The Museum of Northern Arizona is the best place to visit and learn about the Native American cultures of Northern Arizona . The museum is internationally recognized for its research on the Colorado Plateau. The Plateau includes Northern Arizona and the Four Corners region taking in the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks, along with the Hopi and Navajo Indian Reservations. The museum is devoted to the geology, anthropology and fine arts of the area. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the “Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau”, which shows the development of the people from the Anasazi to the Native Americans of today.

The museum was constructed in 1928 to house the galleries and ever changing exhibits. The Exhibit Building covers nearly 13,000 square feet. Children will enjoy seeing the life-sized model of Diloposaurus, a carnivore dinosaur, who once roamed Northern Arizona . There is something that will interest all who come to visit. During the summer, the museum has demonstrations and dances done by Native Americans.
This is a must see, if you are in the area at this time. You will want to call in advance to find out exact times and events.

The museum boasts a reproduction of a Hopi kiva. The kiva is a circular meeting room. The kiva has a loom and rug making display, along with information about the native people who used the kiva. The gift shop has numerous authentic Native American art pieces for sale. There is a large selection of Indian arts, books and other items that will remind you of your visit. Outside the museum there is a half-mile nature trail, which takes you along a creek and a canyon rim.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is open daily from 9:00 to 5:00, except on New Year’s Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving. The cost of admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors over 55, $3.00 for students with an ID, $2.00 for children ages 7 through 17 and children under 7 are free. You can find out more about the museum and special activities by calling 520-774-5213 or 520-774-5211.

The museum is located at 3101 North Fort Valley Road. You will take U.S. Highway 180 north out of Flagstaff for about three miles until you come to the museum on your right. If you are coming from Tucson or Phoenix take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff, travel through town on Milton Road and continue heading north on Humphrey’s Road/Fort Valley Road or U.S. Highway 180 to the Museum. The museum will be on the left side of the road, approximately two miles from downtown Flagstaff.

The Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum building was built in 1914. Since then it has had several purposes such as a police department, fire department and city hall. Today it houses the history of southern Arizona and includes the northern part of the Mexican state of Sonora. The museum begins with the Hohokam Indians, who began living in the area long ago and ends with the modern border city as it is today.

Visitors will see a variety of items from the building’s past. A horse-drawn water pumper and an old jail cell are just some of things that you come across during your visit. Indian artifacts and early settler’s tools and household items are shown to recount the area’s history. One interesting exhibit is the photo display about historic Nogales from the 1800’s.
The Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum is open Friday through Sunday. The hours for each day changes:, Friday 10:00 to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The research library has its own hours and days. The library is open Monday through Sunday. The hours also vary depending on the day: Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The admission charge to the museum is free.

The Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum is located at the old city hall building, at 136 North Grand Avenue. You will find the museum at the corner of Grand Avenue and Crawford Street. It is approximately one-fourth of a mile from the border. I would recommend giving the museum a call before you visit to double check on the days

The John Wesley Powell Museum has exhibits revealing the history of Lake Powell. The museum showcases Major John Wesley Powell, an early river explorer. In 1869, Major Powell began his journey by 
following the Green River and the Colorado River. His two expeditions to this area, along with his desire to record the trips are evidence of his love of the land and river. Powell was later honored when the Lake 
Powell was named after him. The museum has mementos and portraits of the Major, along with a replica of Powell’s original boat.

Visitors will see artifacts of early Native Americans. There is a collection of Anasazi cooking vessels, Navajo stone axes and Navajo and Pima baskets. The museum also focuses on geology. The rock 
collection includes samples of petrified wood and fluorescent minerals.
The John Wesley Powell Museum is very helpful to visitors planning tours of Lake Powell and the surrounding area. This is a terrific service and makes the museum an important spot to stop when visiting Page. There are informational videos playing in the museum throughout the day.

The John Wesley Powell Museum is open every day from 8:00 to 6:00, during May through October and Monday through Saturday 9:00 to 5:00, during the rest of the year. However, the museum is closed 
December 16 through February 16. There is no admission charge, but a donation is greatly appreciated. If you would like more information, you may call 520-645-9496.

The museum is located in downtown Page on the corner of Lake Powell Boulevard and north Navajo Drive. You can get there from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north to Page. Page is approximately 395 miles from Tucson, about 277 miles from Phoenix and 136 miles from Flagstaff.

The Holy Trinity Monastery Historical Museum is located on a 92-acre property held by the monks, sisters and laity of the Catholic Benedictine order. The museum has a variety of pieces that represent Native American religion and southwest nature. One of the most popular displays is the nativity sets.

The museum has numerous nativity scenes for visitors to admire. The museum also has a display of Civil War artifacts and an antique bible collection. The museum has a mile long bird sanctuary trail along the San Pedro River, on which visitors may take a stroll. Visitors do need to know that this is a monastery and that no beachwear or shorts are allowed.
The museum has a gift shop and art gallery for visitors to walk browse through. The Holy Trinity Monastery Historical Museum is open everyday except Wednesday afternoons. The hours are from 9:00 to 11:30 and 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

There is no admission charge, although donations are appreciated. The museum is in the town of Saint David, just seven miles south of Benson on State Highway 80. You need to look for signs once you are in town. If you would like to call in advance that would be advisable, 520-720-4016.
The Holy Trinity Monastery Historical Museum is a peaceful spot to rest and take in nature.

The San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum houses displays that show Benson’s early history, as a railroad town. Benson was once the main stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Since the town’s beginning there have been changes, which the museum documents.

There are photos and artifacts representing life in the early days of mining, ranching and the railroad. The San Pedro Valley Arts and Crafts League and the San Pedro Valley Historical Society joined together to make the San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum. These two organizations have used their influence to develop an old deserted building in town into a museum. The building was once a grocery store, which became the basis of the one of the main displays in the museum. Visitors will see a grocery store set back in time stocked with items in tins and barrels. There are antiques to represent the town from long ago.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. The San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum is located at 180 South San Pedro at the intersection of 5th Street and San Pedro. If you would like to get more precise directions, call 502-586-3070. The museum is a quaint building that holds several town events. If you have the opportunity, call and stop by when a quilt show or when Mexican Heritage Days are going on.

Smoki Museum

The Smoki Museum is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to help save the heritage of the early Southwest cultures. The Smoki “tribe” is a group of non-Indian individuals that formed in the 1920’s and perform ceremonies yearly despite the objections of Native Americans. The Indian Pueblo looking structure opened in 1935. A large Hopi kiva is the centerpiece inside the museum. The museum has artifacts and documents relating to the Native Americans, with an emphasis on the Prescott area.

Visitors will see many forms of ancient artifacts. Some artifacts include pots, weapons, jewelry, baskets and clothing. A split twig figure that dates back 3,000 years is the oldest piece inside the museum. The Smoki Museum also houses an outstanding collection of paintings by Kate Cory. Ms. Cory lived among the Hopi and used her experiences to create her paintings.

The admission charge is by donation only. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm, during the months May through September. It is open Friday through Saturday 10:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00, during the rest of the year. If you have questions, you may call 520-445-1230.
The Smoki Museum is located north of Gurley Street at 147 North Arizona Street. It is across the street from the Ken Lindley Ball Park.

Sharlot Hall Museum

The Sharlot Hall Museum opened in 1927. The museum was the created by Sharlot M. Hall. She was a poet and one time state historian, who had a strong love for recounting the past. Her collections and artifacts can be seen inside the museum. 

The museum sits on three acres with the main building being the 1864 Governor’s Mansion. The Governor’s Mansion was created for John N. Goodwin, who was Arizona ’s first governor. The mansion has furnishings that represent the period. Visitors will also see historic buildings built between 1864 and 1937. Fort Misery is one of several period buildings. It was the first cabin built in Prescott. The John C. Fremont House was built in 1875. This house was used during the fifth territorial governor’s term. The William C. Bashford House was built in 1877. It shows the Victorian style of the times. 

There are two halls that hold exhibits describing the history of Prescott and other historical events. The transportation hall has many forms of transportation. You will see horse drawn vehicles, bicycles and cars. The Museum has a garden, amphitheater and a gift shop.

Admission t the museum is by donation only. The suggested donation is $4.00 for adults or $5.00 for a family. Children are free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 pm during the months of April through October. It is open Monday through Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 during the rest of the year. It is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is located at 415 West Gurley Street, in downtown Prescott just two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza on Gurley Street. If you are interested, call 520-445-3122.

Sharlot Hall Museum is the perfect first stop to make when arriving in town. The museum gives you a look back in time to when Prescott first began and Arizona started to grow.

Fort Huachuca Museum gives visitors a chance to see what the fort was like long ago and what present day activities are taking place. The museum relives the Apache wars, Pershing’s Expedition and the fort’s role in World War II training. You will learn so much about the only active fort surviving from as far back as Apache War times in Arizona .

You can get to the museum from Sierra Vista by taking Buffalo Soldier Trail north to Allison Winrow. Turn left onto Allison Winrow and head west toward the Main Gate to Fort Huachuca. You will see the gate on your right side. Once you get to the Main Gate, you will travel 3.6 miles northwest to the Old Post area. The museum is at Boyd and Grierson Avenues. You need to get a visitor’s pass at the Main Gate in order to enter. The pass is given if you have a driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

The museum is open Monday through Friday 9:00 to 4:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The admission is free, although a $2.00 donation is appreciated. If you would like more information, you may call 520-533-5736 or 520-533-3638.

The Renee Cushman Museum can be found in the town of Springerville. Renee Cushman came from a prominent European artist. Her family traveled extensively around the world. After marrying a second time, she moved to the White Mountain Hereford Ranch in Springerville. She lived in Springville, until 1950 when she moved again. Then in 1969, she died leaving her collection to the Latter-day Saints in Springerville.

The museum is in one wing of the Latter Day Saints building and is appropriately designed to show her treasured pieces. Many of the pieces range from the Renaissance period to the 20th century. You will discover some interesting pieces of art that are quite amazing. There are three ink drawings by Tiepolo, a complete set of Austrian china and a single piece by Sir Godfrey Kneller.

The museum is in the LDS Springerville Ward at 150 N. Aldrice Burk. The museum is open by appointment when you call 333-2821. The museum is a unique stop.

The Rose Tree Inn Museum has the most amazing sight you will see. The Guinness Book of World Records confirms yearly that the world’s largest rosebush is located at the Rose Tree Inn Museum in Tombstone. The Lady Banksia rosebush covers nearly 8,600 square feet and looks more like a tree than a bush. It is quite impressive.

The plant’s beginning started with a cutting sent from Scotland in 1885, as a wedding gift. Since then the rose tree has filled the air with the fragrance of white blossoms. The best time to make a visit is during the spring when it is covered with blooms. Not only will visitors see this remarkable rose tree, but visitors will also tour a historic adobe home that has antiques and displays describing the town. The museum also has a large collection of locks that is unique.

The Rose Tree Inn Museum is open everyday from 9:00 to 5:00 pm, except on Christmas. The admission is $2.00 and children under 14 are free when accompanied by an adult. You can get to the Rose Tree Inn Museum from U.S. 80 (from Benson or Bisbee) by turning south on Fourth Street and traveling down to the corner of Toughnut Street. The museum is at the corner of Fourth Street and Toughnut, at 116 South Fourth Street. If you would like more information on the park, call 520-457-3326.

The Rose Tree Inn Museum is a special place. This beautiful rosebush is living in the tough wild west town. It is a contrast you won’t want to miss.

This is a spectacular place to visit any day of the week. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum uses natural landscapes as a backdrop for the numerous creatures that live here. The Museum is divided into four areas for visitors to enjoy. The four areas are: Life Underground, Riparian Habitat, Desert Grassland and the Hummingbird Aviary. These four exhibits give you the chance to see the animals in their natural habitats. In the Life Underground exhibit, you will see tarantulas and kit foxes.

The Riparian Habitat allows you to see various creatures underwater. Some creatures you will see are the river otters and desert fish. You will spend some time at the Desert Grassland enclosure watching the black-tailed prairie dog colony. These prairie dogs can be quite entertaining. Everyone delights in the Hummingbird Aviary. The Aviary has hummingbirds from all around and visitors are able to walk through to see them up close. What an experience!

There are so many animals at the Museum. You will see a Gila Woodpecker, Mountain Lion, Fig Beetle, Mexican Wolf and a Collared Lizard. It can be surprising to discover how many creatures do live in the desert. Many individuals view the desert as a dead lifeless place, when in actuality the desert is teaming with living creatures.

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum shows just how many plants and wildlife are living out there. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum does a spectacular job creating such realistic habitats for the animals. As a matter of fact, the gardens are a highpoint of the visit to the Museum. The gardens display cacti, wildflowers and succulents, which make the desert bloom.

When you make a visit to the Museum, please come prepared. Your visit is primarily an outdoor experience. Make sure you have a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking. The Museum provides shady ramadas, drinking fountains and restrooms. There are two restaurants at the Museum. One is a coffee bar and the other is a casual refreshment ramada. Visitors are asked not to picnic on the grounds. You may choose to browse in two of the gift shops on the grounds. There you can find something to take home to remind you of the trip. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is open every day of the year. The hours are

October through February 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and March through September 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. The admission to the Museum is Adults $8.95, children (ages 6 – 12) $1.75 and children under 6 free. The Museum does offer group rates. You may wish to become a member of the Museum. Members receive discounts on a variety of items. Please look into a membership at the admissions gate.

The Desert Museum is located in Tucson. The best way to get to the Museum from Tucson or Phoenix is to take Interstate 10 to Speedway Boulevard. Exit on Speedway Boulevard and head west. Turn right onto Kinney Road. Travel down Kinney Road about 2.5 miles and the Museum will be on the left side. The drive to the Museum is marked with brown signs saying “Desert Museum”.

I had a great time at the Arizona Sonora Museum and I know you will too. The Desert is a beautiful place.