Article Overview: Historic Sites In Arizona
Historic Sites In Arizona. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I’m going to give you my list of the Top 15 Historic Sites in Arizona that you’ll want to see. These are our top 10 sites which we will provide in reverse order. We’ve got amazing monuments, fascinating exhibits, historic museums, legendary figures and so much more.
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as one national park. It also include sites not managed by the National Park Service. After all, we’re more than just parks!
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Top 15 Historic Sites In Arizona
Table Of Contents: Historic Sites In Arizona
Historic Sites In Arizona
15. Lowell Observatory
Historic Lowell Observatory is an astronomical research observatory located in Flagstaff, Arizona, that was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Lowell was a wealthy businessman and amateur astronomer who was interested in the study of the planets, particularly Mars.
He established the observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, because of the high altitude and clear skies, which provided ideal conditions for astronomical observation.
Lowell Observatory’s most notable achievement was the discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. Tombaugh was hired by Lowell to search for a ninth planet, which Lowell believed existed beyond Neptune based on calculations of the orbits of Uranus and Neptune.
Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto was the first discovery of a planet made by an astronomer using photographic techniques.
Lowell Observatory has continued to be an active research facility and it has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. The observatory has been involved in research on the Solar System, galaxies, and cosmology.
It also has a rich history of astronomical discoveries, including the discovery of the first evidence of the expanding universe, known as the “Redshift” effect, and the discovery of the first binary stars.
Things To Do At Lowell Observatory
The Lowell Observatory features several exhibits and facilities for visitors to explore and learn about the history of the observatory and the discoveries made there.
The Rotunda Museum, built in 1916, serves as a library and collection area for artifacts, and features displays that discuss the Lowell family history and the discoveries made at the observatory. It also houses many different measuring tools including Thatcher’s Calculating Instrument.
The Putnam Collection Center and Lowell’s Lunar Legacy, are open to the public when the Rotunda Museum is closed. The Center highlights the Observatory’s history and features artifacts from Lowell’s past and other scientific discoveries.
The Giovale Open Deck Observatory is the newest addition to the Lowell observatory. It allows guests to learn astronomy during the day and night and features six telescopes, six plinths on the deck’s circumference, and an APS spectrum display.
14. Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West focuses on the history and culture of the American West. The museum was established in 2015, and it features a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs related to the history, art, and culture of the American West.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts and objects related to the American West, including Native American art and artifacts, cowboy gear, firearms, and other items related to the history of the American West.
The museum also features a variety of temporary and rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of the American West, such as art, history, and culture.
Famous Artists Of The American West
One of the museum’s main focus is on the art of the American West, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and other works by some of the most famous artists of the American West, such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The Museum also include artifacts from the first people of the West, including pottery, jewelry and other objects.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, tours, and workshops, which provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the history, art, and culture of the American West.
The museum is open to the public and is a popular destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and those interested in the American West.
13. Historic San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier Mission, also known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” is a National Historic Landmark located in Arizona.
It was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692, and construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
It is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, and its interior features original statuary and mural paintings, making it a unique destination for visitors who want to step back in time and experience an authentic 18th century space.
The church continues to serve its original purpose of ministering to the religious needs of its parishioners and is open to visitors for tours and religious services.
12. Pioneer Living History Museum
Pioneer Living History Museum is an outdoor museum in Arizona that aims to preserve and showcase the history of the American frontier. The museum features a collection of authentic pioneer and western buildings, including homes, a schoolhouse, a church, a blacksmith shop, and a jail.
Visitors can explore these structures and learn about the daily lives of pioneers through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and period-specific demonstrations. The museum also has a collection of vintage vehicles, farm equipment, and other tools and machines used by pioneers.
The museum also has living history programs, where costumed interpreters reenact the daily life of pioneers, giving visitors an opportunity to experience what life was like in the past.
It also has special events and activities throughout the year, such as blacksmithing and pottery workshops, cowboy skills demonstrations, and old-fashioned games and crafts.
The museum is a great destination for families, school groups, and history buffs interested in learning about the American frontier and the pioneering spirit.
11. Tombstone Historical District
Tombstone Historical District is a historic area in the town of Tombstone, Arizona. The district is known for being the site of the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a legendary gunfight that took place on October 26, 1881. It was a 30-second shootout between lawmen and members of the Cowboys, a loosely organized group of outlaws.
The Cowboys included the famous Earp brothers, Doc Holliday, and Ike Clanton. Three Cowboys were killed, and the three lawmen were unscathed. The gunfight has become a symbol of frontier justice and the Wild West.
See The Place Where It All Happened
The district includes a number of buildings and sites that are associated with the history of the town and the gunfight, including the O.K. Corral itself, as well as the courthouse, the bird cage theater, and several other buildings and sites.
The district is also home to several museums and exhibits that highlight the history of the town, including the Tombstone Epitaph Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the newspaper that was published in Tombstone during the late 19th century.
Tombstone Historical District is a popular tourist destination. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the American West and the Wild West era.
Top 10 Historic Sites In Arizona
10. Wupatki National Monument
Historic Wupatki National Monument is a Native American heritage that contains ancient ruins of the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian civilization who lived in the area from about 500 AD to 1250 AD.
