Williams, Arizona is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. It’s an important hub where Route 66 road trippers, Grand Canyon vacationers, and Kaibab National Forest visitors converge. As such, the Williams Visitor Center is a must-stop for anyone who wants more information on the area, needs help planning their adventure, or just needs a bathroom break.
The Williams Visitor Center is located in the historic Santa Fe Freight Depot. The structure was built in 1901 as a passenger train depot. Through the years it later served as a telegraph and railroad office and a freight depot before being abandoned in the 1970s. In 1984 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and 1992 it was bought by the City of Williams. Funds were raised, the structure was restored, and it had its grand reopening as a visitors center in 1994.
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A stop at the Williams Visitor Center in Williams, Arizona is a must for anyone driving Route 66 or detouring to The Grand Canyon or Kaibab National Forest. Here you’ll find interpretive exhibits that delve into the history of Williams, Kaibab National Forest Service, and The Grand Canyon. There’s also a book store and gift shop with books, videos, souvenirs, and maps.
Staff at the visitor’s center can help you plan your journey, with information on local restaurants, businesses, hotels, activities, and places of interest. And a concierge can help you reserve your Grand Canyon Railway trip or a jeep, rafting, or helicopter tour.
Inside and out you’ll also find a couple of photo opportunities with Smokey Bear, the advertising icon of the U.S. Forest Service with an oversized stuffed version inside and a statue outside who stands by a sign with his famous slogan, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”
While traveling Route 66 in the area or heading to the Grand Canyon, make room in your road trip itinerary for nearby roadside attractions like Cars of the Mother Road and Flintstones Bedrock City.
Williams Visitor Center
Address: 200 W Railroad Ave, Williams, AZ 86046
Hours: 8am-5pm, Daily
Cost: Free to See
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