Did you know that Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona, is home to the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest?
Or that it was once a stop on the famous Route 66?
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, was a highway in the United States that stretched from Chicago to California.
It was established in 1926 and served as a major transportation route for people and goods during the Great Depression.
Many historical landmarks and tourist destinations can be found along the route.
Whether you want to go hiking and biking in the forests or explore downtown’s historic district, this city has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona:
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The Orpheum Theater is a historic theater on West Aspen Avenue.
Built in 1911, it was originally known as the Majestic Theatre.
It served as a major movie theater for the community until it closed in 1999.
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The building remained closed for three years until it was renovated and reopened in 2002.
Today, the Orpheum Theater hosts a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows.
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Historic Downtown Flagstaff is a place brimming with history and culture.
The district is lined with beautiful old buildings full of historic charm and character, most of which date back to the early 1900s.
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The district has several museums and historical landmarks, including the Museum Club, the Elks Opera House, and the Weatherford Hotel.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining in Historic Downtown Flagstaff.
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Lowell Observatory is a historic observatory located on West Mars Hill Road.
Founded in 1894, it was the first observatory in the United States to be open to the public.
It’s best known for its discovery of Pluto in 1930.
Today, Lowell Observatory is home to several telescopes and exhibits that allow visitors to explore the universe and see the stars.
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Some exhibits on display include the Leonard Nimoy Planetarium, the Discovery Center, and the Aspen Grove.
The Leonard Nimoy Planetarium is a state-of-the-art theater that uses advanced digital projection technology to recreate the night sky.
The Discovery Center is a hands-on exhibit space that features displays about planets, stars, galaxies, and other topics in astronomy.
The Aspen Grove is an outdoor exhibit area with many interactive displays about the sun, moon, planets, and other astronomical objects.
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Nestled on North Fort Valley Road, the Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the American frontier.
The museum features several exhibits that tell the story of how the west was explored.
Some highlights include a replica of a pioneer cabin, an interactive mining exhibit, and a life-size diorama of Fort Apache.
In addition to its exhibits, the Pioneer Museum also offers many educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Some of these programs include the Living History Program, which allows visitors to learn about pioneer life first-hand from costumed interpreters, and the Trails to Treasures Program, which teaches kids about archaeology and history through interactive activities.
The Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about America’s western heritage, and plenty of fun and educational programs are available for visitors of all ages.
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The Museum of Northern Arizona is a museum dedicated to the study and preservation of Native American culture.
Located on North Fort Valley Road, the museum features several exhibits that explore the history and culture of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other Native American tribes.
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Some highlights include the Navajo Code Talkers exhibit, which tells the story of how Navajo marines used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II.
There’s also a pottery lab that allows visitors to watch potters working on traditional pottery techniques.
The Museum of Northern Arizona is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Native American culture.
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If you’re looking for a great outdoor activity in Flagstaff, hiking to Humphreys Peak is the way to go.
Located just a short drive from the city center, it is the highest point in the state and offers some of the best views you can find.
The hike to the summit is about a six-hour round-trip, but it’s well worth it when you reach the top.
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In addition to hiking, there are several other activities available, including camping, fishing, and river rafting.
For anyone looking for a great outdoor adventure, be sure to check out Humphreys Peak.
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Northern Arizona University Campus is a public university located on South San Francisco Street.
The university offers a variety of degree programs in several fields and is home to the world-renowned School of Forestry.
In addition to its academic programs, it offers many activities and attractions for visitors, including the NAU Observatory, which features interactive displays about the sun, moon, planets, and other astronomical objects.
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It also has several beautiful hiking trails on campus, which offer great views of the surrounding area.
Northern Arizona University is an excellent place to learn about forestry and nature conservation.
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Flagstaff Mall is a great place to spend a day when you’re looking for something fun to do.
In addition to its wide variety of stores, the mall along US-89 also offers different activities and attractions for visitors.
