Category Archives: Bearizona

Bison Lake in Bearizona full

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Buff-Lake15-03-18-5white-buffalo-01WILLIAMS — Bison Lake at the Bearizona Wildlife Park seems to have filled up due to snow melt.

Actually it is not really a lake. The plain area where the Bison usually love to lay in the snow has filled with water creating a marsh which is difficult, at best, to drive through.

Not to worry, however. The Bison are still hanging around the road for viewing.

Next week visitors will be treated to viewing the newest residents to the park. Three bear cubs were born this spring and will be placed into the walk-through area.
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Three new bear cubs join Bearizona Wildlife Park

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Bearizona Photo

Bearizona Photo

WILLIAMS — Bearizona Wildlife Park is excited to announce the arrival of three un”bear”ably cute North American bear cubs, which were born in early January at the Williams, Arizona Wildlife Park. The bear cubs will be viewable in a special care area of the park until May, when they will then be big enough to go out into their own enclosure within the walk through portion of the park.

Black Bears commonly have two to four cubs per litter, and can nurse up to six cubs. Despite high birthrates, only four out of ten cubs will reach their first year of life. The sixty percent of cub mortality is a result of starvation and depredation by male bears are other large carnivores.

Arizona has a stable wild population of black bear in the wild, however the elusive animals are rarely seen. Visitors to Bearizona Wildlife Park are able to get a close encounter with captive black bears, while learning about their habits and history.

“The connections people make between our animal residents and the habitats in which they reside are key to understanding and conserving wildlife,” explains COO and Curator Vanessa Stoffel. “We have a unique opportunity to educate the public about what it means to live with and recreate among black bears, and these little ambassador cubs are where it all begins.”

Bearizona is a wildlife park in which guests experience a scenic three-mile drive in their own vehicle or coach witnessing North American animals in their natural environment.

Visitors can then leisurely stroll through the forest along winding walkways to get an up-close look at the antics of baby and smaller animals in Fort Bearizona. Guests are encouraged to catch their complimentary Birds of Prey free flight show where they will come face to face with hawks, owls and other raptors.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

Bearizona holds annual holiday special

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800-141129-137WILLIAMS – Visitors to Bearizona on Saturday had a special treat. Not only did they have the opportunity to see the animals and see them get their Christmas meal, there was a special visit from Santa and Mrs. C.

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Bearzona recently broke ground on a new gift shop that will open in May just in time for the sixth anniversary of the park. The new gift shop will be located in the area where the raptor show used to take place.

New gift shop will be located behind where gift shop is now.

New gift shop will be located behind where gift shop is now.

The park keeps improving and recently completed a mountain setting for the Arctic wolves.
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More pictures on our Facebook page.

Jack Hanna visits Bearizona Wildlife Park

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Photo courtesy of Bearizona

Photo courtesy of Bearizona

WILLIAMS – Philanthropist and champion for conservation, Jack Hanna arrived at Bearizona this morning to begin filming for an upcoming television episode that will air on his popular “Into the Wild” series.

“We are thrilled that Jack, his family and crew have decided to include Bearizona as part of their Arizona adventure said CEO and owner Sean Casey.” Sean also stated that “Jack is legendary and has done so much throughout his career educating the public on animal conservation and we are happy to be a partner in his efforts.”

Jack likes being put to work and during his visit at the park, he will do just that. Jack will drive through with animal keepers helping them with their daily routine of caring for the animals. Jack will also hop on the “Wild Ride VIP Bus Tour” and view the park just as a regular visitor would.

Park officials are unsure on the episode’s air date but will post updates via social media.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

Williams prepares for Mountain Village Holiday

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640-141029-18WILLIAMS – The trees are starting to look bare as the beautiful fall colors are starting to give way to the coming winter. The long range forecast shows a possibility of snow on Sunday. The city is stringing lights. The Pumpkin Patch train ended and the Grand Canyon Railway Haunted Train has given way to Christmas lights in preparation for Mountain Village Holiday. The annual Mountain Village Holiday begins Thanksgiving weekend and runs through the new year.

The Grand Canyon Railway is also preparing the Polar Express which starts November 7 and runs through the new year.

The City of Williams has sent applications for the annual lighting contest and they may also be picked up at the City Hall on First Street.

300-MVH-1Mountain Village Holiday kicks off with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on Second Street and a Parade of Lights. During this period the Young Life camp hosts a Thanksgiving dinner and the Kiwanis Club hosts a community dinner.

There is still plenty of Halloween, of course. The scarecrows still adorn Route 66. Bearizona ends their Howly Growly Owly Festival tomorrow. Their new cave display of small creatures of the west—such as mice, scorpions and Ringtail Cats—will remain.

The First Baptist and Family Harvest Churches, across from Safeway on Grant, will hold safe activities for the kids.

Of course trick-or-treating of the houses and businesses on Route 66 will still be available.

