Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center — Attraction in Holbrook

The museum itself was cool, and the trail behind it was really fun to check out. Its currently under construction but the view and proximity to the petrified wood is so awesome it doesnt really affect how much fun it is.

I am a park employee, not with the national parks, but I was unpleasantly surprised at the behaviour of the employees in the museum. I entered the museum before it closed, and I was aware that it was very soon before closing. However, I really wanted to see what the inside looked like. Not intending to stay or buy anything to keep employees from getting home, I walked in, looked at some of the fossils there (they're super cool, get there earlier so you have time to properly admire them) and one of the employees let me know they were closing soon. I let her know that I would only be there just to look at the inside and that was all. I think I spent a grand total of a minute and a half in the building. I very quickly peeked at the back half of the room before leaving, and heard someone in the back say in a gruff voice, "GET OUT OF HERE - NOW." I wish i was kidding. Completely unacceptable.

Whats worse is, when i left, i checked the time. When I got back to my car it still wasn't the official closing time. Me standing there just to see what was in the building was painless and they weren't kept there any longer than they were supposed to be.

Ive worked in customer service for every job ive ever had. Its rare to feel overjoyed when customers linger forever, to say the least. But, seriously? That was entirely uncalled for, rude, and a really nasty representation of your otherwise perfect park. Everyone else I met there was professional and kind. The museum needs help.

Visit the park....

This museum provides a pre-historic view of the area the park is in, detailing the former wildlife of the area as well as how wooden logs turned into the stone logs we see today. Ranger talks are given here so check the schedule to see what is upcoming. You can also check to see if there are any talks scheduled in other areas of the park as well.

The museum is also the trailhead for the 4/10 mile (0.6 km) Giant Logs trail that starts at the museum's back door. If you don't have the time to drive out to the Crystal Forest, take this trail to get a closeup look at the petrified wood that gives this park its name. The highlight of the trail is 'Old Faithful', a 10' (3 m) diameter petrified log. A free trail guide can be picked up in the museum.

The museum is the last place to get water in the park until you reach the Painted Desert Inn, 25 miles (40 km) to the north so stock up on water before heading out. Restrooms are available here. The next restroom is 15 miles (24 km) away at the Puerco Pueblo so plan accordingly. The parking lot has spaces for...

The drive off of interstate 40 is about 30 minutes. There is nothing on either side of the road but desolate sand, then all of a sudden you turn and pass two buildings to make you way to the entry guard shack to pay. Take that into account because it's $25 per car, so take friends. The museum itself is surrounded by short mounds and hills covered with petrified rocks that were once trees. Make sure you go into the museum because it actually explains this in detail, which is very interesting if you didn't realize the area millions of years ago was lush and green. Take my advice leave the kids at home unless they're over 19 or 20, because walking around looking rocks that all look exactly the same it's kind of boring for them. You can see from the pictures I posted, the rocks are interesting... But it only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to walk around in them before you decide "okay...