If you want to get a feel of what it was like to live in the Mojave Desert before, during and after the time the infamous ROUTE 66 passed right through this railroad town, take the old Route 66 sidetrip off of Interstate 40 and experience the desert for yourself. It's an easy off and back on I40 along a well maintained stretch of Route 66.
You don't even need to back track, the old Mother Road stretch basically parallels I40 following the railroad line and has access to I40 at both ends. There's much more to this little enclave than the ghost town moniker. The beautifully restored early 1900s Schoolhouse is a real gem, but there is so much more here with many artifacts and old equipment scattered over a large outside area that allows you to walk around in this wonderful desert environment. Goffs' history includes periods of gold mining, railroad servicing, military training and rugged desert living. During the early stages of WWII General George Patton had as many as 10,000 soldiers under his command stationed here for desert training. The rail line that runs through Goffs is one of the main east-west lines from the LA area to the midwest. If you visit for more than 30 minutes, you are almost guaranteed to see a long freight train go by.
The folks that run this museum are very friendly and willing to give you bit of background on the colorful history of this quiet desert town.
Whether you stop for 15 minutes or hours, well worth the stop. They also have really clean bathrooms, unlike what you find at the I40 rest stops.
Besides, !40 does get pretty boring after being on it awhile. Stop, stretch, learn, ENJOY!! Donations are excepted. read more