News Releases

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Why toot Tucson's horn? It's only natural to make a to-do about a town that offers so much to do. Use this reference list for information on Tucson's varied attractions. For more information and for itinerary assistance for a media assignment, please contact Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau Director of Public Relations Kimberly Schmitz, kschmitz@visitTucson.org.

AMERIND FOUNDATION AND ART GALLERY Established in 1937, the Foundation is a non-profit research institution devoted to the study, preservation, and interpretation of prehistoric and historic Native American cultures. Housed in beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings, the Amerind Museum contains one of the finest collections of Indian artifacts in the world. The Art Gallery features both Native and Anglo-American art works, and the Museum Store offers Native American craft arts as well as books. The Amerind Foundation is located among the dramatic boulders of Texas Canyon, and visitors enjoy the scenic picnic ground adjacent the Museum.
www.amerind.org

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Permanent and special exhibits recount Arizona's colorful cultural history from Spanish colonial times through territorial years. The museum has an extensive research library and photo archives. The e-mail address for research requests is ahsref@vms.arizona.edu.
http://w3.arizona.edu/~azhist

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM An extensive outdoor nature park, which exists to educate the public about the unique Sonoran desert. Over 300 species of live animals and over 1,300 species of plants indigenous to the Sonoran desert are exhibited in natural habitats.
www.desertmuseum.org

ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM Located on the campus of the University of Arizona, this museum is the Southwest's oldest and largest anthropology museum. Some 20,000 Southwest Indian whole-vessel ceramics combine to form the focus of ASM's Pottery Project. This collection - the largest and most comprehensive of its kind - is one of the nation's most significant cultural resources. It was recently designated an Official Project of the Save America's Treasures program, a public private partnership between the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to celebrate and preserve our nation's cultural legacy.
www.statemuseum.arizona.edu

ASARCO MINERAL DISCOVERY CENTER offers one hour tours of an active copper mine and an award-winning exhibit center which features a video theater, a cactus garden and picnic area.
www.mineraldiscovery.com

BISBEE, ARIZONA Cradled in the canyons of the Mule Mountains, Bisbee grew from a tiny copper mining camp in 1880 to a solid and wealthy town in 1910. The mines have closed, but a late 19th century atmosphere has made Bisbee a favorite of visitors from around the world. Visitors can stroll through charming turn-of-the-century architecture housing unique art and antique galleries, one-of-a-kind specialty shops, and charming bed and breakfasts. Bisbee's mining heritage can be experienced at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, America's only rural Smithsonian affiliate and on the Queen Mine Tour, Arizona's only underground mine tour.
www.bisbeearizona.com

CATALINA STATE PARK The Santa Catalina Mountains form the backdrop for this 5500 acre desert park located near Tucson at elevations near 3000 feet. The foothills, canyons and streams of the park contain a vast array of desert plants and wildlife. The park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
www.pr.state.az.us

THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY The Center for Creative Photography (CCP) at the University of Arizona is a museum, research institution and archive dedicated to photography as an art form and cultural record. Visitors enjoy a changing exhibition program, educational programs, research center, library, museum store, and the unique PrintViewing program which allows public access to the vast collection of more than 60,000 works by 2,000 artists including Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, W. Eugene Smith, Edward Weston and Garry Winogrand.
www.creativephotography.org

COLOSSAL CAVE This desert refuge has sheltered people for over a thousand years. It has been home, shrine, hideout, challenging workplace, exciting playground and tranquil retreat. Today the 2,000-acre park is on the National Historic Register and showcases crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch, a working ranch for over 120 years. Visitors can take a cave tour, browse in the historical museum, relax in the wooded picnic areas, hike, saddle up for a trail ride, sluice for gemstones, enjoy a meal at fresh-air cafés and explore southwestern gift shops.
www.colossalcave.com

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN Designed by the much loved southwestern artist Ted De Grazia. The gallery rests in a beautiful Sonoran desert setting overlooking the city.
www.degrazia.org

