Route 66 through Needles, California - El Garces, Wagon Wheel and more in the Mojave
Our journey along Route 66 took us next through Needles, California. Like so many of these towns along Route 66 this one was developed as a railroad town in the days when steam engines needed routine service and support along the way. It was also a landmark stop for those escaping the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression as it was the first major town Easterners came to in California marking the promise of a better life.
The railroad explains the El Garces Hotel in the area which was one of the famed Harvey Houses and, supposedly, one of the most elaborate of those. In fact as we rolled through town the El Garces was being used as part of a car show and open house and various stops along Route 66 had tables in the space inviting people to come visit their destination.
But Needles has another piece of fame to hang its hat on. Cartoonist Charles Schultz gave dog Snoopy a brother in the form of Spike who calls Needles home. There are tributes to that in the Route 66 Museum in Needles. Of course.
The highlight of this stop was a car show happening on the streets and the locals brought out some interesting rides indeed. There were vehicles of all kinds but my personal favorite was a fully restored 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon. This thing was immaculate and, word is, these are super rare.
El Garces
The El Garces Hotel was one of many built by the Harvey Company along railroad stops as respites for travelers seeking a meal before trains figured out they could just serve them aboard the train. Built in 1908 this Harvey House was designed in a Greek style to sort of resemble a temple but named “El Garces” after Father Francisco Garces, a missionary who visited the area in 1776.
Wagon Wheel Restaurant
One of the famous stops along Route 66 in this part of the world is the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. Looking up their place on the Internet to share with you all it doesn’t even appear that they have a web presence, unfortunately, and this just bears-out in the whole experience.
Quite honestly, this was the biggest disappointed food-wise of the trip for me. I ordered corned beef hash and eggs which also came with a biscuit and gravy and it might as well have just fallen right out of the back of the Sysco truck. There was nothing unique or special about this meal which and this was essentially the experience our whole group had. Also, my hash browns weren’t fully cooked but this can happen anywhere.
Unfortunately we probably would have gotten a better meal at Denny’s and that’s saying a lot, but that’s also the whole point of traveling and trying all these unique places. There have been a lot of home runs and this was a swing and a miss.
And there has to be a best meal of the trip and a worst so, in that respect, I congratulate the Wagon Wheel at earning top marks by being at the bottom of the pile.
It was a fun experience to walk through the Wagon Wheel and it was crowded for some reason. There was also good parking for our three rigs. They even had a pair of size 72 pants hanging on the wall - wow.
Needles Regional Museum
Of course there’s a museum in Needles of old stuff including a lot of things that had been part of the El Garces. There are nods to Snoopy’s brother, Spike, including a large example of him that you can take your photo with. Of course we did.
The museum highlights the story of Needles and the surrounding region. Exhibits include Santa Fe Railroad and Harvey House artifacts, Route 66 memorabilia, historic photographs, Mojave beadwork and pottery, and other pieces of Native American and local history. Everything is displayed in one large room, making it easy to take in the collection at a glance. The museum also runs the adjacent thrift store, adding a unique way to support its mission.
