The Top 12 Historical Sites in Arizona!

The most recognized canyon on the planet? Historic trading areas? Ancient fossil sites? You’ll find all that and more in Arizona. Arizonans are proud of the deep history of their state. Just because the state was one of the last to join the union, there is still a plethora of significant places dating back hundreds of years. Here are the top 12 historic sites to explore in Arizona.    

Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, AZ

Located in Ganado, the trading post has a long history that dates to 1878 and continues to function as a trading post to this day. Hubbell’s offers locals (and guests) groceries, grain, hardware, coffee and stunning Native American Art. 

San Bernardino Ranch, Douglas, AZ

This ranch located in Douglas was once owned by John Slaughter, who used to be a gunfighter and lawmaker. Also known as the Slaughter Ranch, the area was home to two cattle ranches as well. 

Grand Canyon, AZ

The biggest attraction and one of the Seven Wonders of the World—The Grand Canyon needs no introduction. It offers different viewpoints and lookout areas from the North Rim to the South Rim. The structure is simply one of the most breathtaking natural wonders you will ever lay eyes on. The canyon is 277 river miles long, can be up to 18 miles wide and one mile deep. 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, AZ

Located between Arizona and Utah, the valley showcases the beautiful rock formations of the Wild West. If you are looking for views and photography, it would be considered sinful to miss this historic place.

Hoover Dam

One of the most celebrated structures in human history, the Hoover Dam is an artistic structure that was completed in 1935 and created Lake Mead. This lake is said to be around 110 miles long, linking Arizona and Nevada. 

Old Oraibi, Kykotsmovi Village, AZ

America’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement and was declared a national historical landmark in the year 1964. It is located in the Navajo County, in the northeastern area of the state. The area has been inhabited for almost 1,000 years and even today, people aren’t quite sure how many people populate the village.  

Jerome Historic District, Jerome, AZ

The district is famous for its significance in copper mining. The streets are seen with several mining cars spread around. In 1966, the district was named a National Historic Landmark. 

Yuma Crossing, Yuma, AZ

The historic Yuma Crossing was used for centuries to safely cross over the Colorado River. It’s now a national heritage site. The very first Europeans to visit Yuma Crossing came in 1540. 

Fort Huachuca, AZ

The fort was used by African American soldiers in World War I and as training grounds for World War II. The Fort Huachuca’s origins go as far back in time of the Indians feud. The area now hosts a variety of activities ranging from golf, to horseback riding, to bowling. 

Glen Canyon Recreational Area, Page, AZ

It’s home to one of the largest manmade lakes in the world, Lake Powell. The area is filled with red walls and beautiful blue water combined with a desert landscape. The Glen Canyon Recreation Area covers an astonishing 1.25 million acres of space. 

Petrified Forest National Park

The unique park showcases stunning sights that involve fossilized beasts and petrified wood. There is a visitors center located that provides valuable information on the park’s history.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo, AZ

It’s famous for the organ pipe cactus that grows at an alarming 25 ft. high. The zone is also well-known for its numerous species of cactus. The flourishing community of cacti and other plants are truly a sight to behold. 

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Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
12901 N La Montana, Fountain Hills, AZ
Mission:To engage, entertain, educate, and inspire people about the Lower Verde River Valley through relevant topics and experiences. Using the nat... Read More
2017 North Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ
History of Airbase Arizona Mike Clarke donates a B-17G that is destined to become Sentimental Journey... On January 14, 1978, at a membership ban... Read More
4087 North Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ
About Us The Superstition Mountain Museum collects, preserves and displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains, Apac... Read More
2345 N. Horne, Mesa, AZ
History of the Mesa Historical Museum After getting its start in the 1940's, the Mesa Historical Museum was incorporated in 1966 by citizens conce... Read More
53 North Macdonald, Mesa, AZ
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the premier natural history museum in Arizona. It is dedicated to inspire wonder, respect and understandin... Read More
150 West Pepper Place, Mesa, AZ
i.d.e.a. Museum is built upon the solid and successful 35 year history of the Arizona Museum for Youth, the original, fun, inspiring, and education... Read More
10 South Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ
About Us : The Gilbert Historical Society was organized in early 1960 with the goal of "Preserving the Past for the Future." Collections of picture... Read More
7374 East Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ
Mission Statement:The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art champions creativity, innovation and the vitality of the visual arts.We seek to build a... Read More
7333 East Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ
Mission Statement:The mission of the Scottsdale Historical Museum is to present, preserve and interpret through research, exhibits and educational ... Read More
3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ
Our Mission:Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West boldly immerses its guests in the unique story of the American West, illuminating the p... Read More
1300 North College Avenue, Tempe, AZ
Welcome to the AZ Heritage Center, home of the Centennial Museum, where we honor the state's rich heritage, celebrate the present, and together, cr... Read More
4725 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ
Mission Statement: The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) enriches the world by collecting, preserving, and making accessible a wide variety of music... Read More
5005 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ
About Us: Truly a "home for the arts" the Shemer Art Center is located in the very first home built in Arcadia at the base of Camelback Mountain.&... Read More
6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is the world's largest firefighting museum chronicles the history of the profession and commemorates fallen fi... Read More
51 East 10th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ
Mission: The ASU Art Museum is a division of ASU Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts. Exhibitions, education programs and publications are ... Read More
5636 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Military Museum is operated by the Arizona National Guard Historical Society, a private non-profit corporation. The officers and direct... Read More
809 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ
Mission: The Tempe Historical Museum is a community history museum that explores Tempe’s identity and builds connections between residents an... Read More
P.O. Box 63902, Phoenix, AZ
Mission StatementThe