12 Weird Roadside Attractions In Arizona That Are Actually Worth The Stop
Arizona is famous for its stunning deserts and towering cacti, but the real magic happens when you pull off the highway and stumble upon something completely unexpected.
From mysterious roadside curiosities to quirky landmarks that make you do a double-take, this state is packed with oddities that turn ordinary road trips into unforgettable adventures.
Whether you’re cruising along historic Route 66 or exploring the backroads, these twelve bizarre stops prove that sometimes the journey really is more entertaining than the destination.
1. Wigwam Village Motel No. 6 (Holbrook)
Sleeping inside a giant concrete teepee sounds like something out of a childhood dream, right?
Wigwam Village Motel No. 6 makes that fantasy a reality with its iconic lineup of towering wigwam-shaped rooms.
Built in the 1950s, this place is pure Route 66 charm frozen in time.
Each wigwam is cozy, quirky, and filled with vintage furniture that transports you straight back to the golden age of American road trips.
The neon sign glows beautifully at dusk, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Families absolutely love staying here because it’s not just a place to crash—it’s an experience.
Kids get a kick out of the unusual shape, and adults appreciate the nostalgia.
Book ahead because these teepees fill up fast, especially during peak travel season.
2. The Thing (Dragoon)
Ever seen those yellow billboards screaming ‘What Is The Thing?’ for miles along Interstate 10?
Curiosity will absolutely get the better of you, and honestly, that’s the whole point.
This legendary roadside mystery has been luring travelers since 1965 with promises of something so bizarre you just have to see it for yourself.
Inside the sprawling complex, you’ll wander through a collection of oddities, vintage cars, and random artifacts before finally reaching the main attraction.
The Thing itself sits in a glass case, and I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say it’s wonderfully weird and perfectly kitschy.
Some folks leave scratching their heads, others can’t stop grinning.
Either way, you’ll have a story to tell.
Plus, the gift shop is packed with souvenirs that scream classic American road trip nostalgia.
3. Jack Rabbit Trading Post (Joseph City)
A massive yellow jackrabbit perched on a rooftop is hard to miss when you’re cruising through Joseph City.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post has been a Route 66 icon since 1949, and that giant bunny has photobombed countless vacation snapshots over the decades.
The trading post itself is crammed with Southwest souvenirs, Native American crafts, and all the quirky trinkets your heart desires.
What makes this stop special isn’t just the giant rabbit—it’s the friendly atmosphere and the sense that you’ve stepped into a piece of Americana history.
Grab a cold drink, stretch your legs, and snap a selfie with the big guy.
The billboards leading up to this spot are almost as famous as the attraction itself.
You’ll see ‘Here It Is’ signs for miles, building anticipation.
4. Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman)
Prepare yourself for some serious sass when you order at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In.
This family-run joint has been serving up burgers, shakes, and hilarious pranks since 1953.
The staff loves to joke around—asking for a cheeseburger might get you a rubber one first, and the mustard bottle? Yeah, it squirts string instead of condiment.
Beyond the laughs, the food is genuinely tasty, and the whole place oozes vintage charm with its colorful paint job and random decorations stuck everywhere.
An old Chevy sits on the roof, and kitschy signs cover every inch of the building.
Founder Juan Delgadillo was a Route 66 legend, and his playful spirit still lives on here.
Expect a line during busy times, but the wait is part of the fun.
5. Shaffer Springs / Fish Bowl (Near Kingman)
Hidden off the beaten path near Kingman, Shaffer Springs offers a refreshing surprise in the middle of the desert.
Locals call it the Fish Bowl because of the crystal-clear water that bubbles up from underground, creating a small oasis where you can actually see fish swimming around.
It’s a bizarre contrast to the dry, dusty landscape surrounding it.
Getting there requires a bit of off-roading and some determination, but that’s what makes it feel like a secret discovery.
The water stays cool year-round, and on a scorching Arizona day, dipping your feet in feels absolutely magical.
Bring plenty of water for the journey, and maybe pack a picnic.
There aren’t any facilities out here, so come prepared.
Respect the natural environment—this hidden gem deserves to stay pristine for future adventurers.
6. World’s Largest Kokopelli (Camp Verde)
Standing 32 feet tall, this massive Kokopelli statue in Camp Verde is impossible to ignore as you drive by.
Kokopelli, the humpbacked flute player from Native American folklore, symbolizes joy, music, and fertility.
This supersized version brings that ancient spirit into the modern roadside attraction world with flair.
The statue sits outside a trading post where you can browse Southwest art, jewelry, and crafts.
It’s a perfect pit stop for stretching your legs and grabbing some unique souvenirs.
Kids love posing next to the towering figure, and honestly, adults do too.
The bright colors and bold design make it a fantastic photo opportunity.
Camp Verde itself is worth exploring if you have extra time—nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument is stunning.
