Arizona has no shortage of state parks, but some are more well-known than others. Homolovi State Park in Winslow features more than 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, and many don’t even know it exists. Take a look:
“Homolovi,” which means “Place of the Little Hills” in Hopi, refers to the town of Winslow. The 4,500-acre Homolovi State Park, established in 1986, preserves over 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Seven Homolovi ruins are located within the park, however, only two allow visitors. Homolovi II, the largest and most thoroughly excavated of them all, was occupied between 1330 and 1400 AD and features a whopping ~1,200 rooms. Experts believe the inhabitants of Homolovi II traded cotton in exchange for pottery from the people who lived in the Hopi Mesas.
Wikimedia Commons/Tabbyblake
Also in this ruin are three sizable rectangular plazas and approximately 40 underground ceremonial chambers. You’ll see several clusters of pit-houses, or structures used for shelter, as well.
Wikimedia Commons/teofilo
Six miles of dirt roads, in addition to trails leading to the archaeological sites themselves, meander through the park. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders are welcome to explore. Petroglyphs are visible along one of the trails.
Wikimedia Commons/teofilo
Both publicly accessible ruins have interpretive signs outlining their architectural blueprints, history, and other insightful tidbits. The visitor center displays excavated artifacts, information about the human history of the area and vegetation and wildlife in the park, plus books and authentic Hopi art.
Wikimedia Commons/teofilo
The park features a campground that’s open all year, featuring restrooms with showers and an RV dump station. Extend your stay overnight so you can take in the historic sights without rushing.
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Address: Address: AZ-87, Winslow, AZ 86047. The entrance is located 1.3 miles north of Exit 257 off Interstate 40.
Google Maps
Visit the official Homolovi State Park website or Facebook page to learn more.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Wikimedia Commons/Tabbyblake
Wikimedia Commons/teofilo
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Google Maps
Have you ever been to this little-known ancient site? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Let us know your thoughts, and check out our previous article for more lesser-known state parks: 7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Arizona That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
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Address: Homolovi State Park Entrance Rd, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
