This Funky Little Town In Arizona Is A True Hidden Gem
By Katie Lawrence|Published November 16, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Giant dinosaur statues, quirky museums, ancient petroglyphs, and an oddly futuristic Best Western hotel. What do these things have in common? They can all be found in the tiny town of Gila Bend, and it’s begging for you to visit.
It's only fitting that a town named after one of the desert's most vicious creatures would have these guys as greeters. Giant dinosaur statues are the gas station welcoming committee, and things only get weirder from here.
You'll spot them at the Shell station located at 3006 S Butterfield Trail, Gila Bend, AZ 85337.
Centuries of local history is packed into this tiny museum, a hidden gem considering it also serves as Gila Bend's Visitor Center. Exhibits on the Hohokam people, the Oatman Massacre, and WWII internment camps alongside a hodgepodge of antiques make up the quirky, one-room roadside attraction.
The Gila Bend Visitor Center & Museum is located at 644 W Pima St. Ste. 1, Gila Bend, AZ 85337.
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Several kitschy shops offering everything from home decor to retro appliances are scattered throughout downtown. Pick up a few items as souvenirs to commemorate the trip!
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site draws thousands of tourists each year, with its plethora of ancient carvings. Nearby Gatlin Archaeological Park, where tours of a historic Hohokam village are offers, is also a popular destination.
The site is located just over 30 minutes west of Gila Bend along Rocky Point Road.
One of the town's biggest surprises is an original beam from the World Trade Center. It serves as the centerpiece of 9/11 Memorial Park, which pays homage to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
A plaque with information about the attack provides a somber reminder of just how horrific it was. Every American should visit this memorial, and we're so lucky to have it right here in Arizona.
The 9/11 Memorial Park is located at 201 E Pima St., Gila Bend, AZ 85337.
Settle down for the night at the most bizarre Best Western you've ever seen. Built in 1964 by a miner who had an affinity for NASA, this funky hotel is basically a giant spaceship.
A 3D, hand-painted mural is the first thing you'll see upon entering. Marrying characteristics of retro diners with futuristic elements, this charming eatery truly makes Gila Bend the unique place it is.
The Best Western Space Age Lodge & Restaurant is located at 401 E Pima St., Gila Bend, AZ 85337.
Can you believe this tiny community of just 2,000 people has an airport? Two Voodoo planes are on display, but such a remote desert town doesn't see much air traffic.
Gila Bend is located just over an hour southwest of Phoenix, just off of I-8 along AZ-85. For more information about this unusual little town, visit Gila Bend’s official website here.
Have you ever been to Gila Bend? Are there any other quirky towns hiding in Arizona that are worth a visit? Let us know in the comments below. We think this one is pretty neat!
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