Holbrook connects the route of historic Route 66 with specific links to the town’s history. You can use two questions to guide your stay: What place does Route 66 hold, and which aspects of local history would you like to learn about? Holbrook’s history can be found in historic buildings, a street name, and a self-guided tour. Petroglyphs offer another distinct way to explore the area.

Route 66 in Holbrook

The first Arizona section of historic Route 66 runs through Holbrook along I-40. The section in Holbrook is marked between mile markers 289 and 285. These details provide different points of reference: the markers identify the local section, while I-40 shows the route of the first Arizona section through Holbrook. If Route 66 is your focus, you can take both perspectives into account when planning your trip.

The Courthouse and Historic Sites

The Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook was built in 1898 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 as a building of statewide significance. The courthouse houses a museum that portrays early life and culture in the Holbrook area. This lets you combine an interest in the building itself with a look at the region’s history and culture: the construction date and listing provide context for the courthouse, while the museum focuses on life in the Holbrook area.

Another historic landmark is Wigwam Village Motel #6. It is located at 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Its named location and listing add another point of reference to the courthouse’s history. The address provides a specific location for Wigwam Village Motel #6.

Street Names and Town History

Bucket of Blood Street was named after a notorious 1886 shootout at Terrill’s Cottage Saloon. The street name thus points to a specific event in local history. The Blevins House was also the site of a shootout involving Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens. These connections open a window onto Holbrook’s past through named places and events, not just buildings.

Downtown, there is also a free, self-guided historic walking tour. Its format lets you explore Holbrook’s history independently. It offers another way to engage with the town’s history, alongside the information associated with individual buildings and street names.

Petroglyphs as Another Focus

Visitors can see nearly 900 petroglyphs at O’Dell Hidden Cove Park. This adds a different topic to the historic connections found in the streets and buildings: rock art. If you’re interested in both history and this kind of cultural discovery, you can weigh these topics when planning your stay without having to follow a set itinerary.

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