Cameron Trading Post | Winslow

Cameron Trading Post – In Detailed Overview

Location and Setting

The Cameron Trading Post is located in the small community of Cameron, Arizona, positioned along U.S. Highway 89 between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon South Rim. The trading post sits adjacent to the dramatic Little Colorado River Gorge, offering sweeping views of the rugged canyon landscape. Its location makes it a convenient and culturally rich stop for travelers en route to the Grand Canyon or exploring northern Arizona.

Historical Background

Established in 1916 by brothers Hubert and C.D. Richardson, the Cameron Trading Post began as a modest trading hub catering primarily to the local Navajo and Hopi populations. At the time, it served as an essential center where Indigenous artisans and herders could exchange their wool, blankets, livestock, and handmade goods for general merchandise, food, and supplies.

Its proximity to the Cameron Suspension Bridge (built in 1911) was crucial, as the bridge provided the first reliable passage over the Little Colorado River Gorge, making this location a key commercial and travel waypoint. Over time, the trading post expanded from a simple store into a multi-functional complex, blending commerce, hospitality, and cultural preservation.

Architecture and Ambiance

The trading post complex reflects the Southwest’s architectural heritage, blending rustic adobe-style buildings with natural stone accents and traditional Native American design motifs. The interiors feature exposed wooden beams, handcrafted furnishings, and decorative elements such as Navajo rugs, Hopi kachina dolls, and Native pottery, creating an immersive cultural atmosphere.

Key areas include the main trading store, the restaurant, motel, gift gallery, and outdoor gardens overlooking the canyon.

Accommodations

The Cameron Trading Post operates a 66-room motel offering travelers comfortable lodging with a distinctly Southwestern flavor. Rooms are decorated with Native American-inspired textiles, art, and warm earth-tone colors. Many rooms offer views of the Little Colorado River Gorge or the surrounding high desert.

An adjacent RV park caters to campers and travelers with recreational vehicles, providing full hookups (water, electric, and sewage), picnic tables, shaded areas, and easy access to the trading post’s amenities.

Cameron Trading Post Restaurant

The restaurant is renowned for its authentic Southwestern and Native American cuisine, blending flavors that celebrate Navajo and Hopi culinary traditions alongside regional American dishes.

Signature menu items include:

Navajo Tacos: Fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Navajo Beef Stew: Slow-cooked beef with vegetables and traditional seasonings.

Prickly Pear French Toast: A unique local twist using prickly pear syrup.

Blue Corn Pancakes and Fry Bread: Classic Native American breakfast favorites.

The dining room features a historic pressed tin ceiling, cozy stone fireplaces, and walls adorned with tribal art and antique Navajo artifacts, providing an inviting, culturally rich environment for meals. Large windows overlook the scenic gorge, enhancing the dining experience.

Gift Shop and Native Art Gallery

The expansive gift shop spans over 8,000 square feet, offering an extensive collection of authentic Native American arts and crafts. Visitors can find:

Handwoven Navajo rugs and blankets

Intricately carved Hopi kachina dolls

Zuni and Pueblo pottery

Sterling silver and turquoise jewelry

Traditional basketry and beadwork

The gallery section showcases fine art pieces from various Indigenous artists, providing insight into contemporary Native creativity alongside traditional forms.

One unique feature is the Cameron Corral of Weaving, where visitors can watch Navajo weavers craft rugs using age-old techniques, preserving and celebrating a vital cultural tradition.

Cultural and Community Role

The Cameron Trading Post remains an important cultural and economic hub for the Navajo and Hopi people. It provides a marketplace for artisans to sell authentic handmade items directly to visitors, supporting local communities and encouraging cultural exchange.

Through its various offerings, the trading post preserves and promotes Native American heritage, making it more than a commercial site-it is a living cultural center that respects traditions and fosters understanding.

Nearby Historical Landmark – Cameron Suspension Bridge

Close to the trading post stands the historic Cameron Suspension Bridge, built in 1911 to span the Little Colorado River Gorge. Though no longer in use, the bridge was critical for opening trade and travel routes in the early 20th century. It symbolizes the region’s history of connectivity and development and provides a scenic backdrop to the trading post complex.

Visitor Information

Address: 466 U.S. Highway 89, Cameron, AZ 86020

Hours: Typically open daily, with store and restaurant hours varying seasonally.

Contact: (928) 679-2231

Visitors can browse and purchase authentic Native goods, dine on regional cuisine, or stay overnight to fully experience this unique Southwestern cultural landmark.

Summary

The Cameron Trading Post is a rich blend of history, culture, hospitality, and commerce. Rooted in over a century of Navajo and Hopi tradition, it offers visitors an immersive experience through authentic art, cuisine, lodging, and scenic views. Whether stopping for a meal, shopping for handmade crafts, or spending the night, the Cameron Trading Post stands as a vibrant gateway to the heritage and landscapes of Northern Arizona.