Williams, AZ

“The Gateway to the Grand Canyon” (1).

"66 Things to do on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona"

Williams, Arizona is the perfect place for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. About 40 minutes west of Flagstaff, Williams is located along Route 66 (Google Maps). It was founded in 1876 by sheep and cattle ranchers (2). It was named after Bill Williams, a famous mountain man and fur trapper (2). When the railroad was built through town, it became a prime location for transporting ranch and logging goods (2). Directly next to the railroad tracks a “Saloon Row” was created for the rowdy working men (2). While many of these original buildings are still standing, they’ve been converted into bed and breakfasts, shops, restaurants and bars (2). As cars got faster and trains stopped being an ultimate mode of transportation, Williams fell off the map (2). But through the preservation of the town and the restoration of buildings, Williams is still a beautiful and picturesque town to stop by either on the way to the Grand Canyon or a day trip.

Williams, Arizona is approximately a three-hour drive from Arizona State’s Tempe Campus (Google Maps). Driving yourself is the easiest way to get to and from Williams.

PC: Misty via TripAdvisor

Things to Do:

• Bearizona – any interest in seeing black bears and wolves, all from the convenience of your car? Then drive on through three miles of the Ponderosa Pine Forest (3). There is also a walk -through area covering 20-acres (3). The park is open daily form 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It costs $15 to enter the park (3).

• The Grand Canyon Deer Farm – another optimal choice for animal lovers. The Deer farm is 10 acres and consists of wallabies, llamas, coatimundi, bison and peacocks (4). You also can walk around a feed the deer directly out of the palm of your hand (4). The park is open in the summer from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and winter from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4). Of course, winter hours depend on the weather (4). Tickets are priced at $14 per adult (4).

• Route 66 – come and explore the best-preserved section of Route 66! The “nostalgia of this era lives on through the soda fountains, classic cars, unique hotels and quirky shops (5). If you want to see a town that makes you feel like you are in Radiator Springs from Cars, this is your stop.

• The Grand Canyon Railway – established in the 1800s, this train was once the source for delivering passengers to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon (6). Nowadays, this historic train can take you to the renovated Grand Canyon Hotel. But don’t be fooled by its seemingly simple ride. You can also experience a Polar Express themed ride in the winter months, where the railway takes you to the North Pole (6). There is also the Pumpkin Patch Train Ride where the cars get transformed into pumpkins and riders are encouraged to dress up as well (6)! Enjoy Christmas and Halloween in a whole new light.

• Art Walk – are you an art junkie? Well, then head on to Williams on the second Saturday every month from May to October from 6 to 9 p.m. (7). It is located on 145 W. Route 66 (7). Enjoy free food, live music and live demonstrations (7).

Click here for “66 Things to do on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona”

And much, much more!

• Bright Angel Bicycles

• Elephant Rocks Golf Course

• Elk Ridge Ski Area

• Grand Canyon Go-Karts

• Planes of Fame Air Museum

• Route 66 Zipline

• SteamPunk Ghost Tours

• Wild West Junction

“Get your kicks on Route 66!” (5).