Attractions Near Flagstaff Hotels
Attractions near Hotels Flagstaff AZ
Heritage Square in Historic Downtown Flagstaff – Take a stroll through Flagstaff’s Historic Downtown and you’ll see interesting people of all ages and backgrounds. Families may be out watching “Movies on the Square” – free outdoor films projected in Heritage Square on Friday nights — or listening to free concerts on Thursday evenings. Art patrons may be gallery hopping on First Fridays Art Walks, or working ranchers could be boot-scooting into town for their Saturday coffee.
Arizona SnowBowl skiing, snow boarding and snow play
What?! A mountain ski resort in Arizona? This March there was over seven feet of snow at mid-mountain at Arizona SnowBowl. With 2,300 feet of vertical drop, 777 acres of skiable terrain and 32 runs (our favorite is two miles long) Arizona SnowBowl is a top Flagstaff visitor attraction. Arizona Snowbowl’s Ski & Ride School is registered with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI).
Arizona SnowBowl Scenic Skyride
In the summertime enjoy the popular scenic skyride tours through the fragrant pines to the heights of the San Francisco Peaks. Watch the azure blue skies for soaring ravens and screeching jays. Survey the green forest floor for tassel-eared Albert’s squirrels and interesting geomorphic formations — you’re riding up the side of a volcano! Bring your jacket to truly enjoy the refreshingly cool mountain air.
The unobstructed views from the top of Arizona are incredible. Thursdays through Sundays, the Coconino National Forest and Park Service Rangers are stationed at the top of the skyride offering interpretive talks and insider information on history and geology of the San Francisco Peaks. At the foot of the skyride, your lunch at The Peak Side Café will be a memorable one: it’s the highest restaurant in Arizona. Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Northern Arizona University – whether you are visiting your student or on a business trip, there is always something happening on the NAU campus. Many concerts, lectures and theatre are open to the public. Many hotels in Flagstaff AZ are conveniently located to these NAU facilities:
• Drive by the Applied Research and Development Building – one of the most efficient buildings in the world. It was awarded the US Green Building Council’s LEED “Platinum” certification, the highest level attainable.
• Ardrey Auditorium offers a full schedule of arts and theatre events and is home to the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/246223
• Ninety-eight 2008 Olympians representing 14 countries trained at NAU’s Center for High Altitude Training. The world-class facility offers performance services and sports medicine support.
Museum of Northern Arizona – Now celebrating its 80th year, the Museum of Northern Arizona serves as a gateway to understanding the Colorado Plateau, with nine exhibit galleries revealing Native cultures, artistic traditions, and natural sciences. MNA hosts four festivals throughout the summer which highlight the region’s cultures and encourage communication between visitors, educators, and artists.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff – With daily tours, over 2,500 species of high-elevation plants and miles of trails to explore, the Arboretum at Flagstaff is a popular attraction for locals and visitors. Bring your family and come face to face with hawks, owls, falcons and other raptors at The Arboretum every day from April-October. Call (928) 774-1442 for information about Saturday morning bird walks or special events such as “The Wild Mushroom Retreat” or “The Nocturnal Bug Hunt” for kids.
Riordan Mansion State Park – Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure – a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant’s quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey. Mansion tours are given daily on the hour. Tour size is limited for your enjoyment, so reservations are always recommended. (928) 779-4395. Conveniently located less than two miles from the Flagstaff Visitor Center, adjacent to the Northern Arizona University campus.
The Lowell Observatory – Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell who discovered Pluto -formerly known as a planet, the observatory welcomes visitors year-round for tours and telescope viewing. Guided tours take visitors to an original Lowell telescope, a 24-inch refractor built in 1896, and through the historic Rotunda museum. On Mars Hill, overlooking many Flagstaff hotel rooms, the Lowell Observatory is open daily for tours and many evenings for telescope viewing. Call for hours: (928) 774-3358.
Grand Canyon Railway – One way to journey to the Grand Canyon National Park from Flagstaff is to drive west to Williams, AZ and board the Grand Canyon Railway. Take a trip not only to America’s most recognized spectacle, but a trip back in time. The train has been serving Grand Canyon National Park since 1901 and now as then, reservations are needed. 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724)
Flagstaff Lodging Centrally located to Five National Parks and Monuments:
[link to EXPLORE Page]
Grand Canyon National Park
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Sunset Crater National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wapatki National Monument
