The Open Road Travel

Williams, Arizona is a town that many people will never have heard of and even those who have will often see it as nothing more than a quaint place for a pitstop on a road trip. This can make identifying the 10 best things to do in Williams, Arizona almost impossible for the majority of people.

While covering less than 45 square miles (115 square kilometres) means it can’t compete with some of the bigger cities in Arizona in terms of quantity of attractions, what it does have definitely isn’t lacking in quality. This is especially true for those interested in Route 66 or the Grand Canyon.

In our guide to the 10 best things to do in Williams, Arizona, we will help you plan the perfect travel itinerary for a dream vacation in Williams, So, whether you are planning to visit Williams on your way somewhere else or have made it your destination, this is the article for you.

Settled in 1881, Williams Arizona was named after legendary local trapper William Sherley “Old Bill” Williams. Despite being one of the smallest cities in Arizona, with a population of just over 3,000 people, it remains an incredibly popular destination with tourists.

The westernmost city on Route 66 to be bypassed by the I-40 and the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, Williams has become synonymous with both attractions, as well as the old west. It has even been nicknamed the “Gateway To The Grand Canyon”.

Williams boasts many roadside attractions offering education and entertainment that are dedicated to these topics. It also has two areas listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places: Urban Route 66 Williams and the Williams Historic Business District/Historic Downtown District.

The best time to visit Williams, Arizona for most people will be the month of June.

Not only is June the driest month of the year in Williams but it also misses the cold season, which runs from October to May, while also avoiding the extreme highs seen in the height of Summer and the peak of wildfire season, which runs from late August into October.

This all combines to make June the perfect time to visit Williams for those who want an ideal combination of warm, dry weather that allows them to enjoy all of the sights and sounds the town of Williams and its surrounding area has to offer in style.

Those seeking to enjoy the winter sports in the area around Williams will better be served visiting between late November and early April, when there is plenty of snow around.

Anyone coming for the “Polar Express” will need to schedule their trip from late November to the end of December.

As we move on to our list of the 10 best things to do in Williams, Arizona, I am going to suggest a wide range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Williams is known for.

The Williams Visitor Center is a perfect place to get acquainted with the town of Williams when you first arrive. Knowledgeable staff and exciting, interactive exhibits and displays will teach you about the history of Williams and show you all the best things to do during your stay.

The booking desks will help you plan and pay for any attractions or excursions you may want to enjoy when you visit Williams. Meanwhile, the incredible collection of goods and souvenirs on sale will ensure you have everything you need to both enjoy your trip and remember it with.

200 West Railroad Avenue, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Route 66 is among the most famous roads in America, and perhaps even the world, and is one of the main reasons that Williams gained notoriety in the first place. Most people who visit Williams will do so as they drive Route 66, but even those who don’t simply must drive a stretch of it themselves.

Throughout the town, you then have various sights and attractions dedicated to Route 66 for you to see, enjoy, and learn about during your stay in Williams as well.

The “Route 66 Sign” is a large version of the iconic black and white Route 66 logo that is a great place to stop and take a photo during your stay.

Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum is a museum dedicated to Route 66 located inside a vintage American gas station. Its wonderful collection includes classic cars and vehicles, as well as various other items of petrolania, which is sure to excite motor enthusiasts.

The Route 66 Museum And Gift Shop features a range of historical displays, exhibits, and statues, while selling Native American handicrafts and Grand Canyon and Route 66 souvenirs.

There is even the Welcome & History Park, which features historic Route 66 signs, classic train cars, and a pavilion full of info and photos dedicated to the Grand Canyon and Route 66.

However you want to go about experiencing or learning about Route 66, Williams is a town that will have you covered.

101 East Route 66, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Located just a short way from Williams is Grand Canyon National Park. One of the most visited national parks in the United States and one of the largest canyons on the planet, it is a destination you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to visit when you are already this close.

For those who really want to do it in style, the best way to travel from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park is on a train out of the Grand Canyon Railway Depot .

Boasting a wonderful collection of classic trains and traditional architecture, you can learn more about the history of the old west railroad before heading off to your legendary destination.

Depending on when you visit Williams, you may even be able to take a special seasonal themed journey. This includes incredibly popular packages like the “Polar Express” trips based on the movie of the same name that run each winter.

Grand Canyon Railway Depot, 280 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, Arizona, 86046

The Route 66 Zipline is an incredible attraction that suspends visitors 110 feet (33.5 metres) in the air above the Historic Route 66 itself. They are then launched at speeds close to 30 miles per hour (48 km per hour) along the zipline’s 1,400 foot (427 metre) length.

