Holbrook, AZ · Gateway to the Petrified Forest
Holbrook is vibrant.
Your guide to everything happening in Holbrook. Whether you’re here for the weekend or you’ve been here for years, there’s something to love around town.
Start ExploringWelcome to Holbrook
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Things To Do
Explore Holbrook
Visiting or local, there’s plenty going on. Pick a category and find real spots and happenings around town.
Outdoors & Nature
History & Heritage
Attractions
Route 66
Dining
Arts & Culture
Parks & Recreation
Shopping
About Holbrook
About Holbrook, Arizona
Holbrook is a small Route 66 town in northeastern Arizona and the county seat of Navajo County, sitting right off Interstate 40. It got its start in 1881 as a stop on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, at a ford on the Little Colorado River that had been known as Horsehead Crossing, and it takes its name from Henry R. Holbrook, the railroad's chief engineer for the Western Division.
Today it's the closest town to Petrified Forest National Park and one of the best places left to see classic Route 66, with neon signs, vintage motor courts and a downtown full of Old West stories. Whether you're stopping for a night or spending a few days in the area, start with our guide to things to do in Holbrook, AZ and see what's happening in town while you're here.
Historic Route 66 in Holbrook
Route 66 still runs right through the middle of town. The Wigwam Motel has been renting rooms inside concrete teepees since 1950 and is one of only two Wigwam Village motels still taking guests, and the Route 66 Centennial sign, switched on for the first time on April 21, 2026, is the newest photo stop in town.
The Closest Town to Petrified Forest National Park
The Painted Desert entrance is about 26 miles from town off I-40 and the Rainbow Forest entrance is about 20 miles south on Highway 180, with a single 28 mile road between them, so a lot of visitors stay in Holbrook and drive Petrified Forest National Park as a loop.
Old West History Downtown
The Navajo County Courthouse, completed in January 1899, is now a museum and the area's visitor center, and our historic walking tour covers 50 stops around old downtown, including the story behind the Bucket of Blood Saloon.
Events
What’s going on in town
MoveFunctionLive Community Run: 2-Mile, 5K & 10K
In Motion Physical Therapy's community run series for National Physical Therapy Month, with a...
Petrified Mud Run
The Petrified Mud Run is coming to Holbrook on Saturday, October 24. It's about two miles of...
Plan Your Visit
Your stop on the Mother Road
A night in a teepee, sunrise over the Painted Desert, petrified wood older than the dinosaurs, Old West history, and classic Route 66. Tell us what you like and we’ll map out a trip that fits.
Locals, it works for you too, a handy way to show family and friends around town.
Build my tripHistoric Holbrook
Walk the historic downtown
Take a walk through old downtown. Tap any building on the map to read its story, see a photo, and find your way there, from the 1898 county courthouse to the old Route 66 storefronts.
Explore Historic Holbrook →Latest from Holbrook
News & stories
New spots, local happenings, and stories from around town. Worth a look whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here for years.
The History of the Bucket of Blood Saloon
Some towns have a saloon. Holbrook has one with a name that stops people in their tracks. The Bucket of Blood...
Top 5 Places to Stay in Holbrook
Holbrook has been putting up travelers since the Route 66 days, and it still does it well. Whether you want...
Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park: A Local’s Guide
Plan the best things to do in Petrified Forest National Park, from the Painted Desert to Crystal Forest, with...
There’s a lot going on in Holbrook
Real shots from around town, posted as they happen. Follow and tag #DiscoverHolbrook to show up here.