Holbrook: Route 66, Local History, and Petroglyphs

Holbrook offers several points of interest for travelers interested in Route 66 and local history: a designated route segment, a historic walking tour, buildings with their own pasts, and petroglyphs. If you’re looking for hotels in Holbrook, these themes can help you choose a destination that fits your trip’s priorities. Each tells a different story, and you can decide which ones to focus on based on your interests.

Route 66: Route and Designated Segment

The first section of historic Route 66 in Arizona runs along I-40 through Holbrook. The designated section of historic Route 66 in Holbrook lies between mile markers 289 and 285. The two details provide different points of reference: the first describes the route through town, while the second defines the designated section by its markers. If Route 66 is the reason for your trip, these details provide a specific connection to Holbrook and clarify the location of the designated section there.

Downtown and Local Stories

Downtown Holbrook has a free, self-guided historic walking tour. It offers a distinct way to explore local history and can be considered alongside stories about individual buildings. One specific episode is behind the name of Bucket of Blood Street: it was named after a notorious 1886 shootout at Terrill’s Cottage Saloon. The street name thus connects a specific name to a named event and its location.

Blevins House is also associated with a historic event: it was the site of a shootout involving Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens. A street with a name tied to its origins and a house that served as the scene of an event are two distinct points of connection to local history.

Courthouse and Historic Buildings

The Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook was built in 1898. It houses a museum that portrays early life and culture in the Holbrook area. In 1978, the courthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a building of statewide significance. The construction date, museum subject, and historic designation each highlight something different: the date places its construction in time, while the museum and National Register listing each offer a distinct connection to the history of the building and region.

Wigwam Village Motel #6 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and is located at 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook. Its specific address and National Register listing give this named building its own historical points of reference alongside those of the courthouse. Together, the two listings offer different reasons to explore Holbrook’s architectural and cultural history.

Petroglyphs at O’Dell Hidden Cove Park

Visitors can see nearly 900 petroglyphs at O’Dell Hidden Cove Park. This focus differs from stories about streets and buildings: here, the petroglyphs take center stage, while the courthouse and Wigwam Village Motel #6 stand out for their architectural and historic designation. As you weigh your travel interests, you can choose between Route 66, local history, and rock art.

Discover more destinations: Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Kayenta, Snowflake, Heber-Overgaard, Winslow

For the broader travel overview: Navajo.