You have the option to travel facing either backwards or forwards beneath suspended replicas of classic cars. A high speed attraction that provides stunning views of Route 66, it is a perfect way for motor enthusiasts to have some fun while taking in the sights.

200 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Originally established as a horse trail in 1776, the fabled Great Western Trail runs for 4,455 miles (7,170 km) from Mexico to Canada, through the states of Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

While still incredibly popular with horse riders, it has become quite a hot spot for hikers and those who use recreational motorised vehicles too.

Only dedicated explorers will complete the trail, but following the section located around the outskirts of Williams is a great way to appreciate both the natural landscape of the town and the wild west history of the region.

Circle Pines Road, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Bill Williams Mountain is located only 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the south of Williams, in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Surrounded by natural beauty spots, it is a fabulous place to embrace the great outdoors and explore the region’s landscape.

Bill Williams Mountain itself stands 9,259 feet (2,822 metres) tall, making it one of the highest points in the region. Covered in forests and hiking trails, you can lose yourself strolling along, enjoying the scenery and some of the most stunning views of Williams and its surroundings you will find.

Each winter, the higher elevations on the mountain are particularly popular for winter sports. At the Elk Ridge Ski Area, on the mountain’s northeast side, you can enjoy activities like skiing, tubing, and snowboarding, as well as a wintery landscape most wouldn’t expect to find in Arizona.

Set between the mountain and Williams you also have Buckskinner Park. A beautiful park sat by a reservoir, its forests and hiking trails give you the chance to enjoy the natural scenery and activities like fishing and hiking, without having go too far from Williams.

200 West Railroad Avenue, Williams, Arizona, 86046

One of the most iconic sights in Williams is the “Gateway To The Grand Canyon”. A metal arch that hangs over Route 66, it was built in 1881 as, for many travellers, Williams was the final settlement they would encounter on their journey to the Grand Canyon.

While stopping for a picture with the arch is a must when you visit Williams, those with a car should drive through it and experience the wonders that lie beyond. While the road will eventually lead you to Grand Canyon National Park, it also passes through Kaibab National Forest along the way.

Spanning 1.6 million acres, it is filled with beautiful natural features, like forests and Scholz Lake, stretching all the way to the Grand Canyon.

With historic features like the Historic Spring Valley Cabin from 1917, Kaibab National Forest is an incredible location that is often overlooked due to its more famous neighbour.

800 Historic Route 66, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Monument Park is a small stretch of land on the west side of Williams that takes its name from the statues that fill it. The main attraction of the park is a large sculpture of “Old” Bill Williams, a local mountain man who the town was named after.

This is then surrounded by monuments dedicated to local veterans who gave their lives serving their country and statues depicting the wildlife of the region. A small park with a lot to offer, it is a short yet exciting stop that everyone should make when they visit Williams.

North 9th Street, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Bearizona Wildlife Park is one of the best attractions in the state for any animal lovers who visit Williams. Primarily a drive through wildlife park, it also has walk through sections and opportunities to meet and interact with the animals.

While best known for the bears it is named after, Bearizona is also home to animals such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, otters, jaguars, reindeer, and even wolves. With all the animals housed in spacious, faithful recreations of their natural habitats, it is a truly wonderful place to visit.

1500 East Route 66, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is located on the eastern outskirts of Williams and is well known for its legendary Canyon Coaster.

The Canyon Coaster rollercoaster travels up a nearby mountain along a 1 mile (1.6 km) track that is sat 35 feet (10.5 metres) in the air. With a slow ascent and fast paced descent, it allows you to enjoy some of the best views in the area before getting your blood pumping with an exhilarating ride.

Also boasting additional attractions like tubing slopes and a fabulous bar and grill, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is a place for fun and entertainment for the whole family, no matter their age.

700 East Route 66, Williams, Arizona, 86046

Trapper’s Rendezvous is a fabulous, 4-star, wild west themed property that allows you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Williams throughout your stay. From the rustic wood panelled rooms to the stylish entrance way, it is a great way to experience the old west.

Rooms all boast stunning views, spacious seating areas, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, as well as amenities like a flat screen satellite TV, hairdryer, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary bathrobes and bottles of water. All guests also receive free parking as well.

In the communal areas, you will also receive complimentary hot and cold snacks and beverages in the dining room throughout the day, plus access to BBQ facilities and a fire ring, giving you the opportunity to organise your very own old west cookout.

Williams is a fabulous destination for fans of nature and petrolania that often flies under the radar. Our guide to the 10 best things to do in Williams, Arizona will hopefully have helped you to not only see that but to be able to plan your perfect travel itinerary as well.

From when to go and where to stay to all the best things to do when you arrive, you have all the ingredients for a dream vacation. All you have left to do is start getting everything booked, so you can look forward to when you visit Williams for yourself.