When I was planning a trip to the desert and clicking around on google maps to get an idea of places to go, I saw the Wigwam village in Arizona and knew it had to be part of the trip. I had heard of this place before, and seen pictures, but was never exactly sure where it was.
This Wigwam Motel was part of a chain of motels built in the 30s and 40s. There were seven total; two in Kentucky, and one in Alabama, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, and California. Unfortunately all but three of them survived, but they are now on the national register of historic places. The surviving ones are in Cave City Kentucky, San Bernardino California, and Holbrook Arizona.
This one, in Holbrook, is just a straight shot from my house down the interstate in my backyard!
The wigwam village was the final stop at the end of a long day which started at Monument Valley included a long drive through the Petrified Forest and then a trip to Two Guns Ghost Town.
This was the first day that I really experienced the crazy desert wind, and wished I had brought something to keep the hair out of my face.
Each Wigwam was paired with it’s own vintage car. It felt like stepping back in time.
We stayed in Wigwam #8.
The interior was cozy. Nothing too fancy, but it was a blast to stay in this funny little Motel.
It was a frigid night, but luckily there was a nice heater inside our wigwam. We awoke in the morning to find the lightest dusting on snow on the ground! Snow in Arizona! I couldn’t believe it. But soon I was about to see even more…
I am dreaming up trips that involve staying at the other two wigwam motels. Kentucky is close by, and I still can’t get California out of my mind.
I love this! What a really cool idea! Did the vintage cars run?
I’m not sure, but probably not. I think they are just for display at this point.
did the wigwams have toilets/ bathrooms. Looks pretty small in there.
Yes they all have bathrooms and showers. Pretty small but not too bad. I should have taken a picture of it!
This looks like so much fun and I would definetly have loved to spend a night there too!
Thank you so much for your sweet words on my latest posts by the way! I really appreciated 🙂
Have a wonderful week!
Rosa
You’re welcome!! 🙂
Very cool! I really like the vintage cars, maybe even more than the teepees. I kinda want to get a teepee for my backyard now 🙂
~Laurali Star
https://www.girlynaturelovers.com/
I thought the cars were a cool touch!
That’s absolutely brilliant, the ultimate in cool kitsch! Would love to spend a night there.
I definitely recommend it if you get a chance!
Such a unique location. How lucky to see snow!
I definitely couldn’t believe the snow!