Knights Inn Gila Bend

A Short Stop-over in Gila Bend, AZ.

by galaxyrain

"The Space Age Restaurant and Lodge"

If you are drving along I-8 and bored with the scenery and tired of McDonald's, stop by this 60's space themed diner. We just ordered pie and coffee, but the food looked appetizing. The pie was delicious and they had a lot of varieties. We tried the apple, cherry, and blueberry. I did a little research on this diner before trying it out. I will admit I was a little disappointed. I thought it would more star-trekish. However, we had fun laughing about our stop.

"Space Age Souvenirs"

You can get one of these souvenir mugs too!!!

"Crossroads of the Southwest"

by Basaic

"Gila Bend"

Gila (pronounced "hee-la") Bend, was named for the sharp bend in the Gila River. It is located near a prehistoric Hohokam Indian Village which Father Eusebio Francisco Kino visited in 1699. Kino found the fertile banks of the Gila River had been abandoned by an early Indian tribe call the Opas, who raised two grain crops annually and irrigated the land using water from the Gila River.

Gila Bend has long been nicknamed the "Crossroads of the Southwest", and was part of an important transportation route in the settling, development and growth of the Great Southwest. Gila Bend is ideally situated as the "center of a wheel" with spokes leading to and from all areas of the southwest.

Gila Bend has almost 2000 residents, and seems to be a very friendly town.

"Nearby Attractions"

Nearby attractions include the Gatlin Site (a site of an ancient Hohokam Settlement established around 800 AD and which is under development); Fortaleza (another Hohokam Site which is not open to the general public); the Oatman Massacre Site (where the Oatman Family was massacred in 1851); and the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site located just west of town.

Gila Bend also has a town museum which is free and is well worth a visit.

"Facilities"

Gila Bend boasts a number of hotels and restaurants.

In the middle of nowhere

by Erika74

"Gas and Snacks"

Gila Bend is about 1.5 hours east of Yuma, on the way to Phoenix and Tucson. The population must be about 2,000. Don't worry about getting lost.

You take the 85 north to hit the I10 for Phoenix. Phoenix is only about 50 more minutes away. You can expect to pay a little more for gas here than the city.

Or stay on I8 for Tucson.

This is usually where I stop for a break. They have sevral fast food places and gas stations. A few hotels.