Dreaming of a winter wonderland? You don’t need to fly all the way to Finland. Just a 3-hour drive away, you’ll find Williams, hiding many seasonal gems – including the famous Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express.
About Williams, Arizona
Williams is a small town, nestled in the pine country of Arizona, at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Train enthusiasts flood here year-long with to ride the Grand Canyon Railway through Arizona’s high country, while history buffs explore over 6 blocks of historic buildings and shops bursting with Route 66 memorabilia.
Moreover, Williams is the gate to an unforgettable nature escape: the Grand Canyon. Here, you can fish, hike, camp, or explore the wildlife – there’s no shortage of adventures and activities for the curious visitors.
Travelers can stay at one of the many historic motor lodges that line Route 66, as well as at the recently refurbished Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. When it comes to dining options, you can enjoy home-cooked meals, deep-fried treats, or delicious Mexican, Italian and American fare.
Why is it called Williams?
Founded in 1881, Williams was named for the famous trapper and mountain man, Old Bill Williams. You can still find a statue of “Old Bill” in Monument Park. The large mountain south of town is named Bill Williams Mountain and the town was incorporated July 9, 1901.
Also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams was the last town on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. The community continues to thrive on tourism.
What to do here
There is something for everyone in Williams, Arizona. The town boasts has rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66, coupled with tourism trends, and the town’s heyday years of the ’50s.
With several fishing lakes, hiking trails, an alpine ski area and cross-country ski trails, and an abundance of wildlife, the city offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Are you more of a city lover? The Historic Downtown District covers 6 square blocks. You’ll find a stretch of Route 66 with shopping, dining, lodging, and cowboy action, which is fun for the whole family.
The Grand Canyon and the Polar Express
The Grand Canyon is definitely a year-round attraction, but it’s extra stunning when dusted with snow. And the best – and most effortless – way to take in all in is through the Polar Express.
For the last 25 years, every winter, the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”. Here, Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a present for every good boy and girl, so you know the kids will love this adventure. You can also enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to timeless stories.
Make sure to book in advance – as you can imagine, this is quite a popular seasonal activity. The ride lasts a little over an hour, with the train leaving each night at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.