The Story of This Abandoned Place in Flagstaff, Arizona Is Truly Fascinating

Behind every abandoned place there's a story to tell. Once upon a time, there was a brand new place built along Route 66. This was a trading post where both weary and curious travelers would stop to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and marvel at the massive arrows sticking out of the ground. Certainly a unique roadside attraction in its day, the Twin Arrows Trading Post in Flagstaff, Arizona now sits as an abandoned relic from the Mother Road's hey-day. So, what became of this once-popular roadside attraction in Arizona? Let's find out!

For those of you who enjoy a bit of urban exploration, Twin Arrows Trading Post along Route 66 in Flagstaff is a unique abandoned roadside attraction. Built in the 1940s, it once served as a popular stop for travelers and was called Canyon Padre Trading Post after nearby Padre Canyon. Those who stopped could take a rest, gas up the car, shop for gifts, and grab something to eat at the cafe.

Eventually, the trading post was renamed Twin Arrows, and it's said the change was inspired by Two Guns, another stop along Route 66. After the name change, the two arrows were added to the trading post. The two large red arrows sticking out of the ground were large enough to be seen miles away. It was certainly a big draw for travelers to stop.

The I-40 was built in the 1970s, and with that came a massive decrease in traffic along Route 66. In the 1990s, the Twin Arrows Trading Post closed its doors for good and has been abandoned ever since. However, the large wooden arrows are still a big draw for people like me who love photographing abandoned places that were once popular tourist spots. Ghost hunters also enjoy stopping here to see if there's any paranormal activity.

Today, the state owns the land while the crumbling graffiti-clad buildings and twin arrows that were once part of the trading post are owned by the Hopi tribe. The next time you're driving along Historic Route 66 through Flagstaff, stop at the abandoned Twin Arrows Trading Post and discover this old roadside attraction from a bygone era.

Have you ever stopped at the Twin Arrows Trading Post in Flagstaff, Arizona? What's your favorite roadside attraction along Arizona's Historic Route 66? Let us know!

If you're stopping in Flagstaff for the night, make a reservation at the High Country Motor Lodge located just off Route 66!