The main feature of the monument is Wupatki Pueblo, a large multi-story masonry building with rooms, plazas, and ball courts.
The monument also contains several other smaller pueblos and dwellings scattered throughout the landscape, as well as petroglyphs and pictographs created by the Sinagua people.
Wupatki National Monument provides insights into the lives and culture of the Sinagua people and the unique ecological and geological features of the surrounding area.
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9. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Monument
The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is a historic trading post located in northeastern Arizona on the Navajo Nation.
The site was established in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, a trader of Hispanic and European descent, and it played a significant role in the economic and cultural history of the Navajo people.
The trading post served as a center for trading goods and livestock between the Navajo people and Anglo-American traders. The post also served as a cultural center where Navajo people gathered to trade, share stories and news, and socialize.
The main building of the trading post, which was built in 1883, still stands today and serves as a museum.
The museum exhibits the trading post’s history, the life of the Navajo people, and the history of the trading post’s owners, the Hubbell family.
See A Collection Of Traditional Navajo Items
The exhibits include a collection of Navajo rugs, baskets, jewelry, and other traditional crafts, as well as photographs, documents, and other historical artifacts.
The site also features a reconstructed Navajo hogan, a traditional Navajo home, and a visitor center with a bookstore and information about the site’s history and the Navajo Nation.
The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is a unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Navajo people and the American West.
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8. Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tumacácori National Historical Park preserves the ruins of the Mission San José de Tumacácori, a Spanish colonial mission established in the late 1700s.
The mission was one of several built in the region to convert the indigenous people to Catholicism and establish Spanish control over the area. The mission was active until the mid-1800s, after which it fell into disrepair.
In the late 1800s, the site was acquired by the United States government and became Tumacácori National Monument, which was later redesignated as a National Historical Park.
Today, visitors to the park can explore the ruins of the mission church, convento, and other buildings, as well as learn about the history of Spanish colonial missions and the impact they had on indigenous communities in the American Southwest.
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Things To Do At Tumacácori National Historical Park
Visitors enter Tumacácori National Historical Park through the Tumacácori Visitor Center. The visitor center offers a 15 minute video, an excellent museum, and a bookstore.
A self-guided interpretive tour booklet, “In the Footprints of the Past,” is available for loan or purchase in the bookstore.
Guided tours are available at 11:00 and 2:00 January through March, and may be available at other times and seasons. Special tours, such as guided walks to the Santa Cruz River, may also be available.
7. Tonto National Monument
Now if you’re someone who has never experienced a cliff dwelling then you’re in for a real treat because visitors to Tonto National Monument have the opportunity to marvel at two Salado-style cliff dwellings.
You can also see colorful pottery, woven cotton cloth, and other artifacts tell a story of people living and using resources from the northern Sonoran Desert from 1250 to 1450 CE.
Tonto was established in 1907. It’s mission is to protect several cliff dwelling sites and numerous smaller archeological sites scattered throughout the highlands and alluvial plains within the Tonto Basin, Arizona.
The Lower Cliff Dwelling is one of two large sites accessible to the public, and is the primary site visited in the Monument throughout the year.
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6. Old Spanish National Historic Trail
As a retired history teacher, I can tell you that trade networks are as old as civilization itself. Merchants and traders sent goods from New Mexico to Los Angeles in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It was the Mexican trader Antonio Armijo who led the first commercial caravan from Abiquiú, New Mexico to Los Angeles in late 1829. Over the next twenty years, Mexican and American traders continued to use routes similar to the one he pioneered.
This trail network was a combination of the indigenous footpaths, early trade and exploration routes, and horse and mule routes which became known collectively as the “Old Spanish Trail.”
Today numerous programs and activities are available at sites and in communities along the Trail.
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The Top 5 Historic Sites In Arizona
5. Historic Navajo National Monument
Navajo National Monument is a national monument located in northeastern Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. The monument was established in 1909 to protect and preserve three of the largest and most well-preserved cliff dwellings sites of the ancient Puebloan people, also known as the Anasazi.
The three sites, Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House, feature well-preserved architecture and rock art, and offer a glimpse into the lives of the Puebloan people who lived there more than 700 years ago.
The monument’s visitor center features exhibits on the history and culture of the Puebloan people and the Navajo Nation, and offers ranger-led tours to the cliff dwellings sites.
Check Out The Amazing Cliff Dwelling Sites
Visitors can also hike the trails that lead to the cliff dwellings sites, including the Betatakin trail, which is a moderate 3-mile round trip hike that leads to the Betatakin ruins. The Keet Seel trail, and the Inscription House trail are longer and more strenuous, but offer a more in-depth look at the ruins.
The monument also offers guided ranger tours, a campground and picnic areas.
The Navajo National Monument offers an opportunity to learn about the ancient Puebloan people, the Anasazi, and the Navajo Nation, and to explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient cliff dwellings sites.
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Walk The Ground Trod By Native Americans Hundreds Of Years Ago
Imagine walking the same ground trod by Native Americans centuries ago. There are three self-guided trails. They are:
- The Sandal Trail which is a 1.3 mile round-trip paved trail to the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling overlook.
