Welcome to Flagstaff, Arizona
Perched at 7,000 feet above sea level in the cool, pine-forested highlands of northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a refreshing and historic stop on Route 66. This lively mountain town offers a rare combination of small-town charm, college-town energy, and access to some of the Southwest’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks. With its vibrant downtown, legacy of railroads and Route 66, and stunning surroundings including the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is a must-visit for anyone traveling the Mother Road.
The History of Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s roots stretch back to the late 19th century when pioneers, lumbermen, and railroad workers carved out a settlement in the pine forests of northern Arizona. The town was named after a flagpole erected by a group of Boston travelers on July 4, 1876, to celebrate the U.S. centennial. By the 1880s, the arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad solidified Flagstaff’s role as a transportation hub.
The city quickly grew as a logging center and supplier for nearby ranches, mines, and even the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff later became known for its astronomical observatories and scientific community, including Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
Climate and Weather in Flagstaff
Flagstaff has a cool, dry-summer continental climate (Köppen Dsb), a rarity in Arizona. Its high elevation means four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and mild summers.
| Season | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 80°F (27°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 2–3 in | 0 in |
| Fall | 65°F (18°C) | 35°F (2°C) | 1–2 in | 1–3 in |
| Winter | 45°F (7°C) | 20°F (-6°C) | 1–2 in | 20–25 in |
| Spring | 60°F (16°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 1–2 in | 5–10 in |
The city averages approximately 22 inches of rain and over 100 inches of snow annually, making it one of Arizona’s snowiest cities.
A Detailed History of Route 66 in Flagstaff
Route 66 came to Flagstaff in 1926, following the alignment of earlier wagon and railroad trails. The highway ran straight through downtown, helping the city boom as motels, diners, and service stations sprang up to cater to road-weary travelers.
Flagstaff was a key refueling and rest stop for travelers crossing the high Arizona plateau. Its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park and the Petrified Forest made it a tourist hotspot. By the 1950s, businesses along Route 66 in Flagstaff—like motels with neon signs, drive-ins, and classic gas stations—became fixtures of American roadside culture.
Although Interstate 40 bypassed much of Route 66 by the late 1970s, Flagstaff’s downtown stretch of Route 66 remains intact and thriving, with many businesses honoring their historic roots.
Route 66 Attractions in Flagstaff
1. Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Walkable and full of character, downtown Flagstaff is lined with classic Route 66-era buildings, galleries, boutiques, cafes, and vintage neon signage.
The Historic Downtown Area in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a vibrant hub located directly along the original Route 66 alignment. This charming district is filled with well-preserved early 20th-century buildings, many of which now house eclectic shops, local restaurants, breweries, and galleries. The area reflects Flagstaff’s deep railroad and Route 66 heritage, with vintage neon signs, murals, and brick-lined sidewalks adding to its nostalgic atmosphere. Landmarks like the historic train station and the Weatherford and Monte Vista Hotels offer a glimpse into the town’s past, while the lively arts and music scene keeps the downtown experience fresh and dynamic.
2. Flagstaff Visitor Center (in the historic train depot)
Located in the old Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot, this center offers great resources for Route 66 travelers, as well as exhibits and memorabilia.
The Flagstaff Visitor Center is housed inside the historic Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot, located right on Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff. Built in 1926, this beautifully preserved train station blends Mission Revival and Tudor Revival architectural styles and continues to serve as an active Amtrak stop. Inside, the Visitor Center offers maps, brochures, and expert local guidance for exploring Flagstaff, the surrounding region, and the Route 66 corridor. The center also features exhibits on the city’s railroad and Route 66 history, making it both a practical stop for travelers and a window into Flagstaff’s storied past.
3. Motel Du Beau Travelers Inn
One of the first motels built in Flagstaff in 1929, this motor court was originally advertised to tourists exploring the Southwest. It’s now a cozy, European-style hostel with preserved vintage charm.
The Motel Du Beau Travelers Inn, located just off Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, is one of the city’s most historic motor courts. Opened in 1929, it was one of the first “motor hotels” designed specifically for automobile travelers on the newly designated Route 66. Featuring classic Southwestern architecture and vintage charm, the inn has hosted generations of road-trippers and adventurers. Today, it offers modern accommodations while preserving its original character, making it a cozy and nostalgic stop for those exploring the Mother Road.
4. Museum Club (“The Zoo”)
A famous Route 66 roadhouse known for its enormous log cabin design, country music history, and dancing, the Museum Club has hosted legends like Willie Nelson and Wanda Jackson.
