Williams

Williams, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon", is an hour's drive south of the park and is situated between Flagstaff and the park. Williams successfully combines early 20th-century history, a mid-century road-trip sensibility, and classic Arizona scenery. Williams is best known for being the location of the Grand Canyon Railway's southern terminus. The railway, which first operated in 1901, was constructed to carry visitors to the Grand Canyon's southern rim. As you travel to Grand Canyon National Park, you can view the desert scenery from some train cars that have observation domes. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams is run by the same business. The refined, western lodge design of this close to 300-room resort can be found right next to the train depot.

A small, free museum called Pete's Gas Station recreates a typical gas station along the original Route 66. The vintage cars and relics will take you back to the 1950s. The main street is lined with gift shops, eateries, and hotels that cater to travelers looking for that genuine Route 66 atmosphere. There is also Bearizona, a wildlife park with a drive-thru feature, if the Grand Canyon and Route 66 aren't enough to keep you in town for a few days. View North American wildlife from the cool comfort of your car, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats! Additionally, there is a more conventional walking area with animals like otters, elk, and jaguars. In Williams, things are about to become even more daring. A mile-long track that lets users choose their own speed down a canyon will be available at Coaster Canyon Adventure Park when it opens in late 2021.