Hold onto your hats, folks! We’re pullin’ into Holbrook, Arizona, a town that’s as iconic as the wigwams that dot its landscape. Back in the day, this little town on Route 66 was a bustling oasis for weary travelers, offering a place to rest their heads and refuel their spirits before continuing their journey west.

And speaking of restin’ your head, you can’t talk about Holbrook without mentionin’ the Wigwam Motel. This place is a true Route 66 legend, with its unique concrete teepees offerin’ a one-of-a-kind stay. Built in 1950, it’s a throwback to a simpler time, when family road trips were the norm and the open road was full of endless possibilities.

I bet some of y’all have fond memories of stayin’ in these wigwams, maybe even as a kid, starin’ up at the stars on a bright clear night. It’s a place that captures the spirit of adventure and the nostalgia of Route 66.

Now, walkin’ around these Wigwam Motels is like steppin’ right into a postcard from the past. It takes me back to those family road trips when I was a kid, eyes wide with wonder at every quirky roadside attraction. You know, the kind of places that made Route 66 so darn special.

These concrete teepees ain’t just a place to crash for the night; they’re a time machine, transportin’ you back to the golden age of the Mother Road. You can almost picture those families pullin’ up in their wood-paneled station wagons, kids pilin’ out, eager to explore their very own wigwam.

Where to stay in Holbrook Arizona

The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook Arizona and the Best Western Motel are my top picks

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It’s like those old Western movies come to life, with a touch of space-age flair thrown in for good measure. You half expect to see a cowboy ridin’ up on horseback, or maybe a family of Martians landin’ their flyin’ saucer for a night’s rest.

And you know what? These wigwams ain’t just for show. They’re cozy, comfortable, and full of that vintage charm that you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with the simple pleasures of a Route 66 road trip.

But Holbrook’s got more than just wigwams. It’s a town steeped in history, with a colorful past that includes everything from cowboys and ranchers to Navajo Code Talkers. And as you stroll down the main street, you can’t help but feel the echoes of those who came before you, the countless travelers who stopped here on their way to California dreamin’.

Yabba Dabba Doo! A Dinosaur-Sized Surprise in Holbrook

Now, here’s somethin’ you don’t see every day, even on Route 66: a rock shop with full-grown dinosaurs! Yep, right here in Holbrook, alongside those iconic wigwams, you’ll find a place where you can travel back to the prehistoric age.

I’m talkin’ about giant dinosaurs, folks, the kind that’ll make you feel like Fred Flintstone cruisin’ through Bedrock. There’s a T-Rex with teeth as long as your arm, a Triceratops with horns that could rival a Texas longhorn, and even a Stegosaurus with plates that’d make a knight’s armor look like tinfoil.

It’s a sight that’ll make your inner child do a little yabba dabba doo dance of joy. You can wander among these prehistoric giants, imagine what it was like when they roamed the earth, and maybe even snap a selfie with a Brontosaurus. And the best part? This ain’t just some roadside tourist trap. This rock shop is packed with all sorts of fascinating geological wonders. You’ll find petrified wood that shimmers like a rainbow, crystals that sparkle like diamonds, and fossils that tell tales of ancient life on Earth.

So, if you’re ever cruisin’ through Holbrook, do yourself a favor and spend a night in a wigwam. It’s an experience you won’t forget, a chance to relive those childhood dreams of adventure and capture the spirit of the Mother Road.

East of Holbrook, Arizona on Route 66

Petrified Forest National Park

Heading east from Holbrook, Route 66 guides you through Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient fossilized trees and Painted Desert views tell a story millions of years in the making. It’s the only national park where Route 66 once passed directly through.

Painted Desert Inn

Inside the park, the Painted Desert Inn offers beautiful murals, desert overlooks, and a glimpse into 1920s travel life. It once served as a stop for travelers making their way west along the Mother Road.

Adamana, Arizona (Off-Route Historic Stop)

Located just off Exit 303, Adamana was a pre-Route 66 railroad town that welcomed early visitors to the Petrified Forest. Though mostly abandoned now, it’s a historic footnote worth mentioning for travelers interested in the area’s early tourism roots.

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West of Holbrook, Arizona on Route 66

Geronimo Trading Post

Just outside of Holbrook, the Geronimo Trading Post invites travelers to stop and browse petrified wood, Route 66 trinkets, and what’s claimed to be the world’s largest petrified tree on display.

Joseph City, Arizona – Exit 269

Up next is Joseph City, home to the iconic Jack Rabbit Trading Post. With its famous “Here It Is” billboard and giant rabbit statue out front, it’s a Route 66 classic you don’t want to miss.

Howdy Hank’s Trading Post – Exit 274

Just a few miles further west, off Exit 274, sits Howdy Hank’s—a shuttered trading post with a distinct tepee-shaped building that still draws the attention of curious travelers and photographers.

Red Arrow Camps

Near Howdy Hank’s, the Red Arrow Camps site stands quietly with its weathered sign—one of those fading Route 66 treasures that tells a story without saying a word.

Winslow, Arizona – Standin’ on the Corner

Continuing west, you’ll roll into Winslow, made famous by the Eagles’ song Take It Easy. Stop by the Standin’ on the Corner Park for a photo with the bronze statue and mural. Then swing by the La Posada Hotel, a beautifully restored Harvey House that’s part museum, part luxury stay, and all Route 66 charm.

Route 66 Attractions in Holbrook, Arizona

1. Wigwam Motel: The Wigwam Motel is one of the most iconic Route 66 motels. It features concrete teepee-shaped rooms that guests can stay in. It’s a unique and nostalgic place to spend the night and a popular photo spot.
3. Historic Downtown Holbrook: Stroll through the historic downtown area of Holbrook to see vintage signs, murals, and old buildings that capture the spirit of Route 66. Be sure to look for the “Holbrook, The Heart of Route 66” mural
4. Petrified Forest National Park: While not technically in Holbrook, the Petrified Forest National Park is nearby and worth a visit. The park features stunning petrified wood, colorful badlands, and ancient petroglyphs.