News Release

New Restrooms to be Built at the Rainbow Forest Historic District of Petrified Forest National Park

Design plan showing what the new restroom will look like.

NPS

News Release Date: September 6, 2024

Contact: Sarah Hervé, 928-241-4174

PETRIFIED FOREST, Ariz. Petrified Forest National Park is pleased to announce the start of construction of a new restroom next to the Rainbow Forest Museum. Though the museum has restrooms the building (and it’s plumbing) is one of the oldest in the park, making repairs costly and difficult. The new restroom will have flushing toilets, water for handwashing and family friendly/gender neutral options. Petrified Forest National Park is one of the few national parks that have closed gates at night to protect park wildlife and petrified wood, but the park does allow visitor access during the early morning and early evening when the light is perfect for photography. The new restrooms will be available for visitors who want to enjoy the park before and after visitor centers are open. “Many visitors enjoy being in the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon says park superintendent Jeannine McElveen. “Providing restroom facilities during those times of the day is extremely important for visitor satisfaction”. Funding for the project came from entrance fees paid by park visitors, funds that are specifically used to improve the visitor experience. Entrance fees are crucial for supporting numerous projects in the park, both large and small. Construction of the new facility will begin in early September. Once the new restrooms are in use the park will be exploring optional uses for the old restrooms, including the possibility of additional exhibit space.