8 Super Fun Things to Do in Grand Canyon Village

Most people who visit Grand Canyon National Park go to the South Rim and chances are you will too. The area at the South Rim where there are the most shuttles, several campgrounds and lodges, stores and all the other facilities you need is called Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon Village is probably where you’ll stay, where you change shuttle routes, and where you’ll see some of the most accessible views.

But there is a lot more to do at Grand Canyon Village and it’s worth spending time exploring all that the area has to offer.

I love hanging out here and visiting all the attractions.

Here are all my favorite things to do in Grand Canyon Village …

For more fun things to do in Grand Canyon National Park:

➡️ 12 Awesome Things Not to Miss at The Grand Canyon’s South Rim
➡️ 10 Adventurous Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

1. Explore the History Room

Bright Angel Lodge was designed by architect Mary Colter and built in 1935.  The History Room at Bright Angel Lodge is one of the most famous Grand Canyon attractions.  There are photos and other displays highlighting the history of the lodge and the canyon.   

The highlight, however, is the “Geologic Fireplace”, also designed by Mary Colter. The fireplace is built of rocks and stones from all of the major layers of the canyon. Starting with rocks from the Colorado River and culminating at the top with the youngest rocks from the canyon’s rim.

2. Learn Geology at the Geological Museum

To learn more about the layers of the canyon and how it was formed, one of the best things to do at South Rim Grand Canyon is to visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology (formerly called the Yavapai Observation Station).  There are 3-D models, photos, artwork and a large topographic relief map, so you can learn all about the canyon’s creation.   

The museum is perched right on the edge of the canyon, and another highlight is the large picture window with stunning canyon views.  You can also look through viewfinders and spot Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. 

There’s also a gift shop.

3. Go Shopping at Hopi House

For more things to do, Grand Canyon Village also has Hopi House – THE place for shopping.  It was designed by Mary Colter in 1905 to reflect the design of a Hopi Pueblo.  The rectangular shape and multiple roofs are stepped at various levels to give the impression of Puebloan architecture from the outside.  Inside, small wall niches, corner fireplaces, and a mud-plaster wall finish are all typical of Hopi interiors. 

It was designed to house the sales rooms for Fred Harvey Indian Arts and it is still one of the best places to buy Native American art.  It’s open 9:00AM – 5:00PM.

4. Relax on the porch of the El Tovar hotel

Possibly the best place to see Grand Canyon and the views is from the porch of the El Tovar Hotel.  El Tovar is the grandest of the Grand Canyon National Park lodges and is often considered the finest of the historic national park lodges.   

The hotel was built in 1905 for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and was owned and operated by the famous Fred Harvey Company.  Inside are rustic Oregon pine log beams, native stonework and plush furniture, but the back porch, with views of Grand Canyon, is hard to beat. 

➡️ If you want to stay there, you can book a room at the El Tovar here. 

5. Dine in the Grand Dining Room at the El Tovar

The El Tovar isn’t just about accommodations and the porch.  Like many of the classic national park inns and lodges, the grand dining room is spectacular, and having lunch or dinner there is another of the best things to do. Grand Canyon South Rim ‘s premier lodge has murals on the walls depicting the customs of the Hopi, the Apache, the Mojave and the Navajo people.  

You don’t need to be a guest to dine there, but reservations are required for lunch and dinner and can be made up to 30-days in advance for non-guests and further out if you have an accommodation booking. 

6. Discover Kolb Studio

Also perched on the edge of the canyon, at the start of the Bright Angel Trail, Kolb Studio is another of the national historic landmarks in Grand Canyon Village.

It was built in 1904 by the Kolb brothers as a home, photography studio, and theater for their slideshows and films.  It was the first permanent commercial photographers’ studio at the canyon and one of the earliest commercial tourist businesses there. 

Today, there’s an art gallery, bookstore and information booth operated by the Grand Canyon Conservancy inside the historic building. There are also great views of Grand Canyon from the studio.

7. Look Out Over the Canyon at Lookout Studio

Designed by – you guessed it – Mary Colter, this studio dates from 1914 and is built from local limestone to blend in with the canyon.  Even back then, one of the most popular things to do on South Rim of Grand Canyon was to gaze at and photograph the views.  Which is why Colter designed the building as a place from which to view and photograph the canyon.   

The views here are amazing.  There are several small terraces on different levels, so you can take a photo of your friends or family from above, with the canyon behind and below.  You can also clearly see Bright Angel’s Trail’s switchbacks zigzagging down into the canyon.

8. Step back in Time at Grand Canyon Railway Depot

Built in 1920, the Grand Canyon Depot is a National Historic Landmark and another of the many Grand Canyon tourist attractions. 

This was NOT designed by Mary Colter!  The two-story log and wood-frame building was designed by Californian architect Francis W. Wilson to serve as the main station for the Grand Canyon and it still serves that function today.  There were only ever 14 log railway depots built in the United States, and this is one of only three still standing.

Travel Insurance for Grand Canyon 

In addition to answering “What is there to do at the Grand Canyon?”, you should also get travel insurance.  This is true whenever you travel, but especially when visiting national parks.

If you hike, you’ll want to make sure your insurance covers medical repatriation in case you get injured on a remote trail.  But even if your trip just includes more relaxing things to do at Grand Canyon National Park, travel insurance can cover trip cancelation, loss or theft of property, etc. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park! 

Additional Planning Resources for Grand Canyon National Park

⭐ Grand Canyon Guide
⭐ Grand Canyon South Rim Deluxe Itinerary
⭐ Grand Canyon North Rim Basic Itinerary
⭐ Planning A Trip to Grand Canyon National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Long to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon
⭐ 15 Top Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints
⭐ Guide To Making Reservations For Phantom Ranch
⭐ The Complete Guide To Hiking The Bright Angel Trail
⭐ How To Get To Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near The Grand Canyon
⭐ The Airport Nearest Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Visiting Grand Canyon National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ Best Books about the Grand Canyon
⭐ Vacation Rentals In and Near Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Vacation rentals in Flagstaff
⭐ Vacation rentals in Sedona
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon

What are your top Grand Canyon things to do?    I’d love to know.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).   

If you liked this article about the must do Grand Canyon activities, Pin It to your National Parks board! 

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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