Like history? Scenery? Family attractions? Williams, Arizona has it all. The “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” located an hour south of the park, Williams sits between the city of Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park and manages to blend early 20th-century history, a mid-century road-trip sensibility, and quintessential Arizona scenery. In short, everything you want out of a trip to Arizona is right here.
Williams is best known as the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway. Opened in 1901, the railway was built to transport tourists to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.
Petr Podrouzek/Google Take a ride on the train, complete with live music, cowboy characters, and maybe even a “train robbery,” much like tourists did 100 years ago.
Some train cars feature an observation dome, letting you take in the desert landscape on your way to Grand Canyon National Park.
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The same company also operates the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. This nearly 300-room resort is located right next to the train depot and features a refined, western lodge aesthetic.
management/TripAdvisor
Williams’ other claim to fame? The historic Route 66 goes right through the middle of town.
Siqui Sanchez/Moment Open via Getty Images Though I-40 replaced the highway’s importance as a transportation link, those looking for a classic American road trip stop will find plenty to see in Williams.
Pete’s Gas Station is a small, free museum preserving a typical gas stop on the old Route 66. The classic cars and old memorabilia will transport you back to the 1950s.
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The main drag is lined with gift shops, restaurants, and motels catering to tourists searching for that authentic Route 66 vibe.
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If the Grand Canyon and Route 66 isn’t enough to keep you in town for a few days, there’s also Bearizona, a wildlife park with a drive-thru component. View
Gabe Ginsberg/Moment via Getty Images North American animals such as bears, wolves, and mountain goats from the comfort and air conditioning of your car! There’s also a more traditional zoo-like walking area with otters, elk, and jaguars.
Things are about to get even more adventurous in Williams. Opening in late 2021, Coaster Canyon Adventure Park will feature a mile-long track that allows visitors to control their speed down a canyon!
Coaster Canyon Adventure Park During the winter months, the park will also feature a snow tubing hill.
Have you been to Williams? What’s your favorite thing to do?
Petr Podrouzek/Google
Take a ride on the train, complete with live music, cowboy characters, and maybe even a “train robbery,” much like tourists did 100 years ago.
Nicolaas Staalberg/Google
management/TripAdvisor
Siqui Sanchez/Moment Open via Getty Images
Though I-40 replaced the highway’s importance as a transportation link, those looking for a classic American road trip stop will find plenty to see in Williams.
Pernellevoyage/TripAdvisor
T V/Google
Gabe Ginsberg/Moment via Getty Images
North American animals such as bears, wolves, and mountain goats from the comfort and air conditioning of your car! There’s also a more traditional zoo-like walking area with otters, elk, and jaguars.
Coaster Canyon Adventure Park
During the winter months, the park will also feature a snow tubing hill.
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Address: Williams, AZ 86046, USA
