The Best Stops on Route 66 in Arizona
If you seek a road trip that will help you soak up history and see amazing sights, there may be no better destination than Route 66 in Arizona. Check out these five stops that are must-adds on your Route 66 journey.
Visit the donkeys in Oatman, Arizona
Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona. It provides a unique attraction many don’t expect — wild burros roaming the streets. These animals can be traced back to the burros used by the original miners in the late-1800s.
If you stop in Oatman, you can get hands-on with the donkeys. They are so tame that you can hand-feed them with carrots and pellets available to buy in town. If you show up at night, don’t be surprised if the burros are gone; the donkeys head up to the hills in the evenings.
Music history in Winslow, Arizona
Rock-and-roll fans can take in a bit of history at Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona. This park commemorates the classic song “Take It Easy” by the Eagles. The tune includes the line, “Well, I’m standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see.” Put the Eagles on the radio as you cruise through Winslow.
Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona
This natural phenomenon is the result of a collision between an asteroid traveling at a speed of 26,000 miles per hour and Earth. Studied by miners and geologists, the craters’ impact occurred approximately 50,000 years ago. It measures nearly one mile across, over two miles in circumference, and more than 550 feet deep.
During your visit, you can experience a big-screen movie experience about the crater, go to three different lookout points, and enjoy a guided tour around the crater’s rim.
Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona
Named one of USA Today’s best drive-through wildlife parks, Bearizona is sure to add excitement to your trip. Located just off Historic Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, the park features lots of wildlife, including black bears, deer, bighorn sheep, raptors, and bison. A bus can take you on a guided tour of Bearizona.
After viewing the wildlife, you can visit the petting zoo to get up close and personal with goats and sheep. If you work up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at one of the park’s two restaurants before you hit the road.
Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
If you plan on an overnight stay along Route 66, consider crashing at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. This motel is part of a quickly fading chain, now with only three locations. This spot originally opened in 1950 and has been renovated several times. The wigwams can sleep up to four guests and have private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.
Car lovers appreciate the vintage autos throughout the motel’s parking lot. If the Wigwam Motel looks a little familiar, it could be because the Cozy Cone Motel in the movie Cars was based on this historic site.
The deep history of Route 66 in Arizona has given rise to a number of great attractions, including the five we highlighted. To round out your trip with some knowledge, consider a final stop at the Arizona Route 66 Museum. More than anything else, enjoy the ride!