Just a short trip from anywhere in Arizona and neighboring states, Williams is a living testament to how transportation shaped the American West.
In little more than a century, railroads and automobiles carried travelers westward, opening vast stretches of countryside to the public and cementing Williams’ place in U.S. history. These days, the Grand Canyon Railway shuttles more than 200,000 visitors annually from Williams to the Grand Canyon, reducing automobile traffic and preserving a piece of history and the environment.
Today, the charming town of 3,000 features a compact two-mile stretch of Route 66 running through its heart. Once visitors park and explore on foot, they’ll discover plenty to see and do. Late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings line the streets, while weekends bring the sounds of 1950s and ’60s music, live bands, and the steady rumble of classic engines.
Along Route 66, shops celebrate the town’s heritage with Native American pottery, jewelry, and blankets, leather goods, retro memorabilia, and locally and U.S.-made products.
With the most well-preserved stretch of Route 66 and historic rail access to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Williams proudly remains a gateway to both the canyon and the American West.
Contact: Experience Williams, Jessica Mitchell Remington, Email: jessica@wanderwestdestinations.com
