Route 66, famously known as the “Mother Road,” runs about 2,400 miles from California’s Santa Monica coast to Chicago. This All-American Road links sleepy hamlets and booming megacities, threading through rich stories and scenery of the Great Plains. Newberry Springs is another unexpected little oasis along this fascinating historic highway. This small town, located in California’s Mojave Desert, of roughly 2,000 people is the definition of a small town. Just up the highway, Daggett, yet another picturesque small town, captures the heart of Mother Road.
Recent efforts by local residents aim to breathe new life into these towns, coinciding with the Route 66 centennial celebrated by the Route 66 Centennial Commission, established by Congress in 2020. Activists and business owners like Daryl Schendel and Karla Claus are spearheading initiatives that promise to transform these areas into vibrant destinations for tourists and Route 66 enthusiasts.
The Vision for Newberry Springs
Since then, Karla Claus has become something of a de facto ambassador for Newberry Springs. Long-term, she hopes the town will become a major hub for Route 66 tourists. Claus is hopeful that with targeted projects and public involvement, they have what it takes to draw caravan upon caravan of eco-tourists to their doorstep.
“My vision is that we’re going to be one of the go-to destinations for those caravans [of Route 66 fans],” – Karla Claus
Her enthusiasm is palpable as she adds, “That we’re saying to those people: ‘Make sure you come here.’” The community’s efforts are not just about attracting visitors but about reviving pride in their local history and culture.
For Claus, Newberry Springs is the perfect embodiment of what the “Mother Road” is all about. She’s convinced that this delightful little desert town holds some special magic. Its story appeals to travelers looking for real, authentic, Americana.
Historical Preservation Initiatives
One man is doing everything he can to ensure that the story of Newberry Springs’ history doesn’t slip away just yet. He runs an auto repair business in adjacent Barstow. When he’s not commuting, Schendel spends his nights and weekends on historical preservation projects. He would like to see a 1920s welcome center in Newberry Springs — and historic in- — reopened.
The new welcome center plans to act as a mobile museum exhibit, displaying many of the artifacts collected by Schendel over the years. He imagines it as a magnet for tourists looking to learn more about Route 66’s deep history and cultural significance.
“I’m imagining this being a major new thing happening on Route 66,” – Daryl Schendel
Although it’s a bit rough around the edges these days, Schendel understands that the town’s dilapidated appearance can be off-putting at first.
“It may look junky when you go through it, like a little has-been town,” – Daryl Schendel
Even still, he’s hopeful about the opportunities for revitalization. His commitment to restoring the welcome center reflects a broader desire within the community to enhance its appeal to visitors.
Tourist Attractions and Community Spirit
Newberry Springs’ local attractions play a large role in the community’s potential as a tourist destination. The Bagdad Cafe billboard proudly announcing its location along Route 66. It rose to national prominence in the 1980s, after its starring role in a cult classic movie of the same name. Today, it welcomes nearly 6,000 visitors a month, a living reminder to the mere magic of Route 66 that never fails.
Rose Beardshear, the local chamber of commerce’s treasurer, tells a fascinating experience. Whose granddaughter so lovingly compared Daggett to Radiator Springs from the animated movie Cars. This side by side reveals the rustic beauty and vintage spirit that imbues each of these Main Street towns along America’s Mother Road.
Local leaders didn’t stop at Bagdad Cafe to lure tourists. They hope to create an amazing sense of place and community for their residents and visitors. Kaminski, a fellow local advocate, underscored their efforts to ensure that flyover travelers are left feeling welcome and secure within their travels.
“We will take you in and make sure you’re safe on Route 66.” – Kaminski
Sharing the hospitality of Newberry Springs and Daggett will be very important. They’re understandably excited and preparing for an influx of visitors eager to explore their storied pasts and experience the magnificent nature of the Mojave Desert.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future on Route 66
We can expect vibrant centennial celebrations from Missouri to California, where communities along the Mother Road are beginning to get ready. Things are looking up for Newberry Springs and Daggett! When historical preservation, strategic marketing, and community engagement unite, the resulting strength forms an unmistakable potion. This synergy creates an opportunity for these towns to reimagine their futures on this storied path.
The Route 66 centennial isn’t just a celebration. It’s a chance for community revitalization. Local businesses and local advocates have come together to promote the rich histories of Newberry Springs and Daggett. In addition, they are seizing on new trends in tourism to draw more visitors.