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Fun and Unique Things to do in Williams Arizona 

May 24, 2021

Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is an absolutely fun and vibrant town that is a great place to stay if you’re visiting the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Apart from all the cool Grand Canyon sites located just over an hour’s drive away, Williams has many unique attractions to choose from, including ghost tours, a drive-thru wildlife park, train rides, and all sorts of quirky shops and restaurants.

What is Williams Arizona Famous For?

Williams is named after the famous mountaineer and fur trapper, Bill Williams. Established in 1881, the area was first home to ranchers and then travelers exploring the Grand Canyon as the railroad came into town and tourism expanded in the early 1900s. The Sante Fe Railroad allowed more people to travel to the Grand Canyon than ever before. Route 66 brought even more people after its completion in 1926.

What is there to do in Williams, Arizona?

The Grand Canyon Railway is among the top attractions in Williams. Passengers can get on and ride back and forth to the Grand Canyon South Rim on the same day. If you have the time, the train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon is a really amazing way to experience the beautiful scenery without having to worry about parking.

Exploring Historic Route 66 is one of my favorite things to do in Williams. It doesn’t take long to walk a loop of the entire downtown corridor. We recommend parking in the evening at dusk so you can both avoid the heat but also see all the cool vintage neon signs lit up throughout town. Twisters Soda Fountain, Goldies Route 66 Diner, and Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe are all amazing stops along the way. 

Located in Kaibab National Forest, Bearizona is a unique drive-through wildlife park where visitors can see black bears, wolves, bobcats, beavers, badgers, and all sorts of other critters from the comfort of their personal vehicle.

Big Toy Playground allows guests to play with the big earth moving machines and trucks of their youth. Dubbed as the ultimate playground for grownups, if you’ve ever wanted to drive a backhoe for fun, this is your chance!

Does Route 66 Go Through Williams, Arizona?

A well-preserved stretch of Route 66 runs right through downtown Williams, and you won’t be able to miss it! Dotted with historic inns, diners and curious storefronts, get your nostalgia kic on this beloved American highway.

What Part of the Grand Canyon is Closest to Williams, Arizona?

The South Rim, the most visited part of Grand Canyon National Park, is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Williams, Arizona. Travel time between Williams and the South Rim entrance can vary greatly and is especially heavy during the peak summer months. Check out our Grand Canyon Guide on Cool Things to do in and around this unique natural wonder.

How Long is the Train Ride from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon Railway is a 2-hour ride each way from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The train departs in the morning once daily from Williams, returning in the early evening, with only one trip back and forth from the South Rim daily.

unique things to do near Williams

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