Palm Springs in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Lykken’s Department Store

Photographed by Denise Boose, Dec 2008

1. Lykken’s Department Store Marker

Inscription. Desert pioneer, Carl Lykken, built the first general store in the village in 1914. For many years it contained the only telephone and the post office. The store was remodeled with the existing overhang and arches when sidewalks were installed in the early 1930s.

Carl Lykken helped to establish the first Police Protection District and served on it board until the City incorporated in 1938.

Erected by city of Palm Springs & National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century. Cape Ann Chapter, Califorina. (Marker Number HSPB-9.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 33° 49.474′ N, 116° 32.803′ W. Marker is in Palm Springs, California, in Riverside County. It is on 182 North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Coachella Valley,

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of First Community Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Desert Inn (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welwood Murray Memorial Library

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(about 600 feet away); Oasis Hotel (about 700 feet away); Plaza Theatre (about 700 feet away); Palm Springs Desert Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); The O'Donnell Golf Course (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Above and Beyond" (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palm Springs.

Other markers no longer nearby. Desert Inn (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Hot Springs (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Original Palm Springs (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Lykken’s Department Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, Dec 2008

2. Lykken’s Department Store

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 29, 2015

3. Lykken’s Department Store

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 8, 2025

4. Lykken’s Department Store Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,102 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 3. submitted on April 4, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on September 13, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.