About Tucson Page
Tucson History
What to Do About Town:
Old Pueblo, New Tucson
Tucson has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years. It celebrates a diversity of cultures, architecture, and peoples. Yet, it is one of the "Mega-Trend" cities of the 21st Century: the Optics Valley, premier health services center for the Southwest, the astronomy center of the world, home of a premier research institution - University of Arizona, and a tourism destination.
Tucson, too SAHN or TOO sahn, is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Tucson was orginally an Indian village called Stook-zone, meaning water at the foot of black mountain. Hugo O'Conor established the Tucson Presidio in 1775. August 20th, 1775 is considered Tucson's birthday. Spanish settlers arrived in the area in 1776. Tucson officially became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. Tucson served as capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 to 1877.
Tucson boasts the best of both worlds...the progress and innovation of a metropolitan community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Tucson's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life.
Tucson's climate varies from the 2400 foot desert basin to the 9100 foot forests of the Santa Catalina mountains. The City's dry desert air and winter sunshine make it a popular health and winter resort. The City is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The City's industries include electronics and missile production. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government.
The Tucson metropolitan area supports over 750,000 residents. As metropolitan Tucson continues to grow by nearly 2,000 new residents each month, the challenge of meeting citizen expectations also increases.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing quality municipal services which promote a healthy community, offer opportunities for participation and leisure and enable citizens to prosper at work and at home.
Courtesy of: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/
GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWCASE OF TUCSON
Also known as the Tucson Gem Show, the largest event of its kind in the world is eagerly anticipated by thousands of rock hounds, jewelers and others who buy, sell and exhibit.
January - February 2010.
LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS (TUCSON RODEO)
Dust, sweat, determination and pride clash when some of the best rodeo athletes on the circuit strive to hold their own with some of the finest livestock in the biz at the infamous Tucson Rodeo.
Visit: http://www.tucsonrodeo.com/
February - March 2010.
WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS - Accenture Match Play
The world's top 64 golfers battle for a place in history and their share of the $8 million purse. February - March 2010.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SPRING TRAINING
Tucson hosts two Major League Baseball teams for the pre-season warm up: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. All through March.
CASINO GAMING:
Enjoy video poker, slot machines, bingo, keno, and much more. Great food. You must be 18 or older to enter casino.
Desert Diamond Casino
Visit the Desert Diamond Casino, owned and operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation.
PH: (520) 294-7777
7350 S. Nogales Highway
Visit: www.desertdiamondcasino.com
The Casino of the Sun
The Casino of the Sun, owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Nation.
PH: (520) 883-1700
7406 S Camino De Oeste Tucson, AZ 85746-9308
Visit: www.solcasinos.com
GREYHOUND RACING
Greyhound dog racing at its best. Races are run Tuesday through Sunday evenings at Tucson Greyhound Park.
PH: (520) 917-3647
2601 S 3rd Ave Tucson, AZ 85713-4899
Visit: www.tucdogtrak.com
MARIACHI MUSIC
Mariachi music is performed year-round in some of Tucson's finest Mexican restaurants, including La Fuente and El Mariachi.
Visit St. Augustine Cathedral, (192 S. Stone Avenue), every Sunday during the 8:00 AM mass to hear live Mariachi music. Everyone is welcome.
Tucson is home to an annual Mariachi Festival that is a weekend long event.
Visit: www.tucsonmariachi.org
ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM
The Arizona State Museum is located on the campus of the University of Arizona. See an extraordinary exhibit, Paths of Life: American Indians of the Southwest at the Arizona State Museum, for an in-depth history of native cultures of the O'odham, Seri, Yaqui, Yavapai, Colorado River Yuma, Hopi, Navajo, Tarahumara, Western Apache, and Southern Paiute peoples. Other permanent exhibits focus on the ancient Hohokam people, Mogollon cliff dwellings, and Mexican masks.
1013 E. University Blvd Tucson, AZ 85718
PH: (520) 621-6302
Visit: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu
TRAIL DUST TOWN
19th-century Western city-like atmosphere complete with boardwalks, an old-fashioned town square with authentic gas street lamps, shaded park benches, and a gazebo. Good food, art galleries and a wild west stunt show. Ride the Trail Dust Town railroad (a 1863 replica of the C.P. Huntington narrow-gauge train), visit the Wagon & Carriage Museum, and pan for gold at the Ol' Terrible Mine
6541 E. Tanque Verde Road Tucson, Arizona
PH: (520) 296-5442
Visit: www.traildusttown.com
MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC
THE WHITE DOVE OF THE DESERT This unique Spanish mission was founded by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino around the 1700s. The mission is an example of Spanish mission architecture. Mission San Xavier Del Bac is a Catholic Church with Mass performed Tuesday through Sunday. Located on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation. Drive south on I-19 to Mission Road.
1950 W San Xavier Rd Tucson, AZ 85746-7409
PH: (520) 294-2624
Visit: www.sanxaviermission.org
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
A living museum with up-close and personal with bobcats, prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks, Mexican gray wolves, scorpions, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, quail, and more. Complete with bird Aviaries and one of the world's best collection of hummingbirds. Animals, trees and cactus are identified for you or you can learn from museum docents during live-animal demonstrations and seasonal guided tours. Seasonal Hours Change so call for info.
