Barstow Station came to life in July 1975 from the mind and imagination of Fred Rosenberg. In the late 1960's Mr. Rosenberg saw the potential for growth on the 15 freeway through ownership of the original McDonald's. Built in 1969 and located where the current McDonald's parking lot is now that original McDonald's was considered the world largest. This was a favorite stop for bus travelers and highway travelers alike and with only 36 seats just two buses would have the building overwhelmed in moments. After careful consideration and planning Mr. Rosenberg began the exciting project that would provide to all of us the World famous Barstow Station.
RTR&DC out of San Francisco designed the project and was contracted to design the Station. The cars themselves were formerly used to haul produce and were well insulated but they pre-dated refrigeration so they were junked. In October of 1974 a crew of local builders began to haul the 50,000 ton cars into place. This task was accomplished by using the existing railroad track, which is located just behind Barstow Station, and the crew devised a link from the tracks to tracks that were designed to be the permanent home for the train cars. Eventually the total cars numbered 17, a small rail yard. Currently the Caboose is the men's main restroom!
In classic Barstow Station fashion there is always more to the story. During the transition from one building to the new building there would not be one day that there would be no business. So Mr. Rosenberg had the "girls" roller skate the food item from one McDonald's to the next, there is also a story that Mr. Rosenberg served Ice Cream Sundays for free to celebrate to opening of the new building.
Barstow Station has been a very popular stop for all highway travelers since it opened in July of 1975. Serving approximately 20,000 tour buses a year and countless customers traveling by car, truck, RV, bus and motorcycle. Barstow Station has remained a favorite for decades due to its many services offered to its customers. Currently Barstow Station hosts McDonalds, The Highway Stations, Barstow Station Ice Cream Shoppe, The Barstow Station General Store, The Hollywood Store, The Oriental Shoppe, BJ's BarB Que, Double R Gifts and Greyhound Bus Lines provides services right from the building.
Popeye's Chicken is in the Station parking lot and the original water tower is still here to welcome all travelers.
RTR&DC out of San Francisco designed the project and was contracted to design the Station. The cars themselves were formerly used to haul produce and were well insulated but they pre-dated refrigeration so they were junked. In October of 1974 a crew of local builders began to haul the 50,000 ton cars into place. This task was accomplished by using the existing railroad track, which is located just behind Barstow Station, and the crew devised a link from the tracks to tracks that were designed to be the permanent home for the train cars. Eventually the total cars numbered 17, a small rail yard. Currently the Caboose is the men's main restroom!
In classic Barstow Station fashion there is always more to the story. During the transition from one building to the new building there would not be one day that there would be no business. So Mr. Rosenberg had the "girls" roller skate the food item from one McDonald's to the next, there is also a story that Mr. Rosenberg served Ice Cream Sundays for free to celebrate to opening of the new building.
Barstow Station has been a very popular stop for all highway travelers since it opened in July of 1975. Serving approximately 20,000 tour buses a year and countless customers traveling by car, truck, RV, bus and motorcycle. Barstow Station has remained a favorite for decades due to its many services offered to its customers. Currently Barstow Station hosts McDonalds, The Highway Stations, Barstow Station Ice Cream Shoppe, The Barstow Station General Store, The Hollywood Store, The Oriental Shoppe, BJ's BarB Que, Double R Gifts and Greyhound Bus Lines provides services right from the building.
Popeye's Chicken is in the Station parking lot and the original water tower is still here to welcome all travelers.
Live Stream provided by Southwest Rail Cams
World famous, Route 66
Barstow Station
Since July of 1975
1611 East Main Street Barstow, CA 92311
Mon - Thurs and Sat 8am to 7pm, Fri and Sun 8am to 8pm
