Why Holbrook, Arizona, the Gateway of Petrified Forest National Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

If you're looking for a cool, photogenic, welcoming little town in northeastern Arizona, you'll absolutely fall in love with Holbrook. This small town of around 5,000 residents is the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park, and it's the perfect place to stay for your adventure there. In fact, Holbrook is worth a visit in its own right, even if you're not all that interested in the park. Historic Route 66 passes right through this historic town, and you'll love exploring everything it offers.

Petrified Forest National Park is incredible! This park covers about 346 square miles and is chock-full of ancient natural history. You'll love checking out the beautiful colors here that are found in a vast amount of fossilized tree trunks that were alive about 225 million years ago. Furthermore, you can enjoy even more colors when observing and exploring the park's badlands. You'll be amazed at the abundant wildlife that's present, including pronghorn, coyotes, bobcats, snakes, lizards, birds, and more. Petrified Forest National Park is not like any other place you have ever been — and it's definitely worth the trip.

Nearby Holbrook is not like any other place you've ever been, either — and that's what makes it extra special, too. About 20 minutes from the entrance to Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook offers food, lodging, and more to visitors to the park. What makes it so unique is that it is a snapshot of the heyday of Historic Route 66, and it's the coolest remaining stretch of that road I've ever personally visited.

Other than when the trains roll through, Holbrook is small, quiet, and mellow. It's the perfect place to relax after a long day of driving or exploring the park. You can check out gift shops and buy some local souvenirs or learn about the area's history at the Navajo County Historical Society Museum.

There are a number of excellent hotels and motels in this small town, but one of the most unique is the Wigwam Motel. You can't miss it — the rooms are tipis! This motel is one of three remaining properties from a chain that once operated seven hotels in this style nationwide. It's on the National Register of Historic Places today after being listed in 2002; it was built in 1950. The tipis are made of concrete, are 14 feet in diameter and 32 feet tall, and each is rentable. You'll also love the classic cars in the parking lot.

Another excellent option for accommodations in Holbrook is Brad's Desert Inn. I stayed at Brad's on a visit a few years ago and was quite pleased with the service, style, and accommodations. Every room was themed and adorable!

After you get a good night's sleep in any of Holbrook's hotels, you certainly won't have trouble finding a bite to eat. Again, because this town caters to travelers, it's full of great restaurants geared toward what travelers want to eat. You might try the Studio 66 Cafe, Bienvenidos Restaurant, Colonel Mustard Hot Dogs for starters, or Mesa Italiana Restaurant if you want a hearty Italian meal. Whatever you seek to fill your belly in Holbrook, you're sure to find it!

And of course, don't miss the dinosaurs. Rainbow Rock Shop not only sells petrified wood and rocks, but it is also guarded by giant dinosaur statues. You'll love it.

Holbrook, Arizona, is worth a visit! You'll love this cute, interesting, and unique town along Route 66. Visit Petrified Forest National Park today and stay in Holbrook. You'll be really glad you did.