Goffs Schoolhouse Museum

Goffs, California

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On the far edge of the Mojave Desert, just off old Route 66, the small community of Goffs keeps its history alive through one very special landmark: the Goffs Schoolhouse. Built in 1914, this Mission-style, one-room school served local ranching, mining, and railroad families until 1937. After its closure, the sturdy stucco building found new life as a community hub, library branch, and even a canteen for troops training nearby during World War II.

When the schoolhouse fell into disrepair, it looked destined for ruin. But thanks to the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association (MDHCA), it has been fully restored and now operates as the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum. Inside, you’ll find historic photos, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of desert life, education, and travel along early Route 66.

Step outside and the story continues across 75 acres of the Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum. Scattered across the desert grounds are more than 100 relics and structures connected to mining, railroading, ranching, and military history. From a World War II jeep to a relocated Route 66 house turned library, the outdoor collection is a fascinating place to wander.

Visitors can also follow a nature trail that highlights the plants and wildlife of the East Mojave Desert, offering a chance to reflect on the unique environment that shaped the community of Goffs.

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Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66

Goffs Schoolhouse Museum

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Address:

37198 Lanfair Rd, Goffs, CA 92332

Hours:

9:00am - 4:00pm (Friday - Sunday)
Closed (Monday - Thursday)

Cost:

Free, Donations Accepted

Phone Number:

(760) 733-4482

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Photos of Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California

Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse and Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association's Schoolhouse Outdoor Museum and Outdoors Trail in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66
Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California on Route 66

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Goffs Schoolhouse Museum in Goffs, California, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is Goffs Schoolhouse located?

Just north of Historic Route 66, you’ll find the Goffs Cultural Center on Lanfair Road: look for a sign that reads “Study the Past.” The street address is 37198 Lanfair Rd, Essex, CA.

When can you visit Goffs Schoolhouse?

The indoor museum (the restored 1914 schoolhouse) is open Friday through Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. The outdoor grounds and exhibits are available daily during the same hours. The grounds may close early is temperatures rise to unsafe levels.

Is there an admission fee?

No. Admission is free, though they always welcome donations to keep the stories of this desert outpost alive.

Is there parking?

Yes. There’s plenty of room to pull off the road and park by the fence.

Where to Stay Near Goffs Schoolhouse Museum

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

Rio Del Sol Inn

Rio Del Sol Inn is a Needles motel designed for comfort and convenience. The property features an outdoor pool, cable TV, free high-speed WiFi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. The free parking lot can accommodate cars, trucks, and RVs and there’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a steam room for guests to enjoy.

Best Western Colorado River Inn

The Best Western Colorado River Inn in Needles offers comfortable accommodations with convenient access to Route 66 and Interstate 40. This well-equipped hotel provides modern amenities, including an outdoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the historic highway.

Attractions Near Goffs Schoolhouse Museum on Route 66

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Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

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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