2021 N Kinney Rd Tucson, AZ 85743
PH: (520) 883-2702
Visit: www.desertmuseum.org
TED DEGRAZIA'S GALLERY IN THE SUN
Maybe one of the world's most recognizable artists. Ted De Grazia called Tucson home and you can visit this extraordinary gallery and see the many works by this famous artist. Exhibitions of his early and late works and a gift shop.
6300 N. Swan Road Tucson, Arizona 85718-3607
PH: (520) 299-9192
Visit: http://degrazia.org
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA-BIOSPHERE 2
Biosphere 2 is now run by the University of Arizona and serves as a research lab of unprecedented scale. The Biosphere 2 has a unique history which has now lead it to its current purpose and mission to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.
Tours of the facility, exhibits, restaurant, hotel, conference center and gift shop are available.
Located on AZ Highway 77 at mile marker 96.5, about 30 miles north of Tucson. *Admission fee.
32540 S. Biosphere Road Oracle Arizona 85623
PH: (520) 838-6200
Visit: www.b2science.org
ST. AUGUSTINE CATHEDRAL
Built in 1896 and refurbished in 1967, the cathedral's high interior, tall narrow windows, and sweeping dome of wooden slats are reminiscent of European church architecture.
192 S Stone Ave Tucson, AZ 85701-1988
PH: (520) 623-6351
Visit: www.staugustinecathedral.com
PIMA AIR, SPACE, & DEFENSE MUSEUMS
One of the largest collections of historic aircraft in the US is located at the Pima Air and Space Museum. The Space Gallery offers a historic look at space travel, while several hangars contain memorabilia, airplanes, and many interesting displays. More than 200 aircraft of every description are on display, both inside and outside.
6000 E. Valencia Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85706
PH: (520) 574.0462
Visit: www.pimaair.org/
TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM
Cold War History comes alive at the Titan Missile Museum. You can see the massive 760-ton rollback silo door, visit the launch-control center, and watch demonstrations of monitoring and countdown procedures. In Sahuarita (take the Duval Mine Rd., exit 69 off I-19).
1580 W. Duval Mine Rd. Sahuarita, Arizona
PH: (520) 625.7736
Visit: www.titanmissilemuseum.org
NOGALES, GATEWAY TO MEXICO
Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, is a city of more than 300,000 people, and Nogales, Arizona, has more than 21,200. Crossing the border won't cause culture shock, but you certainly will know you're in a foreign country with different customs, different concerns, and a different language. About 65 miles south of Tucson on I-19, Nogales is great for shopping (liquor, leather, jewelry, and clothes in particular) and sightseeing. Firearms are also not allowed over the border.
Always carry proof of citizenship, and if taking a car across the border, make sure and get Mexican Insurance. For information on insurance requirements Call: 866-427-9982
or Visit: http://www.mobilityinsurance.info/
For more information on visiting, call the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce at 520-287-3685.
123 W. Kino Park Way Nogales, AZ 85621
PH: (520) 287-3685
Visit: www.thenogaleschamber.com/
TUCSON OLD TOWN ARTISANS
In the historic Presidio district, Old Town Artisans is located on the site of El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson, the fort built by the Spanish in 1775 to stake claim to the northern frontier of New Spain. Now Old Town Artisans is a haven for those seeking beautiful arts & crafts or a relaxing lunch in a wonderful courtyard at La Cocina and Two Micks Cantina. The historic adobe structure is filled with items ranging from prickly pear pad spoon rests and handmade gargoyles to sun dried flower arrangements, Western wear, and handcrafted jewelry and pottery. It's great area for shopping and sightseeing.
201 N Court Ave Tucson, AZ 85701-1003
PH: (520) 623-6024
Visit: www.oldtownartisans.com
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
Long known as Saguaro National Monument, this national park (designated in 1994) bookends Tucson on the east and west. The park continues to protect many of the native plants and animals on its more than 90,000 combined acres. Each location has a loop road for driving (or bicycling). The Westside Park has picnic areas, hiking trails, petro glyphs, and a visitor's center with a bookstore, exhibit area, and theatre. The Eastside Park also has a visitor's center. Exhibit area and theatre. Special hikes and interpretive programs are offered.
-West Location: Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
PH: (520) 733-5153
-East Location: Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountain District
2700 North Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743
PH: (520) 733-5158
-PH: Headquarters (520) 733-5100
Visit: www.nps.gov/sagu/
ARIZONA HISTORY MUSEUM
The Arizona History Museums focus is southern Arizona history from Spanish colonial through territorial eras. Exhibit topics include mining and transportation. The Arizonas Treasures exhibit features Geronimos rifle and 18th-century Spanish silver artifacts.
949 E. 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719
PH: 520-628-5774
Visit: www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/
FT. LOWELL MUSEUM
The Fort Lowell Museum is located in the reconstructed Commanding Officer's quarters of Old Fort Lowell, originally established in 1873. The museum features exhibits about military life on the Arizona frontier.
