And it’s called the Poozeum.
M
ost people visit Williams, Arizona because it’s the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. Others come on a Route 66 pilgrimage. But the thing I was most curious to see on my visit was the world’s largest collection of poop fossils, the latest addition to this charming little town.
With a population of just 3,000 residents, Williams is located an hour south of Grand Canyon National Park and serves as the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway. The town also lies along the historic Route 66. While Williams isn’t the physical end of Route 66, it marks the historic end of this famous highway. Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, thanks to lawsuits that delayed construction. A year after the final section of Interstate 40 was completed, Route 66 was officially decommissioned.
It makes sense that the holdout also held out in different ways. Founded in 1882 and named after a fur trapper, Williams is unchanged in many aspects. The business district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Between the historic buildings that harken back to the Old West and Route 66-themed murals and diners, Williams offers a time travel experience to two different pasts. In the summer, an Old West-style cowboy shootout happens right on the main road every night as the neon lights come on. One of these neon lights sports a martini logo with the words “Packaged Goods” to mark Sultana Bar, a dive bar older than Route 66 itself. The bar opened in 1912 and is the oldest bar in Arizona. Legend has it that bootlegging operations ran via tunnels under the bar while a brothel was in business on the upper level.
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Two words perhaps best describe Williams: kitschy and nostalgic. A cutout of the iconic red Corvette zips across a parking lot all day at Route 66 Zipline, just one of Williams’ quirky attractions. More family-friendly thrills can be found at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park featuring Arizona’s longest mountain coaster. Three miles away you’ll find Arizona’s drive-thru wildlife park, Bearizona, where visitors can spot bears, wolves, and white bison. Further north, there’s Bedrock City, a Flintstones-themed roadside park that’s been around for over 50 years.
In the summer of 2024, Frandsen opened up William’s newest attraction right across the street from the zipline: the Poozeum. Frandsen decided to open his dream museum in Williams because of the diverse set of tourists the town attracts.
A paleontology student in the 1990s, Frandsen began collecting coprolites—fossilized poop—which has since grown into the world’s largest collection, certified by Guinness World Records. The Poozeum showcases this unique collection, including the world’s largest dinosaur poop. More than just a fecal fascination, coprolites provide valuable insights into the diets of prehistoric animals.
Since downtown Williams is very walkable and the Poozeum is free to visit, the museum has seen a lot of foot traffic. It operates on donations and sales from its naturally poop-themed gift store, which features a surprising number of children’s books about poop.
1. George Frandsen and the StinkerPoozeum 2. Inside the Poozeum
In downtown Williams, lodging options mainly consist of budget chains, but the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel, Arizona’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 visit for the outdoor experiences beyond the iconic canyon. Due to its higher elevation, Arizonans also flock to Williams in the summer to escape the desert heat. For these visitors, Backland Glamping offers a peaceful stay surrounded by ponderosa pine trees. Guests can sleep under the stars in tented suites with stargazing windows. Backland is perfect for those who want to explore the surrounding nature, such as Sycamore Falls. The glamping resort also provides continental breakfast, a limited dinner menu, and boxed lunches for guests who prefer not to drive 20 minutes to town for meals.
Williams has been the Gateway to the Grand Canyon since 1901, thanks to the Grand Canyon Railway, a passenger train that transports tourists from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park. The train still operates today as a tourist attraction, with some rides featuring a train “robbery.”
It drops off at Grand Canyon Village, where visitors can access the Bright Angel Trailhead or the South Rim Trail. The train ride takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the last return train departing at 3:30 PM. While fun, this schedule may not be ideal for those wanting to spend more time in the park. To maximize your experience, consider booking a tour with local companies like Grand Canyon Adventures. Even for returning visitors, local guides can provide insights into the park’s history and features.
Like many towns along Route 66, Williams suffered after being bypassed by the interstate highway, but it has survived thanks to tourism from its proximity to the Grand Canyon. Beyond serving as a base for Grand Canyon visitors, Williams embraces its legacy in fun and unique ways. With its Old West vibes, Route 66 diners, and offbeat attractions like the Poozeum, Williams is the perfect place to indulge in kitsch.
