Grand Canyon National Park

The historical buildings and structures of Grand Canyon National Park represent one of the most diverse assemblages of built structures in the U.S. National Park Service system. Structures include ancient pueblos, elaborate concession hotels, the only railroad to terminate in a national park, rustic Park Service facilities, and a substantial amount of infrastructure to support visitor activities. Much of the built environment predates the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park, and was incorporated into the new park and expanded as visitation grew. Concession structures, most notably those designed by architect Mary Jane Colter, mimicked ancient native American structures as part of a managed visitor experience created by the Fred Harvey Company. The intensive development, perched directly on the south and north rims of the Grand Canyon, posed significant challenges in infrastructure that led to innovations in the design of public utilities. The significance of these structures is noted by the designation of seven national historic landmark structures and districts, and fourteen districts and properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.