Posted in Arizona
November 10, 2017
Celebrate Route 66’s 91st Birthday By Visiting One Of These 13 Offbeat Locations In Arizona
Did you know Route 66 turns 91 this month? That’s right, our favorite highway is slowly inching towards centennial status and November 11 marks the day the highway was officially commissioned. So, if you have some free time this weekend, celebrate the Mother Road’s birthday by visiting one of her offbeat attractions. Here’s a look at some of our favorite locations right here in Arizona.
This diner sits right on Route 66 in Flagstaff and not only offers a tasty meal but also a chance to watch the trains go by, both the massive freights across the street and the model one that circles above diners’ heads.
Location: 3300 Historic Route 66, Flagstaff
Location: 3300 Historic Route 66, Flagstaff
Looking for a smile to go with a burger and fries? You’ll find it at this little hamburger joint, where the smiles come from your cashier’s jokes and the little smiley face fry included with every meal.
Location: 301 Route 66, Seligman
Location: 301 Route 66, Seligman
You’ll find all kinds of natural beauty along Route 66 but this visit to a cavern near the Grand Canyon will show off beauty more than 200 feet underground! Hop aboard the small elevator and be prepared for a unique, subterranean experience in a cavern that just might be haunted.
Location: Mile Marker 115 on Route 66
Location: Mile Marker 115 on Route 66
This gas station turned general store attraction is a unique spot that shows a wide collection of Route 66 memorabilia in an eclectic setting. You’ll find plenty of trinkets to look at and buy, as well as endless photo opportunities.
Location: 11255 Route 66, Hackberry
Location: 11255 Route 66, Hackberry
One of the best preserved meteorite impact craters in the world, this 50,000 year old hole in the ground is both striking and huge. You won’t see the original meteorite that caused the crater—most of it vaporized during impact—but you can spot a fragment in the visitor’s center.
Location: Exit 230 on Interstate 40, Winslow
Location: Exit 230 on Interstate 40, Winslow
This entire town is one interesting place to visit! You’ll find historic buildings, silly shops, and wild burros wandering town.
Location: Google Maps
Location: Google Maps
Here’s another old gas station that is now enjoying a second life as a museum. It’s a cool little place with lots of memorabilia.
Location: 101 East Route 66, Williams
Location: 101 East Route 66, Williams
I used to drive through Holbrook a lot when I was a kid, so seeing the dinosaurs perched on the side of the road in front of the Rainbow Rock Shop always bring back happy memories. This particular shop is not only known for its dinosaurs but also its large collection of petrified woods, rocks, geodes, and more.
Location: 101 Navajo Boulevard, Holbrook
Location: 101 Navajo Boulevard, Holbrook
Yes, this place is real but you won’t be able to have a squirrel grilled at this restaurant. You’ll find rustic settings to enjoy a perfectly grilled burger or steak that is definitely not road kill.
Location: 22830 West Route 66, Seligman
Location: 22830 West Route 66, Seligman
It’s probably safe to say that you won’t find another store exterior that looks anything like this one in Seligman. You’ll find a dozen or so mannequins standing and sitting around the souvenir shop’s exterior, which can make for some amusing photos.
Location: 115 West Route 66, Seligman
Location: 115 West Route 66, Seligman
Winslow is slowly growing back into a cool little town and it can thank that one Eagles song for bringing tourists in over the years. Stop by for a few photos and visit the other corners for drinks and souvenirs.
Location: Google Maps
Location: Google Maps
This abandoned tourist stop sits near Winslow and is quite a sight to see. At one point, it housed a trading post, a gas station, a restaurant, and even a miniature zoo. These days, however, you’ll just find the slowly crumbling remains.
Location: Google Maps
Location: Google Maps
This offbeat motel dates to the 1930s and is difficult to miss. While the buildings are actually concrete versions of tipis (wigwams are actually dome-shaped), it is still an interesting piece of Americana that you won’t want to miss.
Location: 811 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook
Location: 811 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook
Want to check out other cool places on Route 66 in Arizona? Read These 8 Ghost Towns Along Arizona’s Route 66 Will Haunt Your Dreams for some cool abandoned places.
