The Station in Joshua Tree is most well known for the towering 20-foot-tall cowboy out front named “Big Josh.” Once a real gas station, this dilapidated space was reimagined as a faux retro gas station that serves as a trendy gift shop and event space.
To Get There
The Station is located in Downtown Joshua Tree
61943 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Free street parking
The History
The Richfield Gas Station was built in 1949. Glen Steigelman and Steve Halterman purchased the site in 2011. The two own a design and prop studio, so it’s no wonder they have an eye for such a unique vision.
They found the enormous cowboy at the Sky Village Swap Meet in Yucca Valley. “Big Josh” was formerly known as the Mecca Cowboy, who had been sitting in front of Poor Richard’s Pawn Shop and Mini Mart since 1965. The fiberglass giant was not in great shape, but they refurbished him and set him up in front of The Station. These massive sculptures were called muffler men and originally used to draw attention to businesses along the highways. Glen said when they found Josh, it changed everything. After all, who can ignore a 20-foot-tall cowboy in downtown Joshua Tree?
The Store
The Station’s back patio is enclosed by a gray cinder block fence lined with 194 colorful rusted antique gas cans. The store is filled with terracotta planters of cacti and colorful Mexican blankets. An antique ticket booth has been delightfully transformed into a trendy retro bar, and a bright yellow vintage van is parked in the corner like a retro beam of sunshine.
Inside the shop is an imaginative curation of great tchotchkes. Desert inspired candle scents like sage and campfire line the shelves next to mustached clay planters and books about Joshua Tree.
Weddings & Events
The Station doubles as a venue for weddings & special events. Give them a call at (760) 974-9050 to inquire about rates.
The Station is well worth visiting if you’re in Joshua Tree. Stop in for some great drip coffee, cold drinks & snacks. Shop for a “Big Josh” cowboy tee, or take home a spiny cactus. You won’t regret seeing this unique shop!
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