But even if you’re just passing through, this giant Kokopelli demands a quick detour.
7. 1932 Studebaker “Highway Of Dreams” (Near Holbrook)
Parked permanently along Route 66 near Holbrook, this 1932 Studebaker has become an unexpected roadside icon.
The car is part of an art installation that celebrates the romance and nostalgia of America’s Mother Road.
It’s weathered and rusted, but that’s exactly what gives it character and makes it so photogenic.
Artists and travelers have added their own touches over the years, turning the old vehicle into a canvas of memories and messages.
Some people leave notes, others just admire the vintage beauty frozen in time.
The surrounding landscape is classic Arizona—wide open sky, desert scrub, and endless horizon.
It’s the kind of scene that makes you want to slow down and appreciate the journey.
Bring your camera because the lighting here, especially during golden hour, creates absolutely stunning photographs.
8. Sultana Bar (Williams)
Walking into the Sultana Bar feels like stepping straight into an Old West movie set.
This historic saloon in Williams has been serving drinks since 1911, and the interior remains beautifully preserved with its original bar, tin ceiling, and vintage fixtures.
The atmosphere is thick with history and stories from over a century of travelers, miners, and locals.
Behind the bar, you’ll find an impressive collection of antique bottles and memorabilia that transport you back to Arizona’s frontier days.
The bartenders are friendly and often share tales about the building’s colorful past.
Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, so many visitors pass through without realizing this gem exists.
Don’t make that mistake.
Grab a cold drink, soak in the atmosphere, and imagine what this place was like when cowboys really did tie their horses outside.
9. Fish Bowl Spring (Golden Valley)
Golden Valley’s Fish Bowl Spring is another one of Arizona’s hidden water wonders that seems almost impossible in such arid terrain.
The spring creates a perfectly clear pool where you can peer straight down and watch fish darting around in the cool water.
It’s a surreal sight when you’re surrounded by nothing but desert for miles.
Getting here requires some adventurous spirit and a vehicle that can handle rough roads.
The journey itself becomes part of the experience, making you feel like a genuine explorer.
Once you arrive, the tranquility is remarkable.
The only sounds are wind, birds, and maybe the crunch of gravel under your boots.
Pack out everything you pack in—this remote spot relies on visitors to keep it clean.
Also, check weather conditions before heading out because flash floods can make access dangerous during monsoon season.
10. Standin’ On The Corner Park (Winslow)
Thanks to the Eagles’ hit song ‘Take It Easy,’ a corner in Winslow became one of Route 66’s most beloved photo spots.
Standin’ on the Corner Park features a bronze statue of a guy with a guitar, a trompe-l’oeil mural showing a girl in a flatbed Ford, and plenty of tourists recreating that famous lyric.
The whole setup is charming and perfectly captures the playful spirit of roadside Americana.
The park itself is small but well-maintained, with benches and information about the song’s history.
Local shops nearby sell Eagles memorabilia and Route 66 souvenirs.
Live music sometimes fills the air on weekends, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Even if you’re not a huge Eagles fan, the energy here is contagious.
Winslow embraces its musical claim to fame wholeheartedly, and visitors appreciate the town’s dedication to keeping this slice of rock history alive.
11. Rainbow Rock Shop (Holbrook)
Rainbow Rock Shop in Holbrook is a treasure trove for anyone who loves rocks, minerals, and fossils.
The exterior is painted in bright, eye-catching colors that practically beg you to stop and explore.
Inside, you’ll find everything from tiny polished stones to massive chunks of petrified wood harvested from the nearby Petrified Forest.
The owners are passionate about geology and happy to share information about their collection.
Whether you’re a serious rockhound or just looking for a unique souvenir, you’ll find something special here.
Kids especially enjoy picking through bins of inexpensive stones, and the shop offers educational displays explaining how petrified wood forms over millions of years.
It’s learning disguised as shopping.
Holbrook is already a Route 66 hotspot, and Rainbow Rock Shop adds another layer of quirky charm to this historic town’s appeal.
12. Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins (Near Flagstaff)
Two massive arrows pointing skyward mark the remains of what was once a bustling Route 66 trading post near Flagstaff.
Twin Arrows Trading Post closed decades ago, but those iconic arrows—each about 50 feet tall—still stand as haunting reminders of the Mother Road’s glory days.
The weathered building and rusted signs create a beautifully eerie atmosphere that photographers absolutely love.
There’s something poignant about seeing these abandoned structures slowly being reclaimed by the desert.
They represent a bygone era when road trips meant stopping at every quirky attraction along the way.
Nearby, a modern casino now operates under the Twin Arrows name, but the original ruins remain untouched.
Visiting both offers an interesting contrast between past and present.
Be respectful when exploring—stay safe around unstable structures and leave everything as you found it for future visitors to discover.