THE FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER The mission of Flandrau Science Center is to provide visitors and residents of southern Arizona communities with a unique and stimulating approach to exploring science. The Center features hands-on science exhibits, a star theater, laser light shows, a mineral museum, a public observatory, a science store and education programs for children.
www.flandrau.org

INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE MUSEUM Education and entertainment go hand in hand at the International Wildlife Museum. Dioramas depicting wild animals in their natural settings, videos, interactive computers and hands-on exhibits promote the appreciation of wildlife and conservation from around the globe. The Wildlife Theater seats 98 and features a variety of wildlife films daily. The Oasis Grille is available daily for dining, and the museum gift shop offers an array of fun, educational items from around the world.
www.thewildlifemuseum.org

KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK Listed as one of the top ten caves in the world, Kartchner Caverns is a masterpiece of nature. Take time to tour the world-class Discovery Center before your cave tour. Picnicking, camping and many hiking trails at this 550-acre State Park are available to visitors. The caverns are located near Benson, Arizona, one hour south of Tucson. (I-10 east to Hwy 90, exit 302, south 9 miles to Park).
www.pr.state.az.us

KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY (NOAO) The world's largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert at Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. It is home to twenty-two optical and two radio telescopes representing dozens of astronomical research institutions. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), funded by the National Science Foundation, oversees site operations on Kitt Peak. Explore the Visitor Center exhibits and gift shop to learn about astronomy. Take a tour and discover how astronomers use telescopes to unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Visit the National Solar Observatory exhibit gallery and watch scientists operate the world's largest solar telescope.
www.noao.edu

MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC Lovingly referred to as the "White Dove of the Desert, " this active Franciscan mission is located on the Tohono O'Odham Indian Reservation. A recent renovation reveals intricate, centuries-old frescoes depicting the church's history of Southern Arizona and Mexico. Restoration on the mission's adobe is on going.
www.sanxaviermission.org

NOGALES, SONORA, MEXICO With its hundreds of curios/shops offering leather goods, pottery, clothing and other wares merchants won't be shy about bargaining with you in this Mexican marketplace. Take I-10 east to I-19 south.

OLD TOWN ARTISANS Featuring LA COCINA RESTAURANT is a restored 1850s adobe in the historic El Presidio District in downtown Tucson. Home to six unique shops and galleries, this 15-room marketplace boasts one of Tucson's largest collections of handcrafted works, including Native & Latin American folk art. You'll also find beautiful jewelry and fine apparel with a distinct southwestern flair. After lunch be sure to allow time to browse the shops.
www.oldtownartisans.com

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS The backdrop for hundreds of western films, Old Tucson Studios offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time to experience the flavor and adventure of life in an 1880s frontier town. From the colorful western characters who roam the streets and interact with guests, to the unexpected gunfights, visitors encounter a variety of live entertainment including action-packed stunt shows, saloon revues, steam engine and mine rides, as well as historical displays and re-enactment's that recapture the spirit of the Wild West.
www.oldtucsonstudios.com

OLD TOMBSTONE TOURS Horse-drawn tours by stagecoach and wagons are scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature fully narrated tours through historic Tombstone.
www.oldtombstone.net

PICACHO PEAK STATE PARK The site of a 3,374 foot resistant lava flow, estimated to be 22 million years old, the park is also noted for its colorful display of wildflowers the Sonoran Desert can provide in the springtime. Picacho Peak is the site of Arizona's only Civil War battle. The park offers picnicking, hiking, great scenic views and camping. Located just west of I-10 north of Tucson.
www.pr.state.az.us

PIMA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM Where you'll see over 250 aircraft representing America's aviation history. Visitors can participate in the museum's popular Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration (AMARC) Tour at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where hundreds of rows of airplanes are neatly mothballed. Please note: You must have PHOTO ID. Tours do not run on weekends.
www.pimaair.org

REID PARK ZOO is the home of hundreds of exotic animals living in naturalistic settings. This zoo offers conservation, recreation and education for the entire family.
www.tucsonzoo.org

