The Petrified Forest Gift Shop and Museum in Holbrook sells a variety of fossilized wood. These pieces are not from the national park, instead they were found on private property near the park. The historic self-guided tour of Holbrook's past is very interesting. You can be pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce. The map will show you where to go to see what life was like in this wild western town.
You will discover some of the most amazing outdoor activities in the state located in and around Holbrook. The Petrified Forest National Park is a terrific place to start. Once you arrive you will see what I mean. There are petrified logs in many shapes and sizes strewn across the desert floor. Please remember the collection or removal of petrified wood, natural or cultural objects is prohibited. There are two entrances to the park and both begin on Interstate 40. The north entrance takes you to the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Here you see spectacular colors bouncing off the rock formations. The best time to make your visit is during sunset. You can then take the loop driving tour around to the south entrance. In the middle of the loop drive, there is the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark Museum. This was once a Fred Harvey hotel. It was built in the 1930's. Today, the park service uses it as a visitor center and it sometimes features Native Americans demonstrating their crafts.
The southern end of the drive has the Rainbow Museum. Visitors will find artifacts from the Puerco Indian Ruins dating back to 1150 A.D. Kids will love the three life-sized pre-dinosaurs on display. The largest manmade body of water in Arizona is Cholla Lake covering 360 acres. A park surrounds the lake. This makes it an ideal spot for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, wind surfing and picnics. Many people use this park to camp in after a day at the Petrified Forest National Park. The lake is about 20 miles east of Winslow.
Events:
Hashknife Posse Pony Express Ride January
Holbrook Old West Celebration June
Annual Fireman's Barbeque July
"Gathering of Eagles" Native American Art Show
Navajo County Fair September
Navajo County Horse Racing
Festival of Trees December
Christmas Parade of Lights