Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Snowflake, AZ

  • Published 2023/02/14

Snowflake is a town in Navajo County founded in 1878, and it’s proud of its history and natural beauty.

It’s mostly known for its unusual name, but it’s not the only thing that makes it unique.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities and sights that show off the world’s natural beauty, then Snowflake is the place to go.

And if you’re looking for history and that old-timey vibe?

Well, Snowflake has that too!

Whatever it is you’re seeking, this town has destinations for you.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Snowflake, AZ:

Stop by the Snowflake Arizona Temple

Exterior view of Snowflake Arizona Temple

Chris Curtis / Shutterstock.com

The Snowflake Arizona Temple is one of the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

If you belong to this religion, visit Arizona’s second temple.

Front view of Snowflake Arizona Temple

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Offer up a prayer, connect with fellow temple-goers in the area, and maybe even get to know some of them and learn the things you share in faith.

The building itself is gorgeous.

Artificial waterfall in Snowflake Arizona Temple

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located at 1875 West Canyon Drive, it has a smooth stone facade and a Moroni Statue on its parapet.

Even if you’re not there for prayer, consider viewing the structure to document its architectural design.

Walk the Five Mile Wash

The Five Mile Wash, found in the Capitol Reef National Park, is one of the many canyons that drain the Waterpocket fold.

When you stand in the middle, you face a seemingly endless cliff wall reaching upward to graze the sky.

It’s hard not to marvel at the beauty and majesty of such greatness.

The canyon deepens and narrows at a steady interval; the path is rocky, and the trail isn’t kind to beginner hikers, so come prepared.

Try Scrumptious Meals at La Cocina De Eva

The best way to truly know any place is to taste the intricacies of its local cuisine, and the best site to get started in Snowflake is La Cocina De Eva.

The restaurant combines fantastic cooking, amazing vibes, and authentic Mexican dishes, which all its patrons can enjoy.

Their food is always fresh, so savor each bite and have fun in the place while you’re at it.

Likewise, the restaurant does give you a home-away-from-home feel, and why wouldn’t you want to savor that?

Visit the Stinson Pioneer Museum

There’s magic in learning about the past that we will never quite understand at present.

It’s the magic of traveling back in time, stepping into another person’s shoes and learning about their life as if it were your own, and remembering the story of people who have passed a long time ago.

Preserving history is the primary goal of the folks over at Stinson Pioneer Museum at 102 N. 1st East.

They house artifacts from hundreds of years ago, ranging from the prehistoric tools of Native Americans to the belongings of 19th Century pioneers.

They also display the loom Lucy Hannah Flake used to weave cloth and rag rugs.

Every piece has its own story to tell.

Observe each exhibit and try to uncover buried history.

Sit Back and Relax at the Snowflake Town Park

It’s always a good idea to take a break by visiting the local park.

It’s an excellent place to unwind, let yourself truly take in what you’ve seen, and not feel overwhelmed by all the sights.

After all, you might not have all the time in the world, but there’s no reason to stress yourself out during a relaxing experience.

If that’s what you’re looking for, then head to Snowflake Town Park.

Have a picnic with your friends, lie back, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself think of nothing for just a little bit.

And, if you have time, stop by the Main Street lamp and marvel at the lovely tiny flowers decorating the post, a beautiful little tradition the locals work hard to maintain.

Learn about History at Taylor Arizona Museum

The Taylor Arizona Museum, found at Rt 77 Main Street and Center, documents the exciting and unique history of the state.

It is a must-visit for people who love learning about the places they’re visiting.

One of the first things that’ll greet you at the patio area is the war memorial commemorating all the residents who fought and died for the United States.

Offer a moment of silence and pay your respects to these patriots.

Once inside, you’ll find exhibits of Navajo art made by the citizens to help you appreciate their culture.

There are also sandstone rocks from nearby areas, which feature the names of people who have hiked the surrounding trails.