2900 N. Craycroft Road Tucson, AZ 85712
PH: 520-885-3832
DOWNTOWN HISTORY MUSEUM
The AHS Downtown Museum exhibits depict early Tucson businesses and homes, including drugstores, police and fire departments, and the Romero barbershop.
140 N. Stone Avenue Wells Fargo Bank
Tucson, AZ 85701
PH: 520-770-1473
SOSA-CARRILLO-FREMONT HOUSE
The historic adobe Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House was built in the 1870s.
151 S. Granada Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701
PH: 520-622-0956
JEEP TOURS
Get off the highway and take a look at what you've been speeding past. Off-road Jeep tours offer-fascinating glimpses into the natural history of this exotic desert region. Experienced drivers can fill you in on all the details about flora and fauna. A visit to historic and prehistoric sites may include a close-up look at Native American petro glyphs or a trip to a ghost town. Some companies will even tailor trips for your group.
-Sunshine Jeep Tours
9040 N Oracle Rd # D Tucson, AZ 85704-7441
(520) 742-1943
www.sunshinejeeptours.com
-Southwest Off-road Tours
1220 S Alvernon WayTucson, AZ 85711
PH: (520) 579-9330
-High Desert Adventures, in Benson
P.O. Box 2301 Benson, AZ 85602
PH: (520) 586-9309
-Trail Dust Adventures, Inc. Jeep Tours
1665 S. Craycroft Rd.Tucson, AZ 85711
PH(520) 747-0323
TOHONO CHUL PARK
Created to promote the conservation of arid regions, this 49-acre park offers a lovely retreat. It includes wheelchair-accessible nature trails, arts and culture exhibits, demonstration gardens, a greenhouse, a children's garden, a tearoom, and a cool spot near a re-circulating stream. Special events scheduled year-round. One stoplight west of Oracle Rd. on Ina Rd. $2 donation requested.
7366 N Paseo Del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704-4415
PH: (520) 742-6455
Visit: www.tohonochulpark.org
SABINO CANYON
Enjoy narrated tours through the place where mammoths roamed, ancient Hohokam people made irrigation dams, pony soldiers found swimming holes, and the Civilian Conservation Corps built bridges and cut hiking trails. A tram runs daily to the trailhead of a lovely 5.5-mile hike to Seven Falls and offers evening shuttles around full-moon time. A round-trip trail from the lower potion takes you up to cool, clear pools. Swim, laze, or play lizard on the rocks.
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Info - (520) 749-2861
PH: Sabino Canyon Tours Reservations - (520) 749-2327
Visit: http://www.sabinocanyon.com/
GATES PASS / TUCSON MOUNTAIN PARK
A winding uphill drive west on Speedway Blvd. (which becomes Gates Pass Rd.) brings you, at its apex, to Gates pass-and a panoramic view of Tucson to the east and Tucson Mountain Park to the west. It's perfect setting for inspiring sunrises, midday contemplation, and romantic sunsets.
Visit: http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/parks/tmp/index.htm
TUCSON MOUNTAIN PARK RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE
The rifle and pistol range is located approximately 2.5 miles north of Ajo Way on Kinney Road, .3 mile from the south Tucson Mountain Park entrance. The rifle and pistol range is open for target shooting only. The range offers shooting distances from 5 to 100 yards. Semi automatic pistols and rifles, muzzleloader and center fire calibers are permitted. No fully automatic firearm shooting, .50 cal. BMG or equivalent, incendiary or tracer ammunition are allowed.
Tucson Mountain Park Shooting Range is supervised for safety. All shooters must register prior to shooting and abide by the Range safety and Gun handling rules. Eye and Ear protection is required. Targets are available for purchase.
Visit: http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/shooting/tmpshooting.htm
GOLF
Visitors to Tucson spend more time and money on golf than on any other form of recreation. And no wonder-Tucson and Southern Tucson has a wealth of fine courses.
-Tucson City Golf
PH:(520) 791-4161
www.tucsoncitygolf.com
-Arizona National Golf Club
PH: (520) 749-3636
www.arizonanationalgolfclub.com
-Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa
PH: (520) 297-2271
www.omnihotels.com
-El Rio-Trini Alvarez Golf Course
PH: (520) 791-4229
-Quail Canyon Golf Course
PH: (520) 887-616
www.quailcanyongolf.com
-Lodge at Ventana Canyon
PH: (520) 577-1400
www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com
-Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center
PH: (520) 885-3569
www.golfnstuff.com
OLD TUCSON MOVIE STUDIOS
One of the most visited attractions in Arizona (after the Grand Canyon); Old Tucson Studios is a family theme park and movie location with daily staged gunfights. First built in 1939, the Old west town has been built up from the more than 300 movies and television shows filmed there-including Kurt Russell's Tombstone and John Wayne's Rio Lobo. Although hit by a major fire in 1995, the studio has been rebuilt and features gunfights, saloon shows, musicals, Native American storytelling, games, and rides. Be sure to visit the Town Hall Museum.
201 S. Kenny Rd. Tucson Arizona 85745
PH: (520) 883-0100
Visit: http://www.oldtucson.com
Thanks for Visiting Our Site!
---
1-888-500-0789 | 5151 S. Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85706