Its highlights include a children’s play area featuring games and activities for kids and a movie theater that offers a variety of new releases and family-friendly movies.
The mall also has several restaurants for visitors who want something to eat, including everything from fast food chains to upscale dining options.
Flagstaff Mall is an excellent place to spend a day with friends or family.
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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting Flagstaff.
The monument is home to the Sunset Crater, a cinder cone volcano formed about 1,000 years ago.
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The volcano is still active and features several hiking trails that offer great views of the surrounding area.
In addition to its hiking trails, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument also features exhibits that tell the story of how the volcano was formed.
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The highlights include a replica of a Native American village that showcases how people in the area lived before and after the eruption.
There’s also an interactive video exhibit that allows visitors to learn more about the science behind volcanoes.
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Walnut Canyon National Monument is a great place to learn about the history of Southwest America.
Located on Walnut Canyon Road, the park offers ranger-led tours of the canyon and self-guided tours of the visitor center and museum.
Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
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The shortest hike is the Island Trail, a half-mile loop that takes visitors around the island in the canyon’s center.
The longest is the Rim Trail, a six-mile round-trip that takes hikers to the top of the canyon walls.
There are also plenty of trails in between, so hikers can choose a trail that best suits their abilities and interests.
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Flagstaff is home to several excellent breweries, and Mother Road Brewing Company is one of the best.
The brewery offers a variety of different beers, including everything from IPAs to stouts.
Mother Road Brewing Company is best known for its wide variety of craft beers.
Its most popular beers include the Tower Station IPA, the Route 66 Blonde Ale, and the 7th Street Stout.
The Tower Station IPA is a classic IPA that is heavily hopped and features a citrusy flavor.
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Meanwhile, the Route 66 Blonde Ale is a light, refreshing beer perfect for summer days.
The 7th Street Stout is a rich, chocolatey stout that will satisfy your cravings.
In addition to its wide variety of beers, Mother Road Brewing Company also offers various tours and tastings.
It’s the perfect place to try some local craft beer.
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique craft beer, check out Mother Road Brewing Company on South Mikes Pike Street.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Flagstaff Extreme is the place for you.
Located in Fort Tuthill County Park, the course offers various activities that will test you and push you to your limits.
Highlights include a zip line that takes visitors over the forest canopy, and a rock wall, which features challenging obstacles.
The course also has several trails perfect for hikers of all abilities.
Flagstaff Extreme is perfect for anyone who wants to experience some excitement and adventure that will get the blood pumped and give you a rush of adrenaline.
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The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a beautiful place to visit any time of year.
Located on South Woody Mountain Road, it comprises several gardens and walking trails, perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The gardens feature various plants, including everything from cacti to roses.
Meanwhile, the walking trails are perfect for hikers of all abilities, and the arboretum has picnic areas ideal for family gatherings or date nights.
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In addition, the arboretum offers many different events throughout the year.
Highlights include the Spring Plant Sale and the Holiday Lights event, which features thousands of lights illuminating the grounds during the holiday season.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is worth a visit if you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy some natural beauty.
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If you’re looking for a place to cool off and have fun, the Flagstaff Aquaplex on North Fourth Street is the place for you.
It’s a multigenerational recreational center that offers various activities, such as swimming lessons, indoor wall climbing, and a fully-equipped gymnasium.
The aquaplex also has several pools, including a pool heated to 85 degrees year-round.
The pool is perfect for swimming, diving, and playing games with your friends.
The Flagstaff Aquaplex is the perfect place to have fun with your friends and family.
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Grand Canyon National Park is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason.
It’s home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, including the Grand Canyon itself.
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The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
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The park offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, and river rafting.
An hour and 20 minutes from Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Arizona.
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Flagstaff is a charming city that offers plenty to its visitors.
Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or learn about its rich history, there’s something for everyone in the city.
So, what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip, and be sure to check out all the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona!
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