women of Kingman who served during the First World War, offering a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made for freedom. It is one of three WWI monuments in the country with the Spirit of the Doughboy statue that was dedicated to a Native American.
• Powerhouse Visitor Center: A symbol of Kingman’s industrial heritage, the Powerhouse now serves as a visitor center, providing insights into the town’s development and growth. The Powerhouse is home to an acclaimed Route 66 museum. And the embryonic Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation EV museum is also housed in the Powerhouse.
• Brunswick Hotel: Another historic gem, the Brunswick Hotel captures the essence of territorial era architecture and hospitality. On July 16, 1915, during their trip to California on the National Old Trails Road, Edsel Ford and his friends from college signed the guest register

The Unveiling and Beyond

The Kingman Tours project was introduced to the public during the National Road Trip Day festivities in 2022. This event marked a significant milestone in the town’s efforts to promote its historical and cultural assets.

The celebration was a fitting tribute to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. And it set the stage for the tour’s success. That tribute was magnified with the unveiling of the Jim Hinckley statue. As Depot Plaza along Route 66 is the site of the Route 66 Walk of Fame, this was a fitting location.

Phase Two: A Journey Through Time

Building on the success of the initial launch, phase two of the Kingman Tours project promises to enhance the visitor experience even further. This phase includes:

• The addition of a detailed Downtown Dining and Attraction Guide. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the best dining and entertainment options in downtown Kingman. The guide includes information about the city’s acclaimed urban hiking trails. This makes it easier for visitors to plan their stay.
• The customizable event calendar is another innovation. It allows users to customize their itineraries based on their interests and the events taking place in Kingman during their visit. And organizers can quickly add information about a festival or event.
• Kingman’s urban trail system is without equal. The network of trails that weaves through the deeply shadowed canyons and picturesque desert landscape provides a scenic route for exploring Kingman’s natural beauty and historical sites.
• An online gift shop has also been added. The array of souvenirs, shirts, and mugs include unique Route 66 centennial items.

The Artistic Contribution

Alongside the development of the Kingman Tours project, artist J. Anne Butler has made a significant contribution to the town’s cultural landscape. Renowned for her exquisite sculptures, Butler’s work has been celebrated for its attention to detail and emotive power.

But Butler is just one of the acclaimed artists that have added color and vibrancy to the historic heart of Kingman. As an example, at  Tin Can Alley, Mudd on 66, and Scoops on 66 are murals by acclaimed mural artist Ray Harvey. Anne Butler’s work also deserves special mention.

The artistic touch ensures that Kingman Tours is more than just a walking tour. It is a journey through time. And it is a portal to a world of art, restaurants, microbreweries, museums, and ecclectic shops.

Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, the Kingman Tours project invites you to step into the past. Discover the stories that have shaped this remarkable town. As you wander through the historic district, you’ll find that Kingman’s legacy is alive and well. It is all here just waiting to be explored and cherished.

Sponsored by

Today’s post is sponsored by the delightful Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Attention to detail makes it easy to imagine stepping back to the 1960s. But you won’t be sacrificing modern amenities for the experience.

That blurring of the line between past and present is magnified by booking a tiki themed room. It’s Tucumcari tonight.

 

Learn more about Kingman Tours with this deep dive video from Jim Hinckley’s America.