Holbrook, AZ – Gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park
Holbrook, AZ is a great place to visit as you travel to other attractions east of Flagstaff. The town has Gillespie Park, along with some murals depicting the town’s history with US Route 66 and their role in Arizona history. Finally, Holbrook is proud to state that they are the gateway to the incredible Petrified Forest National Park.
Let’s explore the attractions in Holbrook!
Table of contents
Holbrook, AZ General Information
The City of Holbrook, with about 5000 residents, is in Navajo Country, AZ. Holbrook was founded in 1881 or 1882, when the railroad was built. The town was named after the Chief Engineer of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Henry Randolph Holbrook[5]. The City of Holbrook was incorporated in 1917.
The Puebloans, the Navajo, and the Apache called this area home prior to the establishment of the city. Their history runs deep in this general area.
What is Gillespie Park?
Gillespie Park is a beautiful small town park in the middle of Holbrook. The park has a small windmill and their own set of petrified logs.
There is also a unique sign with all the brands from the local ranches.
There are some murals and buildings we will check out in this small town as well.
What are the Holbrook Attractions?
Two murals really stand out:
US Route 66
This mural maps out the ancient trail of US Route 66 starting in Chicago, passing through Holbrook, and ultimately ending in Los Angeles, CA.
Holbrook’s Arizona History
The town’s website describes Holbrook in this way, “what began as a town too tough for women and churches is now too good to miss”. The town began as a town of railroaders and cattlemen, outlaws, and rugged lawmen. Today it’s a city steeped in Native American culture, Hispanic roots, and pioneers from all walks of life.
Wigwam Motel
The Wigwam Motel is located in the heart of Holbrook where it’s still open and represents the old US Route 66 cutting through Holbrook. It was built in the 1950s as a unique roadside motel using distinctive Wigwam-shaped rooms similar to the Native American dwellings of the past.
Navajo County Historical Museum
The Navajo County Historical Museum exhibits a wide-ranging collection of historic artifacts in the old Navajo County Courthouse. The artifacts represent the early history of Holbrook and the various cultures, settlers, ranchers, homemakers, teachers, and government officials, bankers, and entrepreneurs that made up the city.
Gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park
We went through the small town of Holbrook as we left the Petrified Forest National Park via the south exit. Holbrook is the gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park and a historic part of old Route 66.
President Roosevelt named the Petrified Forest (including part of the Painted Desert) a National Monument in 1906.
Key Takeaways
- Holbrook AZ is a charming town known for its rich history and attractions like Gillespie Park and the Wigwam Motel.
- The murals in Holbrook highlight US Route 66 and the town’s historical significance.
- You can explore the Navajo County Historical Museum for artifacts reflecting the area’s diverse heritage.
- Holbrook serves as the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park, steeped in natural beauty and history.
- Visitors can enjoy unique sites along the classic Route 66 as they explore Holbrook AZ.
Conclusion
If you like this content, I know you want to check out our video on Winslow, another classic Route 66 and “Standin’ on the Corner” nearby town, the Petrified Forest National Park, Two Guns Graffiti Gas Station and KOA, and Apache Death Cave, along with all the other epic Arizona trip videos. If you like this content do me a favor, subscribe and feel free to share it. Add a comment if you’ve been to visited Holbrook yourself.