The Museum Club, located on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the most iconic roadhouses on the Mother Road. Originally built in 1931 as a taxidermy shop and museum by Dean Eldredge, it was known as “the biggest log cabin in the Southwest.” In 1936, it was transformed into a roadhouse and music venue, quickly becoming a favorite stop for cowboys, truckers, and Route 66 travelers. Over the decades, it hosted legendary country music acts and earned a reputation as both a lively honky-tonk and a haunted hotspot. With its rustic log construction and neon signage, the Museum Club remains a beloved landmark, offering live music and a taste of vintage Route 66 nightlife.
5. Galaxy Diner
A 1950s-style diner along Route 66 with vintage decor, jukeboxes, and hearty comfort food. It often hosts classic car shows and is a local institution.
The Galaxy Diner, located on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a classic 1950s-style diner that captures the spirit of America’s golden age of road travel. Originally opened in the 1950s and restored in the 1990s, the diner is famous for its retro decor, neon lights, jukeboxes, and black-and-white checkered floors. It has long been a popular stop for Route 66 travelers seeking a nostalgic meal, offering classic American fare like burgers, milkshakes, and hearty breakfasts. The Galaxy Diner also hosts car shows and swing dance nights, keeping the vintage vibe alive and making it a lively gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
6. Lowell Observatory
Although not right on Route 66, this world-famous observatory is a short drive from downtown and was an iconic stop for curious travelers.
Lowell Observatory, perched on Mars Hill just off Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, it gained international fame for Lowell’s studies of Mars and, later, as the site where Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. The observatory played a key role in early planetary research and remains an active center for astronomical science and public education. Today, visitors can explore historic telescopes, enjoy interactive exhibits, and stargaze through modern instruments, all while experiencing the legacy of space exploration in the heart of Route 66 country.
7. Route 66 Mural and Public Art
Flagstaff is home to several Route 66-themed murals and public art installations that celebrate the city’s ties to the highway’s golden age.
Flagstaff’s Route 66 murals and public art installations celebrate the city’s deep connection to the Mother Road through vibrant, large-scale artwork. Scattered along the historic Route 66 corridor, these murals depict scenes of classic Americana, vintage cars, neon signs, and iconic local landmarks. Created by local artists as part of community beautification and historic preservation efforts, the murals reflect the city’s railroad heritage, Indigenous culture, and mid-century roadside charm. Notable works include pieces near the historic train station and downtown alleyways, turning Flagstaff into an open-air gallery that honors both its past and its creative spirit.
Lodging in Flagstaff
Flagstaff offers a range of Route 66-era motels and modern hotels:
- Hotel Monte Vista – Historic downtown hotel known for celebrity guests and ghost stories.
- Little America Hotel – A classic full-service hotel near Route 66 with forested grounds.
- Motel Du Beau – Historic motor court now a unique hostel.
- Howard Johnson by Wyndham – Retro-style lodging right on old Route 66.
- Weatherford Hotel – A landmark 1897 hotel with Victorian charm and nightlife.
Places to Eat on Route 66 in Flagstaff
1. Galaxy Diner
Classic diner fare in a retro setting with milkshakes, burgers, and car culture nostalgia.
2. Miz Zip’s
A Route 66 mainstay since the 1950s, known for its hearty breakfasts and home-style cooking.
3. The Crown Railroad Cafe
A train-themed eatery perfect for breakfast or lunch, filled with railroad memorabilia.
4. Beaver Street Brewery
A short walk from Route 66, this popular brewery offers wood-fired pizzas and craft beers in a rustic setting.
5. Lumberyard Brewing Co.
Located in a restored lumber building near Route 66, this brewpub is ideal for lunch or dinner with a view of the trains.
Tips for Visiting Flagstaff
- Plan for the altitude: At 7,000 feet, the elevation can affect hydration and breathing.
- Visit in fall for perfect weather and fall colors, or winter for snowy charm.
- Use Flagstaff as a hub to explore the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon, and Sedona.
- Walk downtown: Parking is available and most Route 66 sights are easily accessible on foot.
- Check for events like First Friday Art Walks, Route 66 festivals, and historic walking tours.
Final Thoughts on Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a breath of fresh mountain air on the journey down Route 66. Its blend of natural beauty, historic significance, and vibrant culture makes it more than a pit stop—it’s a highlight of the Mother Road. Whether you’re chasing vintage neon, exploring national parks, or just soaking up small-town charm, Flagstaff delivers a memorable Route 66 experience with every mile.
