Needles Railroad Borax Wagon

Needles, California

CaliforniaRoadside Attraction

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The Needles Borax Wagon is a piece of local history and a great photo op for Route 66 travelers passing through town.

This wagon once stood outside the local El Rancho Hotel, a popular stop on the west side of Needles. Back then, it was painted white and advertised the hotel’s refrigerated cooling and swimming pool. But when the hotel was torn down in the late 1950s to make way for the freeway, the wagon was moved, lost its signage, and now simply reads “Needles, California.”

Unlike a chuck wagon, this is a borax wagon—just like the ones used in the 1880s to haul borax (a type of salt) from Death Valley to the railway. These massive wagons were pulled by a powerful team of 18 mules and 2 horses, making them an iconic part of the region’s history.

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Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction

Needles Railroad Borax Wagon

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Address:

305-399 W Broadway St, Needles, CA 92363

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California

Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction
Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction
Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction
Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction
Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California Route 66 roadside attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California, here are some things to know before you go.

Where can you park to see this roadside attraction?

Pull into the small driveway behind the wagon to park and get photos of this giant wagon.

Where can you get gas in Needles, California?

Gas in Needles, California, can be quite expensive (it was around $6.15 when I last visited). Drive a couple of miles over the Arizona border to find more affordable stations. I went to the Thalypo in Mojave Valley to fill up for half the price.

What other Route 66 attractions can you see in Needles, California?

While this wagon is one of the Top 10 California Route 66 Roadside Attractions, Needles is also home to several other popular Route 66 attractions. Other attractions include the El Garces Hotel and Train Station, Historic Route 66 California Gateway, and the Wagon Wheel Restaurant.

Where to Stay Near the Needles Railroad Borax Wagon in Needles, California

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 the Needles Railroad Borax Wagon on Route 66

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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

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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