Williams, Arizona

Since 1901, Grand Canyon Railway has been taking passengers on a legendary journey through Arizona’s countryside and into the heart of the Grand Canyon. The train departs from the Williams Depot, and arrives at the Grand Canyon. The returning train leaves the Grand Canyon in the afternoon and arrives back at the Williams Depot before dinnertime.

There’s a second train schedule during periods of high volume that runs one hour later than the regular posted times.

Passengers will be treated to entertainment in the form of musicians, attendants with regional and historical knowledge, and an old-fashioned train robbery. During the trip they’ll enjoy breathtaking views, world-class comfort, light snacks, and tasty libations. Grand Canyon Railway is a perfect day trip experience.

233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-4010

Containing approximately 160 acres of land, Bearizona Wildlife Park is situated in the center of northern Arizona, nestled in the breathtaking Kaibab National Forest. As visitors drive through the park’s Ponderosa Pine Forest, they’ll have the opportunity to view North American animals within their natural habitats.

Fort Bearizona provides more of a traditional “zoo” type of setting, with a beautiful walk-thru area that’s 20 acres in size. Some of the animal species visitors can expect to find here include black bears, Bobcats, otters, prairie dogs, reptiles, and ferrets. Visitors will also be treated to live Ambassador Animal Shows where keepers train the park’s program animals.

1500 East Route 66, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-2289

Williams Depot is a historic, privately-owned train station situated in the heart of Williams, Arizona. In 1882, the first railroad to travel through the city of Williams was built by the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company, part of the transcontinental railroad – western division.

On September 17th of 1901, the first passenger train ran from Williams to Grand Canyon South Rim. Now the headquarters and southern terminus for Grand Canyon Railway, Williams Depot contains a restaurant, ticket counter, restroom facilities, a coffee stand, and gift shop.

The original building that housed the Fray Marcos Hotel still remains, and is Arizona’s oldest poured-concrete structure. Visitors will have the chance to check-out classic railroad cars and learn all about western railroad history.

233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-2367

If you are traveling with kids:

For over four decades, Grand Canyon Deer Farm has been favorited by animal lovers from all over the country and world. Couples and families will have the rare opportunity of getting an up close, “hands on” experience with a variety of beautiful creatures.

These special moments of intimate human contact are only possible by raising the animals from infancy to adulthood. Some of the animal species visitors can expect to find during their trip here include camels, reindeer, mule deer, mini horses, elk, pot belly pigs, goats, wallabies, and more.

The farm’s trainers and staff work tirelessly to take care of, and maintain the animals so visitors can capture memories that will last them a lifetime.

6769 East Deer Farm Road, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-4073

Planes of Fame Air Museum is an airplane museum featuring over 150 aircraft on display, with at least 50 of them still capable of flying today. The museum is located just off of Arizona State Route 64, approximately 30 miles north of downtown Williams, Arizona. From flying and static aircraft and restoration projects to military vehicles and the 475th Fighter Group collection, visitors will have the opportunity to travel back in time as they explore the museum’s historic collection of aircraft and more. Plane buffs will be heaven here, as they’ll see everything from a Curtiss Warhawk P-40N to a Lockheed Starfighter F-104G to a Douglas Skyraider AD-4N.

755 Mustang Way, Williams-Valle, AZ, Phone: 928-635-1000

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Visitors will be transported back to a time where they’ll relive the glory days provided by one of the nation’s most iconic highways, Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum is a combination gift shop and museum for people who appreciate the history around Route 66. The gas station museum is conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Williams, Arizona. The carefully restored gas station houses several antiques that include vintage oil, tire, gas, travel, and product signs, gas pumps, and vintage cars. Visitors will appreciate all of the great information they’ll receive from the proprietors, the free admission, and accessibility – open 9:00am to 9:00pm daily (subject to change).

101 East Route 66, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-2675

The Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center is located in the heart of downtown Williams, Arizona, just off of Historic Route 66. The center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff is there to assist visitors, and help them make the most out of their Northern Arizona experiences. Visitors will find that this old railway depot is more than just another information center, it’s equipped with a large selection of educational items and books, regional maps, and Forest Service maps. The center even provides a concierge service that makes reservations for visitors and offers detailed information regarding tours. This center proudly promotes the Grand Canyon, Williams, and the surrounding Northern Arizona communities.

200 West Railroad Avenue, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-4061

Colors of the West is a wonderfully charming gift shop that’s been situated at the corner of Bill Williams Boulevard and 2nd Street since 1991 – currently 201 West 66. The store has been owned and operated by the same family from its very beginning. Every customer that makes their way into the shop is greeted by large smiles, warm hospitality, and treated just like family. The shop carries specialty food items, hundreds of different hot sauces, apparel, western home décor, and 40 different kinds of delicious, salt water taffy. Visitors looking for a unique shopping experience with a personal touch should look no further than the Colors of the West.

210 West Route 66, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-4310

Sycamore Canyon is Arizona’s second largest canyon within Red Rock Country, and stretches an impressive 21 miles in length. Comparable in size and beauty to the nearby Oak Creek Canyon, Sycamore boasts several colorful rock formations, lush flora, and several different species of fauna. Unlike Oak Creek, Sycamore has no road winding through the canyon, and can only be approached from Kaibab National Forest’s dirt tracks. The canyon is a popular hub for outdoor enthusiasts, here they can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. With no artificial lights around to pollute the nighttime sky, visitors camping at, or exploring the canyon at night, will be treated to breathtaking views of the twinkling stars above.

Williams Ranger District, 742 South Clover Road, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635-5600

Situated in downtown Williams, Arizona, Grand Canyon Wine Company provides visitors with a unique and awesome tasting room experience. They have the distinct honor of being the only winery in Arizona that also produces craft beer. Visitors will have the opportunity to try local craft beer and wine tasting flights within a casual setting. This family-owned and operated winery is committed to producing locally crafted wine using only the finest ingredient available. Visitors can sample the sensational craft beer and wine selections in the winery’s charming tasting room, complete with earth-tone colors, bistro-style tables, blue barstools, chalkboard menus, an L-shaped bar, and stylish décor.

138 West Route 66, Williams, AZ, Phone: 928-635 5232