- The Aspen Trail which is a 0.8 mile steep round-trip nature trail that leads to an overlook of a relict forest on the canyon floor.
- The Canyon View Trail which is a 0.8 mile round-trip canyon rim trail that leads to the park’s historic ranger station and provides views of the canyon.
There are also ranger-guided cliff-dwelling tours available at Betatakin and Keet Seel.
4. Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Fort Bowie National Historic Site is a historic site located in southeastern Arizona, near the town of Bowie. The site was established as a military fort in 1862 to protect settlers and travelers along the Butterfield Overland Mail route from attacks by the Chiricahua Apache tribe.
The fort served as an important military post during the Apache Wars of the late 19th century, and was active until 1894.
The fort’s ruins and the surrounding area offer visitors a glimpse into the history of the Apache Wars and the role of the US Army in the American West during this time.
Visitors can explore the remains of the fort, including the officers’ quarters, the hospital, and the guardhouse. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the fort and the Apache Wars, as well as a self-guided trail that leads through the fort’s ruins and the surrounding area.
The trail also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Chiricahua Apache culture and the natural beauty of the area.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of the Apache Wars and the role of the U.S. Army in the American West. It also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and the Chiricahua Apache culture.
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3. Coronado National Memorial
The Coronado National Memorial is a national memorial located in southern Arizona, near the town of Sierra Vista.
The memorial was established in 1952 to commemorate the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition into the American Southwest in the 1540s in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. The memorial is located on the site where Coronado and his expedition first set foot in what is now the United States.
It includes a visitor center with exhibits on the history of Coronado’s expedition and the American Southwest, as well as a bookstore and a picnic area.
Visitors can hike several trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including the Coronado Peak Trail, which leads to the summit of Coronado Peak and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The memorial also offers guided tours, ranger-led programs, and special events throughout the year.
The Coronado National Memorial is a great place to learn about the history of the American Southwest and the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, and to explore the natural beauty of the area.
For Coronado and his freebooters the greatest abyss in all the world was only a scenic nuisance.
-Freeman Tilden, The National Parks
It is only fair to the conquistadors to say that this practical view survived them by many centuries.”
Things To Do
A good place to begin your visit is at the visitor center. There’s a film which provides a brief history of the expedition.
From there you’ll have an opportunity to see the magnificence of the lands once visited by Coronado only you will be able to travel in greater comfort than he did.
The Montezuma Pass Overlook & Scenic Drive is a great place to begin your expedition. It will take you to an elevation of 6,575 feet. The pass offers sweeping views to the east of the San Pedro River Valley and to the west over the San Rafael Valley.
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2. Historic Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a historic site located in Coolidge, Arizona. The monument preserves the remains of an ancient Hohokam village, including a large four-story structure known as the “Great House.”
The Great House is believed to have been built between 1150 and 1300 AD and is one of the largest and most complex prehistoric structures in North America.
The monument also includes several other smaller structures, as well as a visitor center with exhibits on the history and culture of the Hohokam people.
It is a unit of the National Park Service and is open to the public for tours and educational programs.
1. Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park covers over 1.2 million acres and is home to the famous Grand Canyon, a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
The Grand Canyon is known for its deep, colorful layers of rock and its vast size, with a length of 277 miles and a width of up to 18 miles. The park also includes several other natural features, such as deserts, forests, and plateaus, as well as a diverse array of plant and animal life.
The park is open to the public for activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing. There are several viewpoints along the South and North Rim of the canyon, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the canyon.
Guided Tours, Ranger-Led Programs & Scenic Drives
It also offers guided tours, ranger-led programs and a scenic drive along the Desert View Drive, where visitors can stop at multiple overlooks and learn about the park’s geology, human history, and natural resources.
The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon, and the Rim Trail, which offers a scenic walk along the rim of the canyon.
It’s also home to the Havasupai and Hualapai tribes, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the tribes’ culture and history.
The park is open year-round, but certain areas may be closed or have limited access during the winter months due to snow.
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things To Do
The Grand Canyon National Park offers a range of activities for visitors:
- Hiking: There are many trails for all levels of difficulty, including the popular South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails.
- Scenic Drives: Take a drive along Desert View Drive or Hermit Road for scenic views of the canyon.
- River Rafting: Experience the thrill of rafting through the rapids of the Colorado River.
- Mule Rides: Explore the canyon on horseback with guided mule trips.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds within the park for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species.
- Ranger Programs: Attend ranger-led walks, talks, and campfire programs to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour by bus, van, or helicopter for a unique perspective on the park.
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the Grand Canyon offers excellent stargazing opportunities.
List Of Historic Sites In Arizona
- Grand Canyon
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site
- Navajo National Monument
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail
- Tonto National Monument
- Tumacácori National Historical Park
- Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
- Tombstone Historical District
- Pioneer Living History Museum
- San Xavier del Bac
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Lowell Observatory
About the Folks Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for the More Than Just Parks website. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then sign up below!
Related Links
To learn more about the difference between the various National Park Service designations check out our article that explains everything!
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