SABINO CANYON Located in the Coronado Forest, Sabino Canyon is an oasis in the desert, offering dozens of hiking trails through the lush Sonoran desert and rushing streams and clear, cool ponds. A 45-minute narrated ground tram trip travels the most camera-worthy scenery in the Tucson area up to the head of the canyon.
www.sabinocanyon.org

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST Take a self-guided drive tour through the park and discover many opportunities for hiking and photographing the giant saguaro cactus, unique to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.
www.nps.gov/sagu/

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK WEST Giant saguaro cactus, unique to the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona and Northwestern Mexico surround a stunning visitor center. Take the short drive through the park to Signal Hill to see countless ancient petroglyphs.
www.nps.gov/sagu/

THE TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM For over 20 years during the Cold War, 54 Titan II missiles were maintained at the ready at sites throughout the U.S. This museum is an actual Titan Missile silo, the only one of these silos left in existence. One hour guided tours begin every half-hour. Walking shoes are required (no heels). The tour descends 55 steps to a level 35 feet underground. Located in Green Valley just 20 minutes south of Tucson. Take I-10 east to I-19.
www.pimaair.org

TOHONO CHUL PARK Translated from the Tohono O'odham language, Tohono Chul means "desert corner", and indeed this park is a treasured piece of the desert in the middle of the city. Tohono Chul Park is a 49-acre desert preserve dedicated to increasing visitors' appreciation of the Sonoran Desert, its history and culture. As you walk down the winding nature trail through various gardens; tour through the Exhibit Hall in a renovated historic home; enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the Tea Room and shop in the Greenhouse and Museum Shops; you begin to understand why the desert is so cherished in Tucson.
www.tohonochulpark.org

TOMBSTONE Site of the West's most notorious shootout at the O.K. Corral, between the Earps and the Clantons. The town offers many gift shops and visitors can retrace the steps of historic characters in famous places such as the Bird Cage Saloon, Boothill Cemetery, O.K. Corral, and The Tombstone Epitaph.
www.cityoftombstone.com/

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS Arid landscaping, herbs, irises, a tropical greenhouse, wildflowers, gardening classes and Native American crops are featured in these beautiful historic gardens.
www.tucsonbotanical.org

TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM invites children to explore ten exciting galleries of hands-on exhibits and participate in challenging activities.
www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org

THE TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORIC BLOCK Established in 1924 and located in the historic El Presidio District, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block maintains a permanent collection of more than 6000 works of art. In addition, the Museum presents visiting exhibitions of works in all media organized by the Museum or traveling exhibitions organized by other institutions. The historic block features five distinctive houses built between 1850 and 1907. Experience the lush courtyards, fountains and sculpture gardens, visit the elegant Museum Shop and Cafe a la C'Art, study at the popular Art School and enjoy the excitement of contemporary movements and the pleasure of rich artistic traditions at the Tucson Museum of Art.
www.tucsonarts.com

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA BIOSPHERE 2 Under the UA's management, Biosphere 2 is continuing as a major regional attraction and also serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. UA will address these goals through two new organizations: B2 Earthscience which is addressing issues of global environmental change using multidisciplinary research and B2 Institute which is conducting interdisciplinary programs to tackle scientific "Grand Challenges." Considered one of Southern Arizona's top 5 "Must See" attractions, Biosphere is located just north of Tucson, tucked away into the hills of the high Sonoran Desert near Mt. Lemmon. An icon, Biosphere 2 is the world's largest, glass-enclosed active environmental laboratory. The site includes multi-media exhibits, an ocean viewing gallery, a lush rainforest, and self-guided or guided "interior" group tours. Biosphere 2 was also recently named one of Life Books' "Man-Made Wonders of the World."
www.b2science.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MUSEUM OF ART offers a vista of visual arts, free to the public, through changing exhibitions and a dynamic, growing permanent collection. The museum houses one of the most complete university collections in the Southwest of Renaissance and later European and American art. Works by Arp, Benton, Dali, Jimenez, Morandi, Rembrandt, Rothko, Vigee-LeBrun and Zuniga are facets of a dynamic permanent collection on view upstairs.
azs@u.arizona.edu