Casa del Desierto Harvey House
Step back in time at the Casa del Desierto, a 1911 Harvey House and historic train station, now home to museums.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission, always open to explore
Casa del Desierto Harvey House
Best Time
Free admission, always open to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Casa del Desierto, a 1911 Harvey House and historic train station, now home to museums.
"A superb example of what it might have been like back then, marvel at the size and attention to detail."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the history and architecture without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
Ample Free Parking 🚗
Plenty of free parking is available right next to the station, making your visit hassle-free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Dining Halls
Inside the Casa del Desierto
Two distinct dining areas: an upscale section and the famous Harvey dining counter. Experience the grandeur of early 20th-century rail dining.
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Barstow Train Station
Immerse yourself in the history of the iconic Route 66. A must-see for road trip enthusiasts and history buffs.
Western America Railroad Museum
Barstow Train Station
Explore the rich heritage of American railroads. A fascinating glimpse into the evolution of train travel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Museums & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the history and architecture without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
Ample Free Parking 🚗
Plenty of free parking is available right next to the station, making your visit hassle-free.
Clean Restrooms Available 🚻
Convenient and clean restrooms are on-site for visitors.
Explore the Architecture 🏛️
Take time to appreciate the beautiful 1911 architecture and attention to detail.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the history and architecture without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
Ample Free Parking 🚗
Plenty of free parking is available right next to the station, making your visit hassle-free.
Clean Restrooms Available 🚻
Convenient and clean restrooms are on-site for visitors.
Explore the Architecture 🏛️
Take time to appreciate the beautiful 1911 architecture and attention to detail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Casa del Desierto for its free admission, impressive historic architecture, and the valuable insights provided by the Route 66 and Railroad museums. It's seen as a worthwhile stop to experience a piece of American history and the legacy of the Harvey Houses.
"This Harvey House, which was built in 1911, was located inside the historic Barstow train station. It was one of 84 Harvey Houses that would be built and operated by the Harvey Company back in the first part of the 1900s. The company operated restaurants, hotels and dining cars at numerous train stations across the country and at the time of Fred Harvey’s death in 1901, the company had 47 restaurants, 15 hotels and 30 dining cars in operation and bought a certain type of upscale class to rail travel. This is another superb example of what it might have been like back then and as you enter the station, you will marvel at the size and attention to detail that once, and to some extent still does, adorned this station. There are two large dining areas, one to the right, which required one to wear a jacket and was very upscale, and to the left was the common dining area with one of the now famous Harvey dining counters, which was able to serve over 100+ people at a time. The Harvey Houses would not have existed if not for the roughly 5,000 Harvey Girls who moved out west to work at these restaurants. The Harvey Girls were so memorable, that in 1946 a musical/comedy starring Judy Garland called “The Harvey Girls” was released. Today, however, the place is now empty, and all the upstairs hotels rooms have now been converted into city offices and the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center. Still, this is a great piece of history and will be worth the visit. There is plenty of free parking adjacent to the station, clean restrooms and admission is free."
Thomas B
"The Casa Del Desierto
Route 66 Barstow, California
July 1, 2023
During one of our visits to Barstow, we decided to visit The Barstow Train Station, and no, we are not talking about the one that everyone stops at on their way to Las Vegas. We decided to visit a historic building known as The Casa Del Desierto, which was used as a Harvey House and a train station. We never really explored this beautiful building. The architecture is beautiful. This building was built in 1911 and currently houses two museums.
Route 66 Mother Road Museum Barstow, CA
Western America Railroad Museum"
Mullen Teodoro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Casa del Desierto is located within the historic Barstow Train Station. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available adjacent to the station. If you're arriving by public transport, check local bus routes that service the Barstow area.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available right next to the station, making it convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Casa del Desierto and the historic train station is completely free!
While the historic station itself is accessible, the museums within it may have specific operating hours. It's best to check the individual museum websites for their current hours of operation.
The main historic areas of the station, including the dining halls, are generally accessible. The upstairs hotel rooms have been converted into city offices and the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center, which may have separate access or tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the grand architecture of the 1911 Harvey House, visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum, and imagine the bustling atmosphere of a bygone era.
Yes, clean restrooms are available for visitors at the station.
While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, efforts are usually made to ensure accessibility. It's recommended to contact the station or museums directly for specific accessibility information.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the historic station and museums. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific photography restrictions within the museums themselves.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The historic dining halls are preserved to showcase what they were like, but they are not currently operating as active restaurants. You may find dining options in the surrounding Barstow area.
The dining counter is a historical exhibit and not an active dining service. You can admire its scale and imagine the hundreds of people it once served.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture of the station itself, the historic dining areas, and the exhibits within the museums offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the details of the past!
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historic buildings and public transportation hubs due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look for details in the architecture and imagine the stories of the Harvey Girls. The open spaces within the station can also be fun for younger children to explore (with supervision, of course). It's a low-cost, high-value experience that combines history, culture, and a touch of nostalgia.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Beyond the museum, the architecture of the Harvey House itself evokes the grandeur of a bygone era of travel. It’s a chance to connect with the history that shaped the American road trip experience. With free admission and convenient parking, it’s an easy and rewarding detour.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve into the stories of the Harvey Girls and the impact of these establishments on the development of the West. The building's 1911 construction date places it squarely in a period of significant American expansion and innovation. It's a chance to walk through history and gain a deeper appreciation for the infrastructure and services that connected the nation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Fred Harvey and the Harvey Houses
The company's influence extended beyond mere service; it played a significant role in shaping the American West by providing employment opportunities for women and fostering a sense of order and refinement in frontier towns. The Harvey Houses were more than just places to eat; they were social hubs, cultural centers, and symbols of progress. Today, visiting places like the Casa del Desierto allows us to appreciate the ingenuity and vision that connected a vast nation and transformed the experience of long-distance travel. The preservation of these historic sites ensures that their stories continue to inspire and educate future generations about this pivotal period in American history.
Exploring the Museums Within
Complementing the Route 66 narrative is the Western America Railroad Museum. This museum celebrates the critical role railroads played in the development of the American West, with a particular focus on Barstow's significance as a major rail hub. Exhibits likely feature historical locomotives, railway memorabilia, and insights into the lives of railroad workers. Together, these museums provide a rich, multi-faceted understanding of Barstow's past, from the golden age of rail travel to the iconic era of the automobile.
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