Williams Arizona
Founded in 1881, Williams was named for William Sherley “Old Bill” Williams (1787–1849), a famous trapper, trader, scout and mountain man, who often trapped in the area. A statue of “Old Bill” stands in Monument Park, located on the west side of the city. The large mountain directly to the south is named Bill Williams Mountain. The city was incorporated on July 9, 1901.
Williams was the last city whose section of Route 66 was bypassed, due to lawsuits that kept the last section of Interstate 40 in Arizona from being built around the city. After settlements called for the state to build three Williams exits, the suits were dropped and I-40 was completed. On October 13, 1984, Interstate 40 was opened around the town and newspapers the next day reported the essential end of US 66.The following year, Route 66 was decommissioned.
The Williams Historic Business District and Urban Route 66, Williams were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and 1989, respectively.
Williams is a flashback to the glory days of trappers, railroads and route 66! There are many things to do while enjoying the 4 season climate.
Bearazona
1500 E Route 66 https://bearizona.com/
Bearizona is approximately 160 acres. Visitors will drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest, viewing North American animals in natural habitats when they visit. More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walk-thru area, along winding paths which is more of a “zoo” typesetting.
Home to native species like bear, elk, wolves and bison and smaller creatures like foxes, river otters, porcupines, bobcats, raccoons and more. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $25 for Children and hours are 9-5:30 7 days a week.
Canyon Coaster
700 East Route 66, Williams AZ https://canyoncoasteradventurepark.com/
Enjoy mountain scenery on your way up, then you control the speed down a mile-long track! Experience a variety of thrill ride features such as steep descents, dips, twists, hairpin turns, and 360-degree corkscrews! This is so Fun!!! $20 per ride for Adults and $10 per ride for small Children. You can ride double but a ticket for each person is required. They also have summer tubing, snow tubing and a really good bar and grill!
Grand Canyon Railway
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams https://www.thetrain.com/
The historic Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Enhance your Grand Canyon experience with an entertaining train ride featuring western musicians and cowboy characters on vintage rail cars. You can plan a whole vacation – we offer many packages that include lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and inside Grand Canyon National Park. And, we’re taking steps to make sure we’re creating a safe environment. Plan your adventure today!
Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a jingle bell for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.
Where to Eat
Williams has a lot of really great restaurants and I’ll list a few of my favorites here
Cruisers Route 66 Cafe
233 W Route 66 Famous for their BBQ that you will smell from a mile away! The ribs… Oh My!
Pine Country Restaurant
107 N Grand Canyon Blvd A great stop for breakfast, the biscuits and gravy are so good!
Pizza Factory
214 W Route 66 Really good Pizza!!
Frontier Barbeque and Beer Garden
730 W Route 66 A good place to have a leisurely meal with some fun games to play too!
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