Go Camping at Pioneer Park

If the town park is a little too austere for your liking, you can visit other places.

One of those places is the Pioneerk at 273 Trent Road.

This place is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy a clear, open space for recreational activities with their friends and loved ones.

There’s a lot you can do in this park with all its amenities.

Do you want to try out their swimming pool or play a game on their basketball or tennis courts?

You can even go treasure hunting or paddleboat racing!

Camping is also the highlight of this park, so try that out if you’re interested in outdoor activities.

You can set up a tent or park your RV on their massive grounds, or, if that’s not your thing, rent a cabin and relax to the gentle sounds of nature and wildlife singing all around you.

Tour Snowflake’s Historic Homes

Street view of Snowflake’s Historic Homes

Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Snowflake has a rich history, with much of it preserved in the houses that still stand in their neighborhoods.

These houses tell a grand story about the city, with many things to learn and many lives you can visit.

James M. Flake Home in Snowflake

Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Snowflake Foundation hosts tours of historic homes in the area, so join one of those if you happen to catch one during your trip.

You can see the James M. Flake Home, a Victorian Second Empire Home.

Its distinctive facade consists of locally fired bricks.

John A. Freeman's house in Snowflake

Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There’s also the Locy Rogers Cabin if you’re looking to learn more about the town’s rustic and down-to-earth side.

Whichever house you visit, learn as much as possible, both about the building and the people who lived in them.

Explore Willis Farm

If you’re looking for something fun, unique, and engaging in Snowflake, then Willis Farm is one of the first destinations to visit.

The highlight of the farm is the cornfield maze and the various activities they set up to give visitors a fun and spooky experience.

The staff even organizes zombie runs.

Run around their vast maze with a white flag tied around your waist while zombies and other scary things chase you.

You have but one goal: to make it out unscathed and with the white flag intact.

You can also rent an area where you and your friends can play laser tag.

Make it a game of alliances and betrayals, and don’t forget to have the time of your lives while you’re at it!

Dine at Bits & Pizzas

Wherever you are and whatever you do, pizza is the one thing you’ll always come back to.

It’s a familiar comfort and a unique experience that depends on where you are.

If you’re craving this savory treat in the middle of your trip, don’t fret since Bits & Pizzas at 408 S Main Street has you covered.

They’ve served the locals and visitors of Snowflake for more than 40 years now, meaning they’ve refined their process down to an art form.

Their pizzas and sauces are handmade; every bite carries love and complete care.

They also serve subs, wings, and ice cream on their menu to ensure that every visitor leaves their restaurant full and completely satisfied.

Play Golf at Snowflake Community Golf Course

Golf may not be the first thing in people’s minds when they think of recreational activities, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it.

It’s a sport that takes a lot of skill and can get surprisingly competitive.

The town owns and operates the Snowflake Community Golf Course, located at 90 North Country Club Drive.

It’s also the best place to visit if you want to try the sport for the first time or show off your skills to the world.

Go Fishing at the Silver Creek

There’s more than one way to get in touch with nature while you’re on your trip, and it’s in your best interest to try them all out if you can.

Fishing is a peaceful activity that requires a lot of patience and waiting.

However, you also have to stay alert in anticipation of the big catch.

One of the best places to try out this activity is visiting Silver Creek.

It’s a 45-mile-long stream filled with fish waiting to bite the bait.

Visit Snowflake during the fishing season and follow government regulations.

Get as much trout as you can, and show off your skills!

Wander the Show Low Museum

Snowflake has a long and exciting history that deserves remembrance and discussion.

It’s the mission of the Show Low Museum, located at 561 East Deuce of Clubs Show, to collect, preserve, and exhibit the historical objects of Native Americans and Americans.

These objects include books, works of art, and archival materials.

The museum has several rooms featuring different things, so try to visit all of them to get a comprehensive picture of the story they’re trying to tell.

