Sights to See
Museums, Galleries & Other Sights to See
Grand Canyon National Park is home to a number of historical buildings along the South Rim. Today, these buildings house museums, galleries, gift shops and information centers. We encourage you to take the time to visit them.
Desert View Watchtower
Modeled after ancient ancestral Puebloans' watchtowers found in the Four Corners region, the Watchtower is primarily a rest and interpretive area, offering limited food and drink service and a small gift shop.
This seventy-foot tower is the highest point on the South Rim and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Painted Desert, the San Francisco Peaks, the Vermilion Cliffs and beyond.
The walls of the tower feature murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie and you can climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area.
The gift shop sells local Native American handicrafts, including jewelry, rugs, and pottery. The Watchtower is located at the eastern end of the Grand Canyon South Rim, approximately 26 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally.
Leave the driving to us and enjoy a narrated motorcoach tour to the Desert View Watchtower.
Hermits Rest
Erected in 1914 for the convenience and comfort of the traveler at Grand Canyon, Hermits Rest offers a far reaching and interesting view of the Canyon.
This is a National Historic Landmark and one of many fine examples of Grand Canyon architecture designed by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. The main structure contains a snack bar and gift shop featuring traditional gifts, park souvenirs, and Native American handicrafts. Hermits Rest is located at the western end of the Hermit Road, approximately 9 miles west of Grand Canyon Village.
Access by shuttle only March 1 through November 30 or year-round by hiking, bicycling or Xanterra bus.
Leave the driving to us and enjoy a narrated motorcoach tour to Hermits Rest.
Hopi House
Opened in 1905 as the first curio shop at the Grand Canyon, Hopi House was designed by renowned architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, one of the first American architects to appreciate the utility and beauty of Native American design.
The design of the structure was meant to reflect that of a typical Adobe Pueblo used by the Hopi Indians of old Oraibi. Recently renovated, the Hopi House, a National Historic Landmark, has been offering authentic Native American arts and crafts to visitors for purchase since Fred Harvey opened its doors in 1904.
When you visit Hopi House, you will find a large selection of native arts and crafts available for purchase, such as kachina dolls, jewelry, handcrafted Navajo rugs, and authentic Pueblo pottery. The second-floor gallery, which reopened to the public in 1995, offers a variety of museum-quality items. Hopi House is located on the Canyon rim and open year-round. Hours vary seasonally.
Kolb Studio
Once the home of the Kolb brothers, who were early photographers at Grand Canyon, the Kolb Studio features changing art exhibits displayed in the auditorium throughout the year.
Built by brothers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb from 1904 to 1926, Kolb Studio is included in the National Register of Historic Places and operated by Grand Canyon Association. The bookstore and auditorium are open to the public. The studio is located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel trailhead. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally.
Lookout Studio
Lookout Studio was designed in 1914 by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter as a gift shop and lookout point for the Fred Harvey Company.
Perched on the South Rim, it blends exceptionally well with its natural setting. Lookout Studio sells photography and books related to the Grand Canyon, rock and fossil specimens, traditional souvenirs, books and photographic prints. Two lookout points are open in good weather. It is located a short walk west of historic Bright Angel Lodge. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally.
Tusayan Museum
Tusayan Museum features exhibits of Pueblo Indian life at Grand Canyon 800 years ago.
A self-guiding trail leads through the adjacent 800-year-old ruin and ranger-led tours are offered daily. The museum is located 3 miles west of Desert View and 22 miles east of the Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive. Generally open year-round, but hours vary seasonally and the museum may be closed during inclement weather.
Yavapai Observation Station
The station received a major renovation and is now open featuring updated and new exhibits about the fossil record at Grand Canyon and other interpretive displays. It offers a spectacular panorama of the canyon through large windows. Yavapai Observation Station is located 5 miles north of the park's south entrance, and is just a short walk from the Grand Canyon Village. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally.
Visitor Center at the Canyon View Information Plaza
Canyon View Information Center can be reached by riding the free shuttle bus or walking the short distance from Mather Point. You can not drive to Canyon View Information Plaza.
This center provides a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once you are at the park. Outdoor exhibits may be viewed anytime (however, the lights at Canyon View Information Plaza are turned off at 9:00 pm).
Available facilities include restrooms, pay phones, bookstore and shuttle bus stops. The center is located at Mather Point and open daily year-round (hours vary seasonally). The Canyon rim is only a short stroll away.
Other Historic Sites
- Bright Angel Lodge
- El Tovar Hotel
- Train Depot
