And it’s called Puseum.

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Many people visit Williams, Arizona because it is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Some people come on a Route 66 pilgrimage. But what I most wanted to see on this visit was the world’s largest collection of fossil poop, a new addition to this charming little town.

Williams, with a population of just 3,000, is located one hour south of Grand Canyon National Park and serves as the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railroad. The town is also located along historic Route 66. Although Williams is not the physical terminus of Route 66, it is the historic terminus of this famous highway. Williams is the last Route 66 town to have Interstate 40 bypassed, thanks to a lawsuit that delayed construction. One year after the final section of Interstate 40 was completed, Route 66 was officially retired.

It’s no surprise that the holdouts held out in many ways. Founded in 1882 and named after a fur trapper, Williams has remained the same in many ways. The business district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Williams offers two distinct time-travel experiences between historic buildings reminiscent of the Wild West and Route 66-themed murals and restaurants. In the summer, nightly Old West-style cowboy gunfights take place on the highway under neon lights. One of these neon lights flaunts the Martini logo with the words “Packaged Goods” as its mark. sultana bara dive bar older than Route 66 itself. This bar opened in 1912 and is the oldest bar in Arizona. Legend has it that bootlegging took place through the tunnels beneath the bar while a brothel operated upstairs.

Perhaps two words best describe Williams: “kitschy” and “nostalgic.” One of Williams’ quirky attractions, the Route 66 Zipline, features a cutout of the iconic red Corvette zipping around the parking lot throughout the day. There are even more family-friendly thrills. Canyon Coaster Adventure Park It features Arizona’s longest mountain coaster. Five miles away is Arizona’s drive-thru wildlife park. bear arizonavisitors can spot bears, wolves, and white bison. Further north is Bedrock City. flintstonesA park along a themed road that has been running for over 50 years.

In the summer of 2024, Fransen opened William’s newest attraction across the street from the zip line. puseum. Fransen decided to open his dream museum in Williams because of the diverse tourist population the town attracts.

As a paleontology student in the 1990s, Fransen began collecting coprolites (fossilized poop), which has since grown into the world’s largest collection, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Poozeum showcases this unique collection, including the world’s largest dinosaur poop. More than just the appeal of feces, coprolites provide valuable insight into the diets of prehistoric animals.

Downtown Williams is very walkable, and the Museum has free admission, so the museum is well-visited. Funded by donations and sales from our naturally poop-themed gift store, we stock an incredible selection of children’s books about poop.

1. George Fransen and the Stinkerpuseum 2. Inside the Puzuum

In downtown Williams, lodging options consist primarily of affordable chain stores, but Historic Grand Canyon HotelArizona’s oldest hotel is also located here. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Williams is surrounded by the Kaibab National Forest. Many travelers come looking for an outdoor experience beyond the iconic canyon. Because of its high elevation, Arizonans also flock to Williams in the summer to escape the desert heat. Buckland Glamping offers these visitors a tranquil stay surrounded by ponderosa pine trees. Sleep under the stars in tented suites with stargazing windows. Buckland is perfect for those who want to explore the surrounding nature, including Sycamore Falls. The glamping resort also offers a continental breakfast, limited dinner menu, and boxed lunches for guests who don’t want to drive 20 minutes into town for a meal.

Williams has been the gateway to the Grand Canyon since 1901. grand canyon railroada passenger train that transports tourists from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park. The train still operates as a tourist attraction, and some of the rides feature train robbers.

Disembarking at Grand Canyon Village, visitors can access the Bright Angel Trailhead or the South Rim Trail. The train journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the last return train leaving at 3:30 p.m. While this schedule is fun, it may not be ideal for those who want to spend more time in the park. To get the most experience, consider booking a tour with a local company like Grand Canyon Adventures. Even if you’re a returning visitor, a local guide will explain the park’s history and features.

Like many towns along Route 66, Williams suffered after being bypassed by the interstate, but has survived thanks to its proximity to the Grand Canyon and tourism. Beyond its role as a base for visitors to the Grand Canyon, Williams embraces its heritage in fun and unique ways. With its Old West vibe, Route 66 diner, and quirky attractions like Pu’s Eum, Williams is the perfect place to soak up kitsch.