Enjoy the Mexican Dishes of El Cupidos Mexican Food

El Cupidos Mexican Food, located at 379 S Main Street, serves all their visitors authentic Mexican dishes using the best quality ingredients and original Mexican recipes.

Their menu includes breakfast burritos, such as chorizo, ham, and bacon.

Try their enchiladas montadas, chorizo con huevos, and their pollo especial.

If you’re looking for an exotic meal to top off your trip, this is the place to go.

Give the place a shot, and savor the taste of savory Mexican dishes.

Have a Good Meal at the Ranch House Saloon

The Ranch House Saloon has received Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence.

It’s a great place if you want to end your trip to Snowflake on a high note.

This saloon is one of the few places to find New American Mountain Cuisine, which means they only use the best ingredients, including full-blooded Wagyu beef taken from their ranch-raised cows.

Go on a Historic Home Tour All over Snowflake

One of Snowflake’s points of pride is its vast array of historic homes and buildings all over the downtown district.

To be more precise, the town has about 26 listed homes in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Snowflake Heritage Foundation ensures you get acquainted with the town’s heritage through guided tours.

If you prefer to go on an adventure on your own, you can get a copy of the tour map and start from there.

Some of the household names included in the tour include the Stinson Museum, the 1894 fire brick-composed James M. Flake Home, and the 1878 Locy Rogers Cabin.

But there’s more for you to explore, so keep your eyes peeled!

Take a Photo of The Snowflake Monument

Daytime view of The Snowflake Monument

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you find yourself touring Snowflake, don’t end your trip without at least dropping by The Snowflake Monument.

Established in 2000, this monument retells the first settlement of the first dwellers of Snowflake.

In 1878, merchant William Flake and Mormon leader Elder Snow came to an agreement to call the peaceful place “Snow-Flake”.

Sculptor Justin Fairbanks brought this momentous moment to life with life-sized statues of the two men, William’s wife, and historian L. John Nuttail.

You can find The Snowflake Monument at the intersection of West 1st and South Main Streets.

Join a Free Event at Snowflake-Taylor Public Library

Need to do a bit of research or reading when you’re on your vacation in Snowflake?

Then, drop by Snowflake-Taylor Public Library!

This library doesn’t only act as a reading archive space but also as a community events venue.

Aside from the usual books and reading materials, this library hosts child- and adult-centered programs.

Take your kids out to this place for an immersive storytime session.

For you and your adult group, join workshops, movie dates, and fun escape games!

Snowflake-Taylor Public Library is on South 4th West if you want to visit.

Celebrate Heritage and Legacy at the Snowflake Harvest Fest

Celebrate the beauty of fall with the Snowflake Harvest Fest.

This annual event has become a community tradition for the town and includes a fun-filled program for visitors of all ages.

Hosted by Pioneer Park on Main Street, this event features live entertainment, scavenger hunts, and pumpkin pie contests.

It also offers wagon rides you can take advantage of to fully admire the entirety of the pumpkin patch installed onsite.

There’s no other kind of fun that Snowflake Harvest Fest brings to you, so be there in October!

Watch a Theater Performance at Silver Creek Little Theatre

Are you a fan of theatrical performances?

Then, a trip to Silver Creek Little Theater might be good for you!

This community theater has been in service for at least 30 years but has only started offering seasonal productions in 2019 after a 10-year hiatus.

Its 2022 production showcased the romantic comedy, Charley’s Aunt.

And in 2023 and the years to come, there will be more fun productions you should watch out for!

You can see Silver Creek Little Theater’s performances at Snowflake High School on South 2nd West Street.

Final Thoughts

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the same is true for enjoyment.

There are so many ways to have fun wherever you go.

It’s really up to you to decide what sites to see and what activities to do.

However, some places make these choices easier.

With the wide variety of activities and sights in Snowflake, Arizona, you’ll never lack options.

One piece of advice you should consider is to do things at your own pace.

You may not be able to do all the activities here, but try everything you think will be fun.

That already makes the vacation a success.

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