Location: Benson
Top Things to do in Benson
10 Things to Do in Benson That You Shouldn't Miss
Benson is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States, 45 miles (72 km) east-southeast of Tucson. It was founded as a rail terminal for the area, and still serves as such. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 5,105.
Restaurants in Benson
1. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource
Reviewed By msfett - Muskego, Wisconsin
This was a great tour for all ages. Just be aware it’s a living cavern so you can’t touch anything. Don’t bring a coat or a hoodie because it’s warm in there. We learned tuck your sunglasses in your shirt or pocket because after you come out it’s bright. They made it very accessible to everyone. Thank you for that!
2. Double R Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 91 reviews
How do you summarize Double R Guest Ranch...we offer some of the best and most scenic horseback riding in Arizona. Our well trained horses will carry you over the same trails that famous Apache Indian Chiefs Geronimo and Cochise once rode. Double R Ranch offers exceptional horseback riding in the mountainous rugged Arizona terrain surrounding the ranch. Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time in the saddle, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for! Beginners can enjoy a leisurely ride on the gentle trails surrounding the Ranch–and riders with more experience will have opportunities for different guided rides in the surrounding mountains. Many of our mountain trails will challenge even the most advanced riders. We have trail rides for beginners, intermediate and more advanced riders. If you are someone who seeks the adrenaline rush of a faster paced ride and don't want to ride "nose to tail", we offer fast rides where you will be loping (canter) and galloping, that will be sure to satisfy that urge. As one guest recently put it..."As children we dreamed it, as adults we lived it" at Double R Guest Ranch. Where the West once was and still is.
Reviewed By Britt K
Double R Ranch's team, horses and the experiences they provide are honestly more wonderful than words could ever express. They are dedicated to providing utterly amazing, pleasurable and memorable experiences to their guests and do just exactly that! I am a traveling nurse and do not get to spend much time with my own horses back home these days, but Ron gave me the riding fix I so desperately needed as he accompanied me and my friend on the most marvelous 'fast ride' I've ever had the pleasure of taking part in since beginning my traveling career! I am already planning to return to AZ every other month or so specifically to visit Double R again and again in the future for the day-long/camping/dinner/overnight rides they offer. THAT is how incredible they are, THAT is how much I adore them! ♡
3. Gammons Gulch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Old West Movie Set and Museum. Walking and guided tours. Please see our website for complete information. We are a "Mom and Pop" operation and tours are BY RESERVATION ONLY, we have found that this works best for everyone. We may not be on the property or we may be filming and cannot take a tour on the spot. If you need to make a reservation on an off day we may be able to accommodate you please call to discuss those reservations. It is 12 miles from Benson down a scenic paved road. We are looking forward to seeing you!
Reviewed By Suzanne S - Nashville, Tennessee
In addition to touring Arizona from North to South, we wanted to visit western towns and movie sets. Gammons Gulch was truly the highlight of our trip! Joe is very interesting, great story teller of western movie history, actors/actesses and he is very talented! He only takes a limited number of folks through at a time so that he can share the rich history of Gammon's Gulch! It is a bit out of the way but well worth the drive! It is a must see if you are a western movie buff!
4. Benson Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Debra S
this was a great place to stop and rest and walk around and check out this quite little town and get some information about Benson and other parts of AZ
5. The Thing
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 155 reviews
What is The Thing? Come and see for yourself. It is 17 miles east of Benson and about 40 miles east of Tucson on Interstate 10 (Exit 322). Look around the spacious gift shop and purchase a few gifts, a couple of pieces of Indian Handmade or gold jewelry, some pottery, or one of the many other items available at this location. Do your shopping before you tour the museum and look for, The Thing . Because afterwards you will probably want to compose yourself and just sit awhile sipping a cold soda or try to calm your nerves by scarfing up an Ultimate Burger or shoveling down a cold DQ Blizzard at the Dairy Queen located right next door. This location also offers self-serve Shell fuel with 24 hr. pay at the pump service. Are you in the need of Diesel? Get it here!
Reviewed By Kj W - Cochise, Arizona
Nice road stop to stretch. Not much to see. A little shopping and food available. Also offers gas right off the freeway.
6. Butterfield RV Resort Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By silverstreak5611 - Langley, Washington
In Benson Arizona is a hidden gem. Butterfield RV Park and Observatory is a great RV park with excellent rv sites with lots of room for any RV. The added bonus is the observatory. It is run by a couple of local gentlemen who are very knowledgeable of the solar system and how to run the computer driven telescope an observatory dome. It is a must do if you travel with your rv in this area.
There is also an excellent cavern in Benson which is a must do.
7. Singing Wind Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Catherine V - Elmwood Park
This place had many books of interest and rare finds for reading. The owner was full of information regarding some questions I asked.
8. Quarles Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By baritonebilly - Las Cruces, New Mexico
Stopped in here after brunch at the Horseshoe Cafe, they are in the same block. There are various artists' creations, e.g., paintings, pottery, baskets etc. We were very impressed with the quality of work. The paintings are much of the southwest, landscapes, and some great animal pictures. Not so much abstracts, more realistic depictions which we really enjoy. We will visit this gallery again. There were several of the artisits there and they were very cordial, and passionate about their talent - but not aggressive to sell. The art will talk to you!
9. Benson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
A stroll through any museum is a walk back in time. What separates Benson Area Museum from many others is the rich history it chronicles here in southeastern Arizona. Everyone knows the story of Tombstone, "the town too tough to die." What many don't know is that Benson, Arizona, just a little more than twenty miles north of Tombstone, was the railroad hub for this part of the state.
Reviewed By Eagleeva - San Antonio, Texas
Good local history and artifacts from Benson's early days and 20th century. Staffed by local volunteers who can tell you about exhibits. Free to visit, but donations much appreciated. A "must see" if you are spending winter in Benson or interested in the local area. Benson was a railroad hub well before the highways and has its share of Arizona stories to tell. Mexican General Villa came through town with a band on a recruiting visit one time in early 20th century. Ask for directions here to see local pioneer graveyard too.
10. San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Benson Museum & Quilt Gallery shares it's local history with visitors near and far with a colorful past. Benson area iis known for its connection to the railroads and to mining. Located in a historic 1920's building that used to house the W.D. Martinez General Merchandise Store. The quilt gallery behind the museum is a must for all those interested in the hand-made pieces from local artisans.
Reviewed By sydette - Benson, Arizona
Little Gem in Benson....The museum is located in a historic 1920's building that used to house the W.D. Martinez General Merchandise Store. The permanent displays provide an opportunity to step into an old time general store and make a trip to an optometrist's office. Other displays highlight home life, health and work. The Benson area is known for its connection to the railroads and to mining. The museum also houses the refurbished early 1914 Benson School bus. Behind the museum is the Art & Quilting Gallery, a must for all those interested in the hand-made pieces from local artisans. Museum Hours October - April Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday - 10-2. May - September Tuesday - Saturday 10-2. Closed all of August.
