Parker Arizona

Parker is in Western Arizona . It is in La Paz County. The town is located on Highway 95 along the Colorado River and California border. You can get to Parker from Bullhead or Lake Havasu City by taking Highway 95 south. You can get to Parker from Phoenix by taking Interstate 10 west out of town, to Quartzsite. At Quartzsite turn right and head north on Highway 95 to Parker. 
Parker is a fun recreational town on  Arizona ’s West Coast. It is a town that grew because of its location, along the Colorado River. Today Parker’s population is 2,975. The town sits at an elevation of 450 feet. The climate is hot in the summer, yet mild in the winter. The winter low is 38 degrees and the summer high is 108 degrees. Parker does receive a scattered amount of rainfall about 3 inches a year. There are so many recreational activities in Parker. It is a great town for boaters, fishers, and campers.

Parker is named after General Eli Parker, an American Indian and respected officer. General Parker was part of the staff for General Ulysses S. Grant. He was present during the surrender of Robert E. Lee, during the Civil War at Appomattox. Later, General Grant became United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs. While he held this position in 1865, the Colorado River Indian Reservation was created, along with the town of Parker. The original town was four miles south of the present day Parker. 

The reason the town moved north was due to the railroad. In 1905, both Arizona and California came together to built a bridge over the Colorado River. The site chosen was north of Parker and thus the town moved.  Parker was founded in 1908 and in 1948 the town was incorporated. Arizona voters decided to create a new county by taking part of Yuma County and naming it La Paz County. On January 1, 1983 Parker became the county seat for La Paz County.

There are some attractions you will want to enjoy during your visit to Parker. One of the biggest attractions is Parker Dam. This dam is known as one of the deepest in the country. The Bluewater Casino is another attraction. It is near downtown Parker. The casino has entertainment, gaming and a four-plex movie theater. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library is a great place to learn more about the Native Americans that lived in the area long ago.

 Outdoor activities are definitely the highlights of Parker. You will want to see Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, La Paz County Park and the Buckskin Mountain State Park. Both of these spots will let visitors see the beautiful area and its wildlife. Crossroads Campground is a terrific place to relax.

Parker Unified School District has four schools in the area. There are also six additional schools that service La Paz County. Three preschools and a Head-Start program are also available in Parker. Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University offer classes in town.

Parker has a hospital with a helicopter pad and 39 beds to meet the medical needs of the town. La Paz County Regional Hospital is located on Mohave Road (928) 669-9201. There are physicians, dentists, optometrist and chiropractors available in town.

There is a local AM radio station and two local television stations. If you are interested in receiving a cable connection in Parker, you will need to contact Cable Vision at 1620 California Avenue (928) 669-2191.

There are a variety of churches to choose from such as:
Desert View Baptist 401 West 15th Street (928) 669-2490
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 916 11th Street (928) 669-2502
Valley Presbyterian Second and Mohave Road (928) 669-8193
United Methodist 1505 Arizona Avenue (928) 669-8913
Saint Phillips Episcopal 1209 Eagle Street (928) 669-9681
Seventh Day Adventist 909 Mohave Avenue (928) 550-0336
Latter Day Saints 14th and Reata (928) 669-2700
Messiah Lutheran 800 8th Street (928) 669-8964

Emerald Canyon Golf Course is a beautiful course open to the public all year round. The course offers spectacular views of the Colorado River, cliffs and ravines. You will find a full service golf shop, snack bar, driving range and practice greens. In addition, the Emerald Canyon Golf Course has a PGA Golf Pro and golf lessons. If you are interested in more information on playing, you may call (928) 667-3366.

Local Events:
Offroad Road Racing Season January
La Paz County Fair March
Parker Enduro Speedboat Race May
Annual Innertube River Float June
Fourth of July Fireworks Over the River July
International ‘Air Chair” Championships September
MS Best Dam Bike Ride November
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December