Flagstaff Arizona

Flagstaff is in Northern Arizona . It is in Coconino County. Flagstaff is the seat of government for Coconino County, which is Arizona ’s second largest county encompassing 18,629 square miles. Flagstaff is nestled at the base of the towering San Francisco Peaks. Mount Humphrey’s is the tallest of the peaks and is one of Arizona ’s highest mountains. Flagstaff is surrounded by the largest stand of Ponderosa pine forests in the world. Most Arizona residents affectionately call Flagstaff “Flag”. The town is located at the junction of Interstate 40, running east and west and Interstate 17, running north and south. You can get to Flagstaff from Phoenix and Tucson by heading north out of town on Interstate 17, until it ends in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff is sometimes called “The City in the Pines” because the town sits in the middle of a Ponderosa Pine stand in the Coconino National Forest. The town is also called “The City of Seven Wonders” because of it proximity to the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument and the San Francisco Peaks. It is a wonderful town close to many outdoor activities. Today Flagstaff’s population is 50,708. Flagstaff is a lively place with Northern Arizona University students accounting for almost 20 percent of the town’s population. The town sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The climate is cool all year round. The low temperature in the winter is 23 degrees and the summer high is 80 degrees. These temperatures give Flagstaff four seasons. The town receives close to 20 inches of precipitation and about 84 inches of snow a year. This snowfall makes Flagstaff a ski resort town and hosts the state’s largest ski area. Flagstaff is a wonderful base to use to see the variety of outdoor spots and attractions. After a busy day of seeing the sights Flagstaff is the perfect place to come back to and relax.

There are many attractions in Flagstaff that you will want to plan to visit during your stay. During the winter months Arizona Snowbowl is the most popular skiing area in Arizona . When summer arrives, Snowbowl turns into a wonderful viewing area atop the mountain by way of the ski lift. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located near the Northern Arizona University Campus and is the largest mansion built in Flagstaff by two logging brother barons. Tours of this mansion are offered daily with a glimpse back in the early days of the town. The Museum of Northern Arizona is an outstanding place to learn about the Colorado Plateau and its geology, anthropology and fine arts. Lowell Observatory sits atop the hill near downtown Flagstaff. It was here inside the silver dome, that the planet Pluto was discovered. The Observatory has wonderful displays and tours. The Arboretum at Flagstaff sits on 200 acres. The Arboretum has a variety of plants, including many native to the area. Flagstaff has so many outdoor activities. Wupatki National Monument is located just north of Flagstaff. Here you will see countless ruins of community from long ago. The three story dwelling at Wupatki is the most striking. Walnut Canyon National Monument is another spot full of ancient ruins. The steep sides of the canyon walls hold cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is
a spectacular sight. There are two trails that visitors can take to get an up close look at the volcanic formations. Meteor Crater is truly amazing. A 570-foot deep and 4,000 foot diameter hole was created after a meteor slammed into the earth. Meteor Crater has a rim walk that lets you see the crater from all angles.

Events:
Flagstaff Winterfest (520) 774-4505 February
Archaeology Day (520) 774-5213 March
Wool Festival (520) 774-6272 June
Pine Country Rodeo (520) 526-9926 June
Coconino County Horse Races (520) 774-5130 July
Flagstaff Summerfest (520) 774-5130 August
Coconino County Fair (520) 774-5130 September

There were four military surveys that passed through Flagstaff before the town came into existence. The first was by Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves and Lieutenant James Simpson in 1851. Then in 1853, Lieutenant Amiel W. Whipple journeyed through the area. The next survey was in 1858 with Lieutenant Joseph Christmas Ives. Finally Lieutenant Edward F. Beale came through with camels used as beasts of burden.

All of these military surveys proved to be beneficial when it came to the railroad heading west. However, it wasn’t until 1876 when the first group of Bostonians arrived to start a new life in the west. This group did not last long. After being disappointed with the farmland and not finding any gold they headed back. Then in 1876 another group from Boston arrived. It was with this group that the name Flagstaff was created. There are many stories surrounding the manner in which Flagstaff got its name.

