The drive into town
What you’ll pass, in order
Downtown is a straight shot down Navajo Boulevard. Catch the good stuff on the way in, dinosaurs and all, then pick your route at the Route 66 Turn.
Murals & Roadside Dinosaurs
Keep an eye out: a painted horse at Mesa Italiana, a roadrunner at the Bucket of Suds car wash, hand-painted benches along the road, and the first of the town’s roadside dinosaurs up on Navajo.
Vintage Route 66 Neon
The classic Dairy Queen sign, then the vintage El Rancho and Pow Wow Trading Post signs. Real Route 66 Americana, still lighting up the strip.
The 1898 Courthouse
The Navajo County Historic Courthouse & Museum, free to visit, and where the self-guided Historic Downtown Walk begins. The walk loops you down Bucket of Blood Street, so start here.
The Route 66 Turn
A giant US 66 shield is painted right into the sandstone here, and the Gillespie Park mural marks the spot where the Mother Road bends through town. This is your fork: go straight into the historic railroad district, or turn right down Route 66.
The road splits at the corner. Take your pick.
Into the historic railroad district
Bucket of Blood Street
Park and walk it. The old Bucket of Blood saloon, the Gandy Dancer Art Gallery, and posters on the town’s wild past.
Jim Gray’s
More than a rock shop. Display cases full of fossils and finds, including some that are millions of years old. See if you can spot them.
The Petrified Forest
The only national park on Route 66. Rainbow badlands and wood turned to stone, older than the dinosaurs. Feeling adventurous? Ancient petroglyphs turn up around town too, tucked into the washes and rock faces if you know where to look.
Down Route 66
America’s Main Street
The still-running Roxy Theater, plus old-timers like Joe & Aggie’s and the vintage barber shop, right where Route 66 ran through downtown.
The Wigwam Motel
Sleep in a concrete teepee, with vintage classic cars parked out front. The town’s icon and its most photographed spot.
Route 66 Centennial Sign
Pull up to the big drive-through Route 66 sign at Heward Park and get the shot. A centennial landmark for the Mother Road.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post
Back on the highway, the famous “HERE IT IS” sign. A true Route 66 legend, worth the quick stop.