Though just a tiny town, Fredonia (pop. 1,220) is the largest community on the
Arizona Strip. Mormon polygamists, seeking refuge from federal agents, settled here
in 1885. They first called the place Hardscrabble but later chose the name Fredonia,
perhaps a contraction of the words "freedom" and "doņa" (Spanish
for wife).
On the north edge of town toward Kanab, it's worth
stopping at The Red Pueblo Museum (900 N. Main St., 928643-7777, 8 a.m.-4
p.m. Mon.-Fri. from March to October, donation) to see a collection of prehistoric
and historic Native American artifacts, including a huge number of arrowheads; you
can also pick up regional tourist information; covered picnic tables are outside.
The town's modest businesses lie along Main Street (US 89A). Grand Canyon Motel
(175 S. Main St., 928/643-7646, $40 d) stays open year-round. Cowboy Butte Grill &
Steakhouse (165 N. Main St. 928/643-6848) has American favorites. A couple of
convenience stores in town offer groceries.
The post office
(85 N. Main St.) is in the center of town. A city park on 2nd East has picnic
tables, a playground, and a pool; turn east three blocks on Brown or Hortt from
Main Street. The public library (130 N. Main St., 928/643-7137) has Internet
computers.
Folks at the North Kaibab Ranger District office
(430 S. Main St., P.O. Box 248, Fredonia, AZ 86022, 928/643-7395,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai) will tell you about
hiking, Grand Canyon viewpoints, and the back roads of the national forest north
of the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab National Forest map (North Kaibab Ranger District)
sold here is a must for exploring the Kaibab Plateau. Hours run Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5
p.m. and you can pick up information at other times inside the vestibule.