Just after Halloween, the weather forecast shows a chance of rain on Saturday with a low of 37. Sunday there is a 30% chance of snow with accumulations of less than a half-inch. A high of 47 is possible during the day dropping to 23-degrees overnight. Fair weather returns Monday with highs around 50-degrees during the day dropping to the mid-20s at night.

Williams dresses up for Halloween

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tarantulaWILLIAMS – It must be October in Williams. The trees are turning and the turantulas are out and running about. Williams residents and businesses are dressing up for the Halloween. You also have the chance to win a fall basket through the Williams Chamber of Commerce.

On the weekends you have the chance to ride Pumpkin Patch Train. The train runs Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 1 & 3pm. The cost is only $20 per adult and $15 for children.

Bearizona Photo

Bearizona Photo

The other big event is the Bearizona Howly Growly Owly fall festival. The event is included in the price of admission. Do not get so wrapped up in the event, however, that you forget to drive through the park to see the animals.

Of course if you want to do something a little less scary, the weather is still great for a Marvelous Marv Grand Canyon Tour.

A really scary decoration.

A really scary decoration.

On Halloween the First Baptist Church and Family Harvest Church are hosting family friendly, safe events. Both churches are located across the street from Safeway along Grant street.

The Tainted Angel LLC will host a Zombie Prom at the Sultana Theater to benefit SAVE Meant to Rescue. The $10 per person event will include a brain eating contest, Cash Bar, photo booth, 80’s theme dance, contest and prizes and more.

The Williams Chamber of Commerce is currently running a scarecrow contest as part of their Alpine Harvest Festival. Several of the businesses have put up scarecrows and you could win a fall gift basket simply by judging the entries.

You can obtain a form from the Williams Visitor Center or any of the participating businesses. Judge a minimum of nine of the scarecrows and rate them each from 1 to 5. Make sure you obtain a sticker from the participating business. Drop off your entry at the Williams Visitor Center by October 29 in order to win the gift basket. You need not be present to win.

Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe "El Muerto." Don't forget to try the pumpkin pancakes and latte during October.

Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe “El Muerto.” Don’t forget to try the pumpkin pancakes and latte during October.

Participating businesses are Bearizona Wildlife Park, Camp Civitan Thrift Store, Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe, National Bank of Arizona, Pizza Factory, Old Glory Gifts, the Williams Depot, Pine Country Restaurant, Williams Veterinary Clinic, The Station 66 Italian Bistro, Elephant Rocks Golf Course, Williams Wear, The Gallery in Williams, Sultana Theater and Boutique 66.

"Night Rider" at Camp Civitan Thrift Store. The thrift store benefits Camp Civitan for special needs people.

“Night Rider” at Camp Civitan Thrift Store. The thrift store benefits Camp Civitan for special needs people.

"The Scared Crow" sits beside the GMO Corn crow at Williams Wear in the mall.

“The Scared Crow” sits beside the GMO Corn crow at Williams Wear in the mall.

Old Glory Gifts has "The Mother Road & the Kicks." Old Glory Gifts sells only American made products.

Old Glory Gifts has “The Mother Road & the Kicks.” Old Glory Gifts sells only American made products.

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Bearizona in caHOOTs with the Arizona Diamondbacks

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300-george2WILLIAMS – Families should plan to stop at the Flagstaff Cool Zone near Chase Field this Saturday prior to the D-Backs opening pitch to meet George, a Great Horned Owl from Bearizona Wildlife Park. George will be available for photos during this one-of-a-kind meet and greet, as part of a promotional event for Bearizona’s Howly Growly Owly Fall Festival.

Bearizona staff will be offering passersby an opportunity to get some Bearizona ink (temporary tattoos) as well as information and a significant coupon for the Howly Growly Owly Festival, which will be held weekends in October.

Bearizona will enhance the Cool Zone with a festive fall atmosphere, and Buster the Bearizona mascot will be on hand entertaining folks who stop by.

Howly Growly Owly Festivities Include:

  • Howl-O-Ween Express: Hop on the windowless bus that takes visitors through the drive-through animal exhibits. Patrons can howl with the wolves in the Alaskan Tundra & Arctic Wolf enclosure and watch the animals interact with a special Howl-O-Ween enrichment treat. Bus rides depart from the Fort Bearizona parking lot at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Rides are on a first come first serve basis and seating is limited.
  • Growly Bear Cave: Those who dare can walk through our haunted bear cave (PG-13)
  • Raptor Show: Guests should plan to catch an Owly Raptor Show at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m., after visiting Fort Bearizona’s baby and smaller animals.
  • Wandering Entertainers: Stop by the park between 11:30-2:30 weekends in October to catch juggling performances, balloon artists and face painters!

Early risers form up for Cool Country Cruise-In

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ccci140808-04WILLIAMS – Some of the classics in for the Cool Country Cruise-In event on Route 66 in Williams started lining up about 7:30 today. The annual event brings classic cars from several States.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is reduced to 15-miles per hour from First Street east to the end of Bill Williams Avenue (Route 66) for the event. Drivers need to watch for pedestrians and photographers.

The Matthew J. Broehm VFW post will be selling raffle tickets for the tactical shotgun which will be drawn for today.

Cars are not the only events available this weekend. The Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center will host a free swim and party with pizza, snow cones and beverages on Saturday, August 9 from noon to 2 pm. The pool will then go to a reduced schedule open to the public only on Friday and Saturdays through August 30. The Friends are planning one more free swim and party on the last day of the season.
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Bearizona is always open from 8am to 7pm. Cars begin to line up for the drive-through wildlife park even before opening. You will probably find Marvelous Marv’s orange Volkswagen Beetle at the car show, but his orange van will be available to take visitors to the Grand Canyon for his world-famous private tour.

On the west end of town near Safeway, across the street from Memorial Park, the Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market will be open. The Route 66 Street Market replaced the Swap Meet which used to be held in the same area. Proceeds from this event benefit the Kiwanis scholarships offered to local students.

If you are not into the noise and bustle of the downtown activities, the Kaibab National Forest is open for hiking and camping. Anglers should be happy because the Buckskinner Park reservoir is up to its aspens in water. Although the aspens did not flourish this season, the recent monsoon has filled the reservoir to near capacity. It appears that it has recently been restocked as trout are jumping. It should be remembered that a trout stamp is required for fishing in our local lakes.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.


The Williams watershed is open for hiking which means the trail from Buckskinner park is open. Alternatively one could travel seven-miles out Perkinsville Road (continue up Fourth Street past Santa Fe dam) to the Benham trail. Both trails are about 4-1/2 miles so take plenty of water. The Benham trail will probably yield the most views of wild life.

The weather is expected to be clear today with a 10% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow and Sunday. The chance of thunderstorms rises to 50% on Monday. Winds are expected to be from 5- to 10-mph through the weekend.

Bearizona Backwoods BBQ- Redneck Family Fun for All

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Bearizona Backwoods BBQ music into the night. - Photo Courtesy of Bearizona

Bearizona Backwoods BBQ music into the night. – Photo Courtesy of Bearizona

WILLIAMS – Bearizona is hosting a Backwoods BBQ on July 26, from 12:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m. This event will be held in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru area of the park and is open to the public.

Live country music throughout the day, headlined by Marble Heart at 5:00 p.m., will set the mood for the event. Kids can jump ‘til their hearts content and get some Bearizona ink, in our Kid Zone. Barbecue food will be available for purchase as well as local beverage favorites Grand Canyon Brewery, Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company & all your domestic favorites as well.

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Bearizona BBQ 2013. – Photo courtesy of Bearizona.

Bearizona is excited to welcome the Phoenix Herpetological Society who will be at the event with an alligator and an 18’ snake that attendees, who are adventurous enough, can get up-close, touch and get their picture taken with them. There will also be Bearizona’s walk thru animals on exhibit for all to see, including those adorable bear cubs.

Advance discount tickets for the Bearizona Backwoods BBQ can be purchased by going to www.bearizona.com. $8 ages (4-12) and $18 (13 & Up). Tickets at the event will cost $10 ages (4-12) and $20 (13 & Up). Tickets will get you into both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas of the park, however the drive-thru closes at 7p.m. Bearizona pass holders get into the event for free.

Folks who are interested in staying the night are encouraged to book their room at our preferred hotel vendor The Grand Canyon Railway.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

We will be available for live interviews at Phoenix Herpetological Society Wednesday morning with critters (gator, snake & baby porcupine). Please call to schedule.

Bearizona Backyard BBQ July 26th

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backwoods-bbqBearizona will hold its Backwoods Barbeque July 26th from 12 pm to 9 pm at the Fort Bearizona Walk-Thru Area. The drive-thru portion of the park will only be open through 7 pm, so make sure you come early if you wanted to include this in your visit.

Annual Pass Holders get in free, but must pay for food, beverages and bounce houses. Pass holders must also RSVP for event by emailing bearizonawp@gmail.com with the number attending.

Online Pre-Sale Tickets

$8+tax (Ages 4-12)
$18+tax (Ages 13 and Up)

Tickets at the Gate

$10+tax (Ages 4-12)
$20+tax (Ages 13 and Up)

Events include:

  • Live Country Music throughout the day, headlined by Marble Heart at 5 pm
  • View Bearizona’s Walk-Thru Animals-Including Adorable Bear Cubs
  • Jump ’til Your Hearts Content on our Bounce Houses $3.00 for all day bracelet
  • Get Hands-On with Gators and Snakes who make a special appearance during this event only 3 pm 8 pm. Other Critters will be out throughout the day for an up-close encounter.
  • Yummy BBQ, Grand Canyon Brewery, Historic Brewing Company and Grand Canyon Winery Selections Available for Purchase

You can book your hotel room with their preferred partner—The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and get gussied up in your backwoods best. Think Duck Dynasty meets Red Neck.