However, this one story seems to surface most frequently. The story refers to a lofty pine stripped of its branches and used to hang an American flag with rawhide strings for a Fourth of July celebration. The flagstaff became a symbol for the valley and could be spotted miles away. It was said that those journeying west were told to travel straight west, until you come to a flagstaff where you will find a good place to camp. Still, the second group of Bostonians did not like the area and they to left too. However, it was in this same year that Thomas F. McMillan arrived and set up his home near a spring. He is recognized as being the town’s first permanent settler. He built a cabin at the base of Mars Hill. Then in 1881, the first post office opened and the railroad barreled into town. Flagstaff began to grow. The town had timber, sheep and cattle and by 1886 Flagstaff was the biggest city on the main line between Albuquerque and the Pacific coast.

By 1891, Flagstaff had grown to 1,500 and Coconino County was established. The county soon became the second largest county seat in the United States. The famous Lowell Observatory was built in 1894. Dr.
Percival Lowell chose Flagstaff for its great visibility. This proved to be correct when the planet Pluto was discovered at the observatory in 1930.
In 1899, Flagstaff was home to the Arizona Teachers College. Later, in 1966 it became Northern Arizona University and is still regarded as one of the best small colleges in the United States. During the 1920’s, Route 66 was built and passed right through town making Flagstaff a popular tourist stop. It also became an important source of income for the town. Flagstaff was incorporated as a city in 1928.

Flagstaff continues to grow today. The city has so much to offer with outstanding outdoor activities minutes away and many attractions surrounding Flagstaff.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a great place to visit, especially if you have a green thumb. By the time your visit ends, you will be green with envy with the display of plant life at the Arboretum. Your experience will include native plants to the alpine tundra, coniferous forest and high desert.

The Arboretum covers 200 acres. There is so much to see, ranging from display gardens, a solar greenhouse, children’s garden, wildflower meadow, herb garden, wetlands, riparian area and nature trails. The Arboretum supports the conservation of rare and endangered plants. Research is done to help save a variety of plants.
You will want to stop in at the visitor center to plan out your day. The gift shop is another place you won’t want to miss. You will find something here to remind you of your visit.

The Arboretum of Flagstaff is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00 during April through December 15 and during the summer 12:00 to 3:00. For more information, call 520-774-1442.
The Arboretum of Flagstaff is located just 4 miles south of Flagstaff off of Interstate 40 on Woody Mountain Road.

If you are coming from Tucson or Phoenix take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take Interstate 40 west out of town for about four miles. When you come to Exit 191 take it and then take Woody Mountain Road and follow the signs to the Arboretum.

Percival Lowell founded Lowell Observatory in 1894. He chose Flagstaff to build the observatory because its clean air and high altitude, which create exceptional visibility. Lowell spent his time learning about the planet Mars. It was through Lowell’s twenty-two year study of the planet Mars and his theory of the expanding universe that led to the discovery of Pluto, fourteen years after his death. Clyde W. Tombaugh discovered the planet in exactly the position that Dr. Lowell had calculated. The Clark telescope that located Pluto is still at the Observatory, housed in a historic wooden dome.

The Lowell Observatory continues to be active in research and welcomes visitors to come explore sky. There are hands-on exhibits that will interest children and help explain concepts. The Pluto Walk gives visitors an up close view of the sequential order of planets through the use of models. Tours of the observatory are offered throughout the day. These guided tours begin with a slide show describing the history of the observatory and its founder.

Lowell Observatory is open every day from 9:00 to 5:00 during April through October and 12:00 to 5:00 during the remaining months of the year. The cost of admission is $3.50 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and
students with I.D., $1.50 for children 4 to 17 and $10.00 for a family rate.
Night Sky programs are available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 and 7:45. These evening programs are becoming increasing popular. It is important to call ahead for more information at 520-774-2096 or 520-774-3358. Lowell Observatory is located at 1400 West Mars Hill, near downtown Flagstaff. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take Milton Road through town, until you come to a bend in the road. Take Mars Hill Road on the left and head up to the Observatory.