Think you’re going to be standing on the corner in Winslow sometime in the near future? There are actually quite a few things to do in the area if you know where to look. One example: sitting less than 30 minutes away from the town (or 45 minutes from Flagstaff), Arizona’s Meteor Crater is one impressive sight and worth a visit if you like space, history, and natural attractions.

Also known as Barringer Crater and previously as Canyon Diablo Crater, this meteor crater in Arizona is one of the largest in the world. It's an impressive place to take the whole family. My kids loved seeing the crater and learning all about it!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
I bet we got you with that headline, right? Meteor Crater is approximately 1.2 kilometers in diameter and 540 feet deep, making it fairly large but not quite the size of a crater like Zhamanshin in Kazakstan, which measures 14 kilometers in diameter or the Vredefort Crater in South Africa which is the world's largest meteor crater. However, considering the condition of Arizona's meteor crater it could still be considered the largest.
As the world's largest meteor crater, it is also widely considered to be the best preserved in the world.
NASA Blueshift/Flickr
Thanks to Arizona's naturally dry climate, there has been relatively little erosion to occur in the crater, making it perfect for scientific study and for visiting a one-of-a-kind place.
The AZ Meteor Crater is about 50,000 years old. That was during a time when giant sloths and woolly mammoths roamed the cool grasslands that once covered the area.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
What do you think it must have been like to see the meteor strike?
The meteorite that struck the ground here near present-day Winslow was about 150 feet in length and the largest fragment from it is currently on display in the attraction's museum.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Composed of nickel and iron, a majority of the meteorite vaporized after impact. What's left is still impressive, especially when you consider how large the crater is.

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The first European settlers assumed the crater's origins had something to do with volcanoes but later determined it was formed by a meteorite.
Steve Conger/Flickr
After some scientific studies in the late 19th century, businessman Daniel Barringer bought the land intending to extract whatever iron ore was leftover from the ancient impact. He was sorely disappointed to find little of any valuable ore. If you are able to walk down to the impact site or just look through some great binoculars, you'll be able to spot the old mine shaft.
Currently, the Barringer family still owns the property and has transformed it into a tourist attraction.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
Meteor Crater became especially popular after the opening of Route 66. This led to the creation of a commercial enterprise of the crater complete with a museum, overnight accommodations, gas station, and a restaurant. At one point, it led to the creation of other nearby attractions related to the crater but these were short-lived.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
When you visit, don't just walk up to get a quick peek then leave! Take your time.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
The best part of finding and learning about new places is to spend time there. Be sure to walk through the on-site museum to learn more details about the history of the crater. You can also take an easy hike around the perimeter of the crater, where you can see the results of the impact for yourself and even some old ruins standing nearby to get a sense of the human history here.
Angelina Paoni/Flickr
I often think about my visit here and how lucky we are to have such a unique attraction right here in Arizona!

Looking for another unique natural attraction in Arizona? Check out this video of Coal Mine Canyon by @OnlyInYourState:

Arizona’s Meteor Crater is located about 26 miles west of Winslow, just off the old Route 66. Driving directions from Winslow can be found on this Google Maps link. Further details for your visit can be found on the Meteor Crater website.

As you can hopefully see, this spot is more than just a hole in the ground. To see more unique Arizona attractions, be sure to read up on some less visited spots in 12 Places In Arizona That Are Off The Beaten Path But Well Worth The Trip.

Ready for a road trip to see some of the most unique attractions in Arizona? Before heading out, check out the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you’ll need.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Unique Attractions In Arizona

Melissa M. | January 26, 2024

Aside from the Meteor Crater, what are some other unique attractions in Arizona?

There are so many unique attractions here in Arizona and more seem to pop up every week! Here are some of the most incredible attractions in the Grand Canyon State:

  • Tonto Natural Bridge is said to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. You can find it in the town of Pine.
  • The Grand Canyon, of course, is the biggest draw for tourists from all over the world and one of the seven wonders of the world.
  • Sycamore Canyon, in my opinion, is just as beautiful as the Grand Canyon and entirely underrated!
  • The Colossal Cave. located in Vail, AZ is the largest cave system in the country.
  • Kartchner Caverns in Benson is a subterranean natural wonder we all need to visit.
  • Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon requires a long arduous journey but well worth it if you can make the trek!
  • For a more accessible waterfall, Water Wheel Falls in Payson is incredible and one of my favorite natural attractions in the state. Best of all, you can take a dip in any of the cascading waterfalls or pools along the trail.

Take a look at more natural wonders in Arizona.

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Featured Addresses
Meteor Crater Visitor Center, Meteor Crater Rd, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA