Heritage Square: Flagstaff's Community Living Room
Experience Flagstaff's heart at Heritage Square: Free events, local art, and community spirit in a historic downtown setting.
Heritage Square Trust is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, and serves as the city's central gathering place. This artfully-designed red brick square, situated on Aspen Street, was envisioned by Dick and Jean Wilson, Jim Babbitt, Steve Vanlandingham, and Francis McAllister, collectively known as the Heritage Square Trust. Completed in 1999, the square transformed a former dirt parking lot into a vibrant community space. Heritage Square features an open-air amphitheater and plaza designed to accommodate up to 1,200 people, making it an ideal venue for local arts and entertainment. The square also incorporates elements that reflect Flagstaff's history and culture. A winding brick path details the history, biology, geology, and anthropology of the area, while a red brick railroad track design signifies the importance of the railroad. The base of the flagpole contains rocks from the Grand Canyon, carefully arranged to represent the canyon's geologic strata. Even the benches are custom-made, each representing a significant aspect of Flagstaff's heritage, such as the railroad, Lowell Observatory, ranching, the lumber industry, and Native American culture. Throughout the year, Heritage Square hosts a variety of free events, including concerts, movie nights, art festivals, and children's activities. These events aim to foster a sense of community and make quality entertainment accessible to everyone. The City of Flagstaff operates and coordinates events on the Square, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for all.
Local tips
- Check the local events calendar for free concerts, movies, and festivals happening at Heritage Square, especially during the summer.
- Explore the square's brick path to learn about Flagstaff's history, biology, geology, and anthropology through informative plaques.
- Take a close look at the flagpole base, which features actual rocks from the Grand Canyon arranged in their corresponding geological layers.
A brief summary to Heritage Square Trust
- 111 W Birch Ave, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001, US
- +1928-853-4292
Getting There
-
Walking
Heritage Square is located in downtown Flagstaff, easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels and attractions. From the intersection of Route 66 (Milton Road) and San Francisco Street, walk north on San Francisco Street for one block. Turn right onto Aspen Avenue; the square will be on your left. The square is open to the public and free to enter.
-
Public Transport
The Flagstaff Visitor Center is located at the historic train station, a short walk from Heritage Square. From the visitor center, walk north on San Francisco Street for one block, then turn right onto Aspen Avenue. Heritage Square will be on your left. Bus routes also serve downtown Flagstaff, with several stops within a few blocks of the square. Check the Mountain Line bus schedule for routes and times. A single ride fare is typically $2.
-
Parking
Several parking lots are available near Heritage Square, including the Leroux Retail Lot. From Route 66, turn north onto Leroux Street. The parking lot will be on your right. Parking rates vary, but typically cost around $2 per hour. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak event times.
