A Parent's Guide to NAU Graduation

Photo Credit: nau.edu

Having your child graduate college is a proud moment in any parent's life! It's a time to celebrate and share this great accomplishment with them! Graduation is typically a hectic and chaotic weekend, so here are some tips to help plan the logistics and navigate the area.

Where to Stay in Flagstaff for NAU Graduation

When choosing a hotel to stay at during the NAU graduation festivities, consider your activities, what part of town they'll be taking place, and whether you'll want to just park you car once or deal with moving your car often (the struggle is real when it comes to parking in Flagstaff). Hotels in Flagstaff range from close to campus to away from all the hustle and bustle of the graduation scene. You can find a full list of hotels that fit your needs in our Where to Stay section or you can just go directly to hotels Near NAU. If you're coming with a lot of family, getting a Flagstaff vacation home might be your best bet.

Things to Do

Flagstaff is a wonderful place to spend quality time with your graduating student. A stroll through the downtown area will bring you past many fantastic restaurants and local hangouts. Check out Flagstaff restaurants. If an outdoor adventure is what you seek, there are wonderful hikes, mountain biking trails, stand up paddle boarding, fishing and so much more! From museums to adventure tours, you'll find something extraordinary to do on our things to do in Flagstaff section.

Getting There

Directions

All commencement ceremonies take place in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. This is the large white dome building on campus. An interactive map of Northern Arizona University is provided at below if you need further directions or would like to check out other buildings on campus. Also, note directions from popular areas include:

Approaching from I-40 W (Albuquerque)

Take exit 195 and merge onto I-17 North
In less than a mile, take exit 341 for McConnell Dr.
Follow the on-campus prompts for directions and traffic flow

Approaching from I-40 E (Los Angeles and Kingman)

Take exit 195 toward AZ 89A/Phoenix/Flagstaff, then merge onto I-17 N
From there, take exit 341 for McConnell Dr.
Follow the on-campus prompts for directions and traffic flow

Approaching from I-17 N (Phoenix)

Take exit 341 for McConnell Dr.
Follow the on-campus prompts for direction and traffic flow

Parking

If you have ever been to NAU before you will already know how frustrating parking can get. The main parking lots on south campus include the Dome parking lot and South commuter. Either one of these parking lots are accessible by foot or bus to the ceremonies. South commuter is the farther of the two. For more information on traffic flow check out Graduation Traffic Map.

HOTELS & DINING NEAR NAU

Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff

Escape to Flagstaff and enjoy the perfect weather, beauty and DEALS with our 2K BONUS POINTS EVERY 2 NIGHTS. Earn 2,000 Bonus Points every 2 nights from 1/20/21 through 3/31/21 at any IHG® Hotel & Resort. Plus, Bonus Points are Elite Qualifying.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

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8.1
202 reviews

Dark Sky Brewing

Micro-Brewery pushing the limits on flavor & style combinations with over 500 different recipes to date. Established 2014 in Flagstaff, Arizona ~ the World’s 1st Dark Sky City!
$1 off pours from locals on Mondays

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4.5

High Country Motor Lodge

The hottest new boutique hotel in Flagstaff!
A curated and contemplative retreat, High Country Motor Lodge offers transcendent experiences at the center of Flagstaff, Arizona. Immerse yourself in this respite off Route 66. Melding vintage style, contemporary design, and an adventurous spirit, H.C.M.L. is a place to re-energize and realign after a long day’s travel. Restless ramblers, local characters, explorers, seekers, and star-gazers welcome.

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9.5

SoSoBa

Noodleshop and craft cocktail bar in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff Arizona.

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4.2

Dara Thai

Dara Thai Restaurant was opened in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1992. They have been an appreciated part of the community, as they were the first Thai restaurant in Flagstaff. With multiple Best of Flagstaff Awards won over the years, Dara Thai continues to serve great and innovative cuisine in a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. Dara Thai also has restaurants all over the Southwest in Sante Fe and Taos New Mexico, as well as in Williams and Anthem Arizona.