Barstow Harvey House Railroad Museum

The Barstow Harvey House Railroad Museum, as an active Amtrak station and public facility, is generally designed to be accessible. The building itself features long, low structures with arcades and colonnades, and the interior spaces for the museums and city offices are typically on ground level. While specific details on every exhibit's accessibility are best confirmed directly with the museum, the overall structure aims to accommodate a wide range of visitors.

While the interior of the Barstow Harvey House, including the museums and city offices, is generally not dog-friendly (except for service animals), the exterior grounds and outdoor exhibits featuring full-size locomotives may allow leashed dogs. For nearby dog-friendly attractions in Barstow, you would typically look for outdoor spaces like parks or designated walking trails in the desert, but always check local regulations and specific venue policies before visiting with your pet.

The Barstow Harvey House houses two museums: the Western America Railroad Museum (W.A.R.M.) and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Operating hours can vary, especially for the Route 66 Museum which has had recent closure and reopening plans (reopening March 22, 2025). It is highly recommended to check the official websites or call the museums directly for their most current operating hours before planning your visit.

To fully appreciate both the Western America Railroad Museum (W.A.R.M.) and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, as well as the architectural grandeur of the Harvey House itself, visitors should plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours. If you are a dedicated train enthusiast or deeply interested in Route 66 history, you might easily spend half a day exploring all the indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Yes, as the Barstow Harvey House is located in the city of Barstow and serves as an active Amtrak station, there are various dining and accommodation options within a short driving distance. You can find a range of restaurants, from fast food to local eateries, and several hotels and motels catering to travelers passing through or staying in the area. The Barstow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, also located within the Harvey House, can provide local recommendations.

Beyond the Barstow Harvey House, Barstow offers several other points of interest. You can explore the Mojave River Valley Museum, which focuses on the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert. The city is also a gateway to various desert landscapes and outdoor activities, and its position on historic Route 66 means there are many quirky roadside attractions and remnants of the iconic highway to discover in the surrounding area.

Yes, the Barstow Harvey House Railroad Museum is an active Amtrak station, making it directly accessible by train. For local public transport within Barstow, the Barstow Area Transit (BAT) provides bus services, and you would need to check their routes and schedules for the most convenient stop near the museum at 685 N 1st Ave.

Visiting the Barstow Harvey House building itself, which houses city offices and the visitor center, typically does not require an entrance fee. However, the two museums within the building, the Western America Railroad Museum (W.A.R.M.) and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, usually have separate admission fees. It's advisable to check their respective websites or contact them directly for current pricing and any potential permit requirements for special activities.

The 'Harvey Girls' were an integral part of the Fred Harvey Company's success, which operated the Harvey House hotels and restaurants along the Santa Fe Railway. These young, unmarried women were recruited from across the country to provide exceptional service, transforming dining and lodging experiences for travelers in the American West. The Barstow Harvey House, originally known as Casa del Desierto, was one of these renowned establishments where Harvey Girls played a pivotal role in its operation and reputation for quality service.

While the Barstow Harvey House itself offers pleasant walking paths around its impressive architecture and outdoor train exhibits, the immediate surrounding area is urban. For more extensive walking or hiking routes, you would need to venture into the nearby Mojave Desert. Hikers and cyclists can find various routes exploring the desert terrain, often accessible a short drive from Barstow, offering different levels of difficulty and scenic viewpoints.

The Barstow Harvey House, also known as Casa del Desierto, showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles. Its design incorporates elements of Spanish Renaissance, Classical Revival, and Moorish influences. Notable features include long, low buildings with horizontal facade lines, inset porches, arcades, and flanking buttresses, all constructed with red tapestry brick, beige artificial stone, and distinctive red clay barrel tiles.