Ox Bow Inn, historic hotel in Payson, Arizona
The Ox Bow Inn is a wood-built historic hotel on Main Street in Payson, Arizona, distinguished by rustic design with simple lines and sturdy timber framing. Constructed in 1933 as lodging for travelers and renamed in 1945, it features a straightforward structure with natural materials that create a warm, inviting interior.
The hotel was built in 1933 by William and Estelee Wade, inspired by their admiration for Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park. In 1945, Jimmy Cox took over, renamed it the Ox Bow Inn, and expanded the building, establishing it as a notable stop for travelers in the region.
The name reflects the inn's identity after being renamed in 1945, giving the place a distinctive character rooted in the local community. Today visitors experience it as a gathering space where locals and travelers meet and share stories, which defines its ongoing role in town life.
The hotel sits centrally on Main Street in Payson and is easy to locate, offering access to nearby local amenities and dining options. The wooden structure creates a rustic setting, and visitors should know that the authentic interior preserves traditional approaches focused on straightforward hospitality.
The hotel was designed after the famous Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone, which William Wade visited and admired for its wooden construction, creating a connection to a renowned American landmark. This architectural inspiration from one of the country's oldest grand hotels gives the structure in Arizona a rare historical link.
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