A ROUTE 66 TRAVEL GUIDE TO GOFF’S CALIFORNIA
Howdy folks, Big Mike here, owner of Route 66 Road Relics in Seligman, Arizona. Today, I’m gonna spin you a yarn about a hidden gem on Route 66 that’s full of history and a touch of mystery: Goffs, California.
And hey, while you’re cruisin’ down Route 66 in Arizona, keep your eyes peeled for a real treat: the Historic Route 66 shield painted right in the middle of the road! It’s a symbol of the Mother Road’s enduring legacy and a popular spot for folks to stop and snap a photo. Just imagine your photo of the shield, with the vast Arizona landscape stretching out before you. It’s a moment that’ll make you feel like you’re part of something bigger, connected to the millions of people who have traveled this legendary highway before you. So, strike a pose, capture the memory, and keep those Route 66 vibes rollin’! By the way watch out for traffic and be careful
Now, Goffs wasn’t always a ghost town. Back in its heyday, from 1926 to 1931 when US Highway 66 passed by here, it was a bustling stop along the Mother Road. But when Route 66 was realigned, Goffs got bypassed, and the town slowly faded into the background.
But even though it’s a ghost town now, Goffs still has a story to tell. Back in the day, it was a bustling railroad town. The trains would rumble through, bringing life and commerce to this little desert outpost. Folks would gather at the Goffs General Store, a central hub for everything from groceries to hardware. Children attended the Goffs Schoolhouse, a one-room building where they learned their ABCs and dreamed of the future.
But as time marched on, the railroad moved on, and Goffs began to fade. The general store closed its doors, the schoolhouse fell into disrepair, and the town became a shadow of its former self. Yet, even in its quietude, Goffs holds a special place in the hearts of Route 66 enthusiasts.
Today, you can wander through the remnants of this ghost town and imagine what life was like back in its heyday. You can visit the historic schoolhouse, now a museum that tells the story of Goffs and its people. And you can pay your respects to the derelict general store, which sadly burned down in 2021, but still stands as a reminder of the town’s past.
Goffs might be a ghost town, but it’s also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a place where you can feel the echoes of the past and appreciate the ever-changing nature of Route 66. So, if you’re ever looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path Route 66 experience, be sure to make a stop in Goffs. It’s a reminder that even in the quietest of places, there’s always a story to be told.
And hey, after you’ve explored Goffs and soaked in its history, why not keep the Route 66 adventure going? Head on over to my neck of the woods here in Seligman, Arizona, and visit Route 66 Road Relics. I’ve got a whole collection of Route 66 treasures, from vintage signs and gas pumps to parts and pieces of classic cars and other memorabilia. We can swap stories about the Mother Road, reminisce about the good ol’ days, and maybe even sing a verse or two of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” I’ll even tell you some tales about Winona, another Route 66 gem. So, come on down and let’s keep the Route 66 spirit alive!
Route 66 Attractions in Goffs, California
- 1914 School House Museum
- Goffs Cultural Center
