Celebrate 100 Years of Grand Canyon Grandeur

This year the Grand Canyon is celebrating 100 years as a national park. Every Grand Canyon experience is its own grand adventure and, in 2019, it’s bigger than ever! Join “canyoneers” from around the world in celebrating Grand Canyon National Park’s centennial anniversary with special events and programs. The national park is celebrating big with virtual and in-park events throughout 2019 at the South Rim, North Rim, Desert View, Inner Canyon and surrounding gateway communities. It means super savings and super fun for the visitor all year long. (Feature image courtesy Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel)

Railway & Hotel Centennial Savings

Spring break may be late this year, but the savings at Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel are arriving early just in time for the centennial of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Ideal for the great escape or spring break, the deal is simple: save 30% off round-trip train fare in conjunction with a one- or two-night package.

The value-driven offer is valid now throughout 2019, and includes hotel stay, breakfast and dinners, round-trip transportation on the train and entertainment. The savings increase with upgrades in class of train service. Additionally, on the first Saturday of each month through October, the train is pulled by a real steam engine.

Two-night itinerary:

Day One

Arrive at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, AZ

Dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant

Stay overnight at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Day Two

Breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant

Wild West Show before the train departs at the Williams Depot

Train travel from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon with entertainment from strolling musicians & personalized service and insider knowledge from your Passenger Service Attendant

Free time at the canyon to explore

Train travel from the Grand Canyon to Williams, AZ with entertainment from strolling musicians & personalized service and insider knowledge from your Passenger Service Attendant

Dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant

Stay overnight at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Day Three

Breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant

Fee-Free Day, April 20

Experience the grandest of national parks for free! In honor of the first day of National Park Week and National Junior Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. Check the centennial calendar for other free days throughout the year.

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Summerfest Stargazing

The Centennial Summerfest and Star Party will take place June 22-29. During the day, the Centennial Summerfest will offer a festival of activities, while night will be dedicated to Grand Canyon National Park’s designation as an International Dark Sky park. Visitors on the South Rim will learn about dark skies with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and on the North Rim with the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix.

Native American Heritage Days

Native American Heritage Days, August 8-9, celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, the Arizona Strip and the Grand Canyon. Stop by for special programs by tribal members and non-tribal members on a variety of subjects, ranging from ethno-botany to American Indian flute playing and dance. Programmed activities will take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. This event is free and open to the public.

Desert View Cultural Demonstrations

Human cultures and the canyon have been shaping each other for over 12,000 years. American Indians cared for, shared knowledge of and admired this special place. Grand Canyon’s original stewards and their stories are still here today. Desert View Cultural Demonstrators are members of Grand Canyon’s 11 traditionally associated tribes. During a cultural demonstrator program, visitors can interact and learn about these cultures and their traditional crafts.

Images courtesy NPS