Enjoy a fascinating journey through Southern Arizona's diverse history. Explore ancient Native American archaeological sites from Murray Springs and Signal Hill to Dankworth Village. Stroll historic Tubac, Arizona's first European settlement and follow the trails of early Spanish explorers and missionaries. See reenactments of the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Learn how mining shaped Western towns like Bisbee or stroll through the Dragoon Mountains-a historic homeland of the Apache Indians and former hideout of Chief Cochise.
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Historic Anza Trail
Follow the same trail the Spanish did to colonize California.
Western Experience
Walk in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp, Pancho Villa and Cochise.
Military History
Discover Native American Warriors, Spanish Conquistadors, the U.S. Calvary and even Cold War missiles.
Missions & Churches
Experience the beauty of our places of worship dating back hundreds of years.
Our Rich Past
Learn about ancient native Americans, Spanish colonization, mining history and more.
Featured Heritage & Culture Partners
| Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum | |
Museum features 150 horse-drawn vehicles from buggies to elaborate coaches, historic artifacts … | |
| Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block | |
| Blending the traditional with the inventive, the museum presents original and traveling exhibitions … | |
| Mission San Xavier del Bac | |
| Acclaimed as finest example of mission architecture in U.S. southwest of Tucson on Tohono O'odham … | |
| Arizona Folklore Preserve | |
| Reservations required: 520-378-6165, off AZ Hwy. 92, 44 Ramsey Canyon Rd. West, Hereford, … |
Upcoming Heritage & Culture Events
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3rd Annual Ketubah Exhibit - Feb. 14 - Apr. 5 The Jewish History Museum presents a ketubah exhibit with a 14th-century wedding cap, a 16th-century wedding hood, a wedding ketubot, and photos and gowns celebrating Jewish marriage traditions., 520-670-9073.
Civil War in the Southwest - Mar. 13 - Mar. 14 Arizona State Parks presents a historical re-enactment of Arizona's only Civil War battle, the Battle of Picacho Pass on April 15, 1862, featuring costumed soldiers staging battles at the actual site, Picacho Peak., Arizona State Parks, 520-466-3183.
Tucson Festival of Books - Mar. 13 - Mar. 14 Tucson's celebration of reading and literacy, with 400 authors and 200 exhibitors, sponsored by Arizona Daily Star with University of Arizona Book Stores on campus. Log on to festival website for list of hotels offering special rates for attendees, (520) 621-2426.
Wa:k Powwow - Mar. 13 - Mar. 14 Annual gathering of Tucson's Tohono O'odham Indian tribe and other tribes, with dancing, drumming, craftworks, and food. Located at Mission San Xavier del Bac., 520-294-5727.
Walking Tours of Historical Downtown Neighborhoods - Mar. 13 - Mar. 27 Southern Arizona Transportation Museum hosts walking tours of downtown Tucson historical districts (El Presidio, Warehouse Arts, Armory Park) on 2nd, 3rd, 4th Saturdays, December-March., 520-623-2223.
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What's New
Take a look at the new online heritage trail map for our region.
The National Geographic Society has made our Sonoran Desert the subject of its first bi-national Geotourism MapGuide.
Southern Arizona's Santa Cruz Valley has designated as a National Historic Area.
