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Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto)

Barstow, California

CaliforniaRoadside Attraction

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The Casa del Desierto (House of the Desert) in Barstow, California, is one of the most impressive landmarks along Route 66. Built in 1911 by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the Barstow Harvey House hotel and depot replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1885 that had burned in 1908. More than just a station stop, it was a symbol of the golden age of train travel and the growing connection between the railroad, Route 66, and cross-country journeys.

The Casa del Desierto is a striking mix of Spanish Renaissance and Classical Revival architecture, with a touch of Moorish influence. Its red brick facade, arcades, and towers with domed roofs stand out against the desert backdrop, while shaded colonnades once gave travelers a cool place to wait before their trains departed. Architect Francis W. Wilson, who also designed other Harvey Houses in the Southwest, is credited with its design. Some accounts also associate architect Mary Colter with its influence, reflecting the signature Santa Fe style that combined regional history and culture into bold architecture.

During its peak in the 1920s through the 1940s, the Barstow Harvey House was a bustling hub. With eight platforms, passenger trains stopped here every 30 minutes, and travelers could transfer to continue west toward Los Angeles or north toward San Francisco. Inside, guests had the choice of two dining rooms: a formal dining room where men were required to wear dinner jackets and a more casual dining room and lunch counter. The kitchen even made its own ice cream, serving hundreds of people every half hour with the help of the famous Harvey Girls, whose hospitality and professionalism became legendary.

As train travel declined, the Harvey House closed in 1973. The once-grand building fell into disrepair until the City of Barstow purchased it in the 1990s and began an $8 million restoration after damage from a 1992 earthquake. Today, the Casa del Desierto is alive again, serving as an active Amtrak station and the location of two museums: the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a California Historical Landmark in 1976, the Casa del Desierto remains one of the finest surviving examples of a Harvey House depot-hotel in the country.

Last Modified:

July 2, 2026

State:

Attraction Type:

Roadside Attraction, Landmark

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Photos of the Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California Route 66 Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) in Barstow, California, here are some things to know before you go.

When should you visit the Barstow Harvey House?

The building is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The best time to visit is a Friday or Saturday when both museums and the Harvey House lobby are open.

How much does admission cost?

Admission to the Harvey House and museums is free. Donations to support operations.

Is parking available?

Yes, there is free parking for vehicles of all sizes.

Where to Stay Near the Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto)

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these hotels near Route 66.

California Inn

California Inn is a contemporary hotel in Barstow that offers fine service with a variety of amenities. Find an outdoor swimming pool and on-site fitness center, and be sure to stop for a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast before you hit the road.

Route 66 Motel

The Route 66 Motel in Barstow is a retro 1922 motel best recognized for its classic neon sign. The budget motel features simple rooms with free WiFi, satellite TV, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Select rooms even have round beds! Outside look for Instagram worthy photo ops with murals and antique cars.

Attractions Near the Barstow Harvey House (Casa Del Desierto) on Route 66

Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California
Route 66 Mother Road Museum, North 1st Avenue, Barstow, CA

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Museum, Route 66 Museum

State: California

Route 66 Mother Road Museum, North 1st Avenue, Barstow, CA

Western America Railroad Museum in Barstow, California
Western America Railroad Museum, North 1st Avenue, Barstow, CA

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Museum, Specialty Museum

State: California

Western America Railroad Museum, North 1st Avenue, Barstow, CA

0.2 mi

Oldest Operating Del Taco in Barstow, California
Del Taco, 401 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Dining, Fast Food, Landmark, Roadside Attraction

State: California

Del Taco, 401 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311

0.4 mi

Route 66 Car Monument (Oklahoma) in Barstow, California
315 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Roadside Attraction, Sculpture

State: California

315 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311

1.2 mi

Route 66 Car Monument (Kansas) in Barstow, California
1305 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Roadside Attraction, Sculpture

State: California

1305 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311

1.3 mi

California Inn in Barstow, California
California Inn, East Main Street, Barstow, CA

Categories: California Route 66 Itineraries

Attraction Type: Accommodation, Motel

State: California

California Inn, East Main Street, Barstow, CA

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

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Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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