Top 10 Historic Sites in Arizona, United States

March 16, 2022 Velvet Mowry

The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona

1. Medicine Wheel Lodge Spiritual Day Lodge & Wolf Sanctuary

1350 East Reay Road, Rimrock, AZ 86335 +1 928-592-0588 http://www.MedicineWheelLodge.com
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Medicine Wheel Lodge Spiritual Day Lodge & Wolf Sanctuary

Reviewed By OneSedonaGirl - Chalfont, United States

Today was incredible !!! What a wonderful healing experience i had with the wolves. My husband & i went to see them in Rimrock. Words can’t express the feeling I had with them. I didn’t want to leave. It was such a beautiful experience. We learned one of the wolves we were with today Kira, i think it was about 3 wks ago, she broke her leg, & needed surgery. She’s still in the healing process & has needed a lot of special care which seems to have put a lot more expense out for the care takers Healing Wolf & her husband. So i said to my husband, I was happy we went today. Just so you know you do have to call & make a reservation first. It was a $40 donation per person for us to see the wolves, but what we got back from being with them is PRICELESS. I can vouch for that today. It’s something i’m going to remember forever. Honestly I can say If you want to experience something truly magnificent you have to go to the Medicine Wheel Lodge in Rimrock AZ & spend some time with these magnificent healing wolves. You won’t be sorry. I promise you.

2. Douglas Mansion

Route 89A, Jerome, Jerome, AZ +1 520-634-5381 http://azstateparks.com/Parks/JERO/index.html
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 233 reviews

Douglas Mansion

This former home of a mining baron became a state park and a museum in 1965.

Reviewed By AZJoeW - Sun City, United States

The Douglas Mansion is the main feature of the Jerome State Historic Park. This is well worth the stop. It is a self-guided tour of the mansion and there is a 30-minute film about the history of Jerome, AZ. The views are also spectacular looking north towards Sedona. Unlike the rest of Jerome, parking here is easy.

3. Wupatki National Monument

25137 N. Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004-2759 +1 928-679-2365 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 2,009 reviews

Wupatki National Monument

Explore this fascinating ancient pueblo, located near the San Francisco Peaks, which once housed almost 100 members of the Anasazi and Sinagua tribes.

Reviewed By kevingW5482NQ

Come in from the Sunset Crater side and stop at the first set of ruins. Perched atop a gigantic boulder, you’ll be able to get breathtaking views of the painted desert, the mountains, plains... stop next at the visitor center and walk down to the ruins there for more amazing scenery. There are other ruins on the way out toward the Grand Canyon, and they are all worth the stop and hike as well. This is amazing, American history and you won’t regret taking the time to contrast this monument with Sunset Crater, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Walnut Canyon... every place we stopped, my wife said, “I didn’t think anything could compete with the last place we were...”

4. Downtown Historic Area

Prescott, AZ +1 928-445-2000 http://prescottdowntown.com
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 1,069 reviews

Downtown Historic Area

Many of Prescott's buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places are located downtown.

Reviewed By FritziesPop - Watford City, United States

From the unique stories of the storefront facades along Whiskey Row to the intriguing & vibrant Courthouse Square, downtown Prescott is a sure-fire hit with young & old alike (especially those of legal drinking age!).

5. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

220 N Prison Hill Rd Interstate 8 at Giss Parkway, Yuma, AZ 85364-2307 +1 928-783-4771 http://www.yumaprison.org/index.html
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,418 reviews

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. Today at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park walk through the actual strap iron cells and solitary chamber of Arizona Territory’s first prison. Now a museum, the prison houses photographs and colorful exhibits of those who once “involuntarily” stayed there and the harsh life they had to endure.

Reviewed By Road_Tripper49

This is definitely a must see for anyone interested in understanding the early history of Arizona and Yuma. You take a self-guided tour around numerous buildings including the cell blocks and a great deal of artifacts from inmates. You can go at your own pace and will leave better understanding what prison life and the impacts of the environment both in prison and in the surrounding area, must have been like. Bravo to the community for ensuring this history lives on!

6. Montezuma Castle National Monument

2800 Montezuma Castle Hwy, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 +1 928-567-3322 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/MontezumaNPS/?ref=page_internal
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 2,517 reviews

Montezuma Castle National Monument

This stone castle built into a shallow cave on a cliff was once a six-story dwelling with 45 rooms.

Reviewed By DonN263 - Raleigh, United States

Montezuma's Castle is well worth a visit. It is only about 3 miles from I-17 so it is very easy to get to and you don't have to go out of your way The 5 story castle is pretty spectacular built on the side of a cliff. There is a short easy trail that tells the history and more details about the people who lived there from the 1100s to the 1400s. If you are a senior over 65 don't pay the admission price. Either buy the senior pass for one year for $20 or the senior lifetime pass for $80. These passes Grant you free access to all National Monuments (Arizona has the most of any state as well as Grand Canyon and Petrifed National Parks Also Montezuma's Castle has a nice visitor center with souvenirs and restrooms

7. Colorado River State Historic Park

201 N 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364-2336 +1 928-783-0071 [email protected] http://www.visityuma.com/quartermaster-depot.html
Excellent
46%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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4.5 based on 205 reviews

Colorado River State Historic Park

Once a major military supply point, this site contains the quartermaster depot and officers' quarters as well as restored historic buildings commemorating five centuries of transportation across the Colorado River.

Reviewed By GypsyNovice - Auburn, United States

We very much enjoyed learning the history of Yuma and the student created Yuma crossing self guided tour app was well done! The community support of youth participation is a great way to bridge generations. It was sad to hear the Back in Time pie shop was forced to close from the covid distancing restrictions. The pie lady relied heavily on tea party income and the pie sales were not paying the rent. The museum tour took us about 1 hour and December temperature was 65°.

8. Fort Verde State Historic Park

125 E Hollamon St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322-7100 +1 928-567-3275 [email protected] http://azstateparks.com/Parks/FOVE
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 409 reviews

Fort Verde State Historic Park

Winner of the 2015 Arizona Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Award. Fort Verde is one of the best preserved examples of an Indian Wars period fort in Arizona. This original Military Headquarters is now a museum which contains artifacts, photos, videos, and interpretive exhibits focused on the history and lives of those who lived and served at Fort Verde: soldiers, Indian Scouts, settlers, doctors, and Native Americans. Three of the original homes along Officer's Row are still remaining and furnished with period artifacts.

Reviewed By Mysticman78 - Sedona, United States

If you love history and the Verde Valley, don’t miss this on your stops of must-sees in the Sedona / Verde Valley region. This place is packed with charm, the historical displays are engaging and well done, full of artifacts, and everything you want to know about what life was like for the officers and soldiers during the Indian Wars with local tribes. Also gives a strong Native American perspective and history. The grounds are immaculate and each of the officers and bachelors quarters (houses) were charming and well worth it, and I’ve seen it all growing up in Virginia and going to so many historical sites like Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg. I am a Sedona tour guide and I feel lucky I can see this kind of preserved history with my own eyes, and will heartily recommend it to my guests. Ranger Sheila is a wonderful story teller and made our visit that much more enjoyable. The historical costume photo shoot was awesome as well. Many Thanks, will be back!

9. Jerome State Historic Park

100 Douglas Road, Jerome, AZ 86331 +1 928-634-5381 http://azstateparks.com/jerome/
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 574 reviews

Jerome State Historic Park

The Douglas Mansion has been an eye-catching landmark in Jerome since 1916, when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. This former home is now a museum devoted to the history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features photographs, artifacts and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

My wife and I love to visit ghost towns, the remains of old mining camps in California, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. One of our favorite stops is Jerome, Arizona, a 45-minute drive from Sedona, across the Verde Valley. Established in 1965, the Jerome State Historic Park has survived budget cuts that closed the park from February 27, 2009, to October 14, 2010. Today, it is open seven days a week thanks to additional funding by Yavapai County, the city of Jerome, the Jerome Historical Society and the Douglas family, which built the Douglas Mansion in 1916 that remains the major attraction in the park. The mansion was built by Jimmy Douglas, the head of a family of mining entrepreneurs, on a hill above his Little Daisy Mine. It features a museum with photographs of the family, the town of Jerome during its mining years, mining artifacts, minerals, antique mining equipment, a video detailing the history of the town and a 3-D reproduction of the town showing the mine shafts underneath the town. The mansion also features a wine cellar, billiard room, marble shower, steam heat and a central vacuum system which was much ahead of its time. Constructed of adobe bricks made on the site, the Douglas Mansion is the largest adobe structure in Arizona. Outside, a picnic area offers a panoramic view of the Verde Valley and Verde River and the Red Rocks of the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon region. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

10. Allen Street

Tombstone, AZ 85638 +1 520-457-9317 [email protected] http://www.tombstonechamber.com
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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4.5 based on 1,016 reviews

Allen Street

Allen Street is the main business and Historic District/National Registry of Historic Places of the famous Old West town of Tombstone, Arizona. It's full of history having once been the main thoroughfare of Tombstone during the boomtown days, so has certainly seen plenty of sights in its time. Allen Street became famous for being at the heart of the action during the time of the Old West. It saw plenty of gunfights in its day, and continues to be the primary tourist destination for tourists and Tombstone visitors. Today, it attracts people from all over who are looking for the excitement and enchantment of the Wild West days. The first stop on any trip to Allen Street should be the Tombstone Visitor and Information Center, where people can pick up a map of the area along with all the information that they need to plan their day. After that, they can head on down the Street to see what they come across. Allen Street is home to plenty of attractions, one of the most notable being the O.K. Corral. The O.K. Corral is the site of the most famous gunfight of the Old West which took place on October 26, 1881. It has daily re-enactments of the fight and is also home to the Historama, a multimedia performance showcasing Tombstone's long and varied history. After that there's plenty to choose from, including the Tombstone Ghosts and Legends Tour, guaranteed to give everyone a chill, or the Birdcage Theatre. Visitors can ride along the dusty road on the Tucson Stage Line or Butterfield Stage Coach, and can enjoy travelling as it once was with the road being closed to all other traffic. There are lots of options in terms of food and drink as well including the Crystal Palace Saloon and Big Nose Kate's, and there are countless other souvenir and gift shops along the Street for visitors to find a memento of the day. And, the Street is an attraction in its own right, with western re-enactments often being performed by the Six Gun City Players. Allen Street is open daily and entry to the road itself is free, however admission fees and opening times are sure to vary with each individual attraction. Be sure to check with the attraction first for their terms and conditions, and it's worth checking with the visitor center if you want to know when any staged gunfights and the like will be taking place. A trip to Allen Street really gives people a chance to see what life was once like in the Old West. With plenty of attractions to choose from, as well as re-enactments of famous showdowns, visitors will truly get a glimpse into the history of the time. And, with everything so beautifully preserved it really feels like you're back in the days of the Wild West, which will appeal to history fans and general tourists alike. Allen Street is a must-see for any visit to Tombstone.

Reviewed By Travellingphoenix64 - Phoenix, United States

You've seen the movie "Tombstone", right? Why not visit the place where that history actually happened? It's all here on Allen Street in Tombstone Arizona. There are no cars allowed on this dusty lane. Instead a stage coach or carriage can take you on a historical journey back to 1879, when a miner named Ed Schieffelin discovered a massive silver vein, and a mining camp called Tombstone was born. Or you can stroll along the wooden sidewalks, past historic places like the The Crystal Palace and The Oriental Saloon, and the bawdy (and haunted) Bird Cage Theatre (a terrific museum). You can visit the actual OK Corral, site of one of the most famous gunfights in all of western lore, stand on the actual spot where Virgil Earp was shot, see the area where Morgan Earp was killed, and visit the spot where "Curly Bill" shot Marshall Fred White. There are the amusing Ghosts and Legends of Ike Clanton's Haunted Hotel, wine tastings, plenty of shopping, and enough food and drink to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Living in Arizona, I visit the Tombstone area periodically, and I always come away with something that I didn't know before. If you're looking for a Wild West history lesson on your next vacation, give Allen Street and the "town too tough to die" a try.

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