A Maverick Helicopter Grand Canyon Tour to the South Rim offers much more than breathtaking scenery and up close views of this popular natural wonder. Landmark structures in Grand Canyon Village offer a glimpse into the past back to the early 1900s when tourists first started flocking to the canyon to experience its splendor firsthand.

The origins of the village reach back to 1901 when the Santa Fe Railroad completed its expansion from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim. Today, the village is a designated National Historic Landmark District with many of the original building still in use.

The oldest structure is a cabin that dates back to the 1890s. William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill, who played a major role in establishing the Grand Canyon Railroad, was also a writer, judge, Arizona politician and miner who built the cabin to be close to a nearby copper deposit. The cabin is part of the Bright Angel lodge complex and now operates as a guesthouse for tourists.

Mary Colter was an architect who was born in Pennsylvania. She designed several structures in the village and surrounding areas, including Hopi House, Lookout Studio and the Desert View Watchtower, one of her most famous designs erected in 1932. The Watchtower is located more than 7,000 feet above sea level approximately 27 miles from the village. Its design is based on the Anasazi watchtowers built by the area’s original inhabitants. Visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the Colorado River and the canyon floor. Hopi House draws its inspiration from buildings in Old Oraibi, a Hopi settlement in the eastern region of Arizona, and was once inhabited by Hopi Indians who offered their arts and crafts for sale to Grand Canyon tourists.

You can visit these historic landmarks and more when you choose to fly with Maverick Helicopters. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer representatives will help you select a tour package that suits your needs. Book your package online or call us today at 1-888-261-4414 or 702-261-0007 for an exciting and educational Grand Canyon tour you will never forget.