14 Best Things to Do in St. Johns (AZ)

Imagine a place where the vibrant hues of ancient landscapes meet the deep echoes of pioneer spirit, where the vast Arizona sky stretches endlessly above a land rich in history and natural wonder. Welcome to St. Johns, Arizona, a hidden gem nestled in the high desert of Apache County. Often overlooked by travelers rushing to more famous destinations, St. Johns offers an authentic, unhurried escape into the heart of the American Southwest.

Here, you will discover a captivating blend of Native American heritage, geological marvels, and a charming small-town atmosphere that invites you to slow down and truly explore. From the dazzling petrified forests to the solemn beauty of ancient pueblos and the thrilling slopes of mountain resorts, St. Johns serves as your perfect basecamp for an unforgettable adventure. The best times to visit are during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. A car is absolutely essential for exploring this expansive region, allowing you the freedom to chase sunsets and delve into every captivating corner. Get ready to uncover the secrets and splendors of this remarkable corner of Arizona!

Apache County Historical Society Museum

Step back in time at the Apache County Historical Society Museum, a true treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the rich tapestry of Arizona’s past. Housed in the historic 1916 county courthouse, this museum offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of the early pioneers, ranchers, and Native American communities who shaped this rugged landscape. You will wander through exhibits showcasing antique farming equipment, vintage household items, and fascinating artifacts from the region’s diverse cultural groups, including the Apache, Navajo, and Zuni.

What makes this place unique is its dedication to preserving the local narrative, offering a personal and intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of those who settled here. Expect to see original documents, old photographs, and a collection of tools and clothing that tell compelling stories of resilience and innovation. It’s a quiet, reflective experience that provides invaluable context for the surrounding area, helping you appreciate the enduring spirit of St. Johns.

Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape into nature, a verdant oasis in the high desert that beckons with clear waters and ancient secrets. This expansive park is centered around a 1,500-acre reservoir, one of the few bodies of water in Arizona that allows unlimited horsepower boating, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts. You can spend your days fishing for walleye and catfish, kayaking across the tranquil surface, or simply relaxing by the shore, soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

What truly sets Lyman Lake apart are the fascinating petroglyph sites scattered throughout the park, ancient rock carvings left by early inhabitants dating back thousands of years. Exploring these sites offers a profound connection to the past, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of those who came before. The park also provides excellent camping facilities, from primitive sites to those with full hookups, inviting you to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Pioneer Days

If you’re fortunate enough to visit St. Johns in July, you absolutely cannot miss Pioneer Days, the town’s signature annual celebration that truly brings its history and community spirit to life. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a vibrant, multi-day immersion into the heart of cowboy culture and frontier heritage.

You’ll be captivated by the thrilling rodeo events, where skilled riders and ropers showcase their talents, echoing the traditions of the Old West. The grand parade winds through the streets, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and local groups, all celebrating the town’s rich past. Beyond the spectacle, Pioneer Days offers a chance to engage with the friendly locals, enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food from various vendors, and participate in family-friendly activities. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the pioneers who settled this land, a joyous occasion that truly embodies the spirit of community and resilience.

Apache County Fair

For a true taste of local life and agricultural heritage, plan your visit around the Apache County Fair, another beloved annual event that transforms St. Johns into a bustling hub of excitement and community pride. Typically held in late summer or early fall, the fair is a celebration of the county’s agricultural roots, showcasing prize-winning livestock, impressive homegrown produce, and intricate crafts created by local artisans.

You’ll find yourself immersed in the joyful atmosphere, from the exhilarating carnival rides and games that light up the night to the live entertainment ranging from local bands to traditional dance performances. It’s an ideal outing for families, offering something for every age group, whether it’s petting farm animals, cheering on a pie-eating contest, or simply enjoying the lively camaraderie. The Apache County Fair is more than just an event; it’s a vibrant snapshot of rural Arizona, offering an authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Petrified Forest National Park

Prepare to be utterly mesmerized by the Petrified Forest National Park, a geological wonderland unlike any other on Earth, located just a short drive from St. Johns. This incredible landscape is renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood, where ancient trees have turned to stone over millions of years, creating a dazzling array of rainbow-hued logs scattered across the desert floor.

As you explore the park, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints like Newspaper Rock, adorned with hundreds of ancient petroglyphs, and the iconic Blue Mesa, where badlands formations reveal striking layers of color. Walking the various trails, you will feel a profound connection to deep time, marveling at the vibrant fossilized remnants of a prehistoric forest. The park offers an unparalleled opportunity for photography and a truly unique hiking experience, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and families alike.

Painted Desert

Flowing seamlessly from the Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert is a breathtaking spectacle of natural artistry, where erosion has sculpted the land into a vibrant masterpiece of color. This vast, arid landscape stretches for miles, revealing stunning stratified layers of reds, oranges, pinks, and purples that shift with the changing light, creating an ever-evolving panorama. You can drive along the scenic rim, stopping at numerous overlooks to capture incredible photographs and simply soak in the awe-inspiring views.

The Painted Desert is not just a visual feast; it’s a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped our planet over millennia. Its stark beauty and serene solitude offer a profound sense of peace and wonder. For photographers, artists, and anyone seeking a moment of quiet contemplation amidst dramatic scenery, the Painted Desert provides an unforgettable experience that will ignite your imagination.

Hopi Reservation

Embark on a profound cultural journey to the Hopi Reservation, a living testament to one of America’s oldest continuously inhabited communities, located a few hours northwest of St. Johns. This journey offers a rare opportunity to learn about the rich traditions, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expressions of the Hopi people.

You will find yourself immersed in a world where ancient customs are carefully preserved, from intricate kachina doll carving and pottery making to traditional dances and ceremonies. It is crucial to approach this visit with respect and an open mind, as certain areas and events may be restricted or require a guided tour. Many villages welcome visitors to their art galleries and cultural centers, where you can purchase authentic handmade crafts directly from the artists. This experience is best for culturally curious travelers seeking a respectful and educational encounter, offering a unique chance to connect with a vibrant, enduring heritage and gain a deeper understanding of indigenous life.

Meteor Crater

Prepare to be utterly awestruck by Meteor Crater, a truly magnificent natural wonder located west of St. Johns. This perfectly preserved impact site, created approximately 50,000 years ago by a meteorite strike, is nearly a mile wide and over 550 feet deep – a scale that must be seen to be believed.

As you stand on the observation deck, looking down into the massive bowl, you will gain a profound appreciation for the power of cosmic events. The state-of-the-art Visitor Center offers engaging exhibits that explain the science behind the impact, showcase meteorite fragments, and even feature an Apollo command module, highlighting the crater’s use as a training site for astronauts. Interactive displays and a 4D experience theater make the science come alive, appealing to curious minds of all ages. This is a powerful educational experience for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to witness a truly unique geological landmark.

Sunrise Park Resort

Escape to the majestic White Mountains and discover Sunrise Park Resort, Arizona’s premier ski destination in winter and a vibrant outdoor adventure hub in summer, located a scenic drive from St. Johns. In the colder months, you can carve your way down 65 trails across three mountains, enjoying diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds.

The resort also offers snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and a dedicated tubing hill for family fun. When the snow melts, Sunrise transforms into a mountain playground perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and sightseers. You can ride the scenic chairlifts for panoramic views, explore miles of trails, or try your hand at disc golf. This resort provides a refreshing change of pace from the desert landscape, offering cool mountain air and exhilarating activities for active travelers, families, and anyone seeking high-altitude adventure.

Canyon de Chelly

Journey to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a place of profound spiritual and historical significance, located a few hours north of St. Johns on the Navajo Nation. This incredible canyon system boasts ancient cliff dwellings nestled within towering sandstone walls, some dating back over 1,000 years, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.

What makes Canyon de Chelly unique is that it is still home to Navajo families who continue to live and farm the canyon floor, preserving a continuous human occupation for millennia. You can drive the scenic rim drives, stopping at various overlooks to marvel at iconic sites like Spider Rock and White House Ruin. To truly experience the canyon’s depths and see the ruins up close, you must hire an authorized Navajo guide, which provides an invaluable cultural insight and a deeper understanding of this sacred land. This is an essential visit for history buffs, cultural explorers, and those seeking a truly immersive and respectful travel experience.

Butterfly Lodge

Discover the rustic charm and fascinating history of Butterfly Lodge, a beautifully preserved historic hunting lodge nestled near Greer, a short drive from St. Johns. Built in 1914 by renowned author and adventurer James Willard Schultz, this log cabin retreat holds a special place in Arizona’s past, having hosted notable figures including President Theodore Roosevelt.

What makes Butterfly Lodge so unique is its authentic glimpse into early 20th-century mountain life, showcasing original furnishings and artifacts that tell tales of frontier living, literary pursuits, and big game hunting. You’ll feel transported back in time as you wander through the cozy rooms and imagine the stories whispered within its walls. The lodge is surrounded by the pristine Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying the serene natural environment. It’s a captivating stop for history buffs, literary enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape with a strong sense of place.

Madonna of the Trail

In the heart of St. Johns, you’ll find a poignant and historically significant landmark: the Madonna of the Trail monument. This striking bronze statue is one of twelve identical monuments erected across the United States, commemorating the courageous spirit and vital role of pioneer women in the westward expansion of America.

Standing proudly in a small park, the Madonna of the Trail depicts a resolute pioneer woman, holding an infant in one arm and leading a small child with the other, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and sacrifice. What makes this particular monument special is its connection to St. Johns’ own pioneer heritage, serving as a powerful reminder of the town’s founding and the arduous journey undertaken by its early settlers. It’s a quiet, reflective spot perfect for a brief stop to appreciate a piece of national history and honor the unsung heroes of the frontier.

Renee Cushman Art Collection

Immerse yourself in the world of fine art at the Renee Cushman Art Collection, a surprising cultural gem located within the St. Johns Public Library. This impressive collection features the works of Renee Cushman, a renowned artist known for her vibrant oil paintings that often capture the beauty of the Southwest landscape and its people.

You will be captivated by the expressive brushstrokes and rich colors that bring her subjects to life, showcasing a unique perspective on the region’s natural splendor and cultural narratives. What makes this collection particularly special is its accessibility within a public library setting, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate significant art in an intimate, welcoming environment. It’s a wonderful stop for art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quiet, inspiring break from outdoor adventures, proving that St. Johns holds more than just historical and natural wonders.

Casa Malpais Archaeology Park and Museum

Uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilization at Casa Malpais Archaeology Park and Museum, a truly remarkable site just outside St. Johns that offers a deep dive into the prehistory of the region. This significant archaeological site features the ruins of a large Ancestral Puebloan village, including a massive Great Kiva, a ceremonial chamber, and a unique volcanic rock staircase.

What makes Casa Malpais so compelling is the tangible connection you feel to the people who lived here centuries ago, their lives etched into the very landscape. The accompanying museum provides invaluable context, displaying artifacts unearthed from the site and offering insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and sophisticated construction techniques of the ancient inhabitants. Guided tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the site’s significance and unique features. It’s an essential visit for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a profound understanding of the Southwest’s indigenous past.

Plan Your Visit

As your journey through St. Johns, Arizona, concludes, you will carry with you memories of a truly unique and enriching adventure. This often-overlooked corner of the Southwest defies expectations, offering a captivating blend of ancient history, breathtaking natural wonders, and genuine small-town charm. From walking among petrified giants and exploring ancient pueblos to delving into pioneer history and embracing vibrant local festivals, St. Johns offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every interest.

It’s a destination that encourages you to slow down, explore deeply, and connect with the profound stories etched into its landscapes and communities. So, pack your bags, rent that car, and prepare to be inspired by the raw beauty and rich heritage of St. Johns. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge on unique experiences, this Arizona gem promises an unforgettable journey. Start planning your authentic Southwest escape today – the wide-open spaces and welcoming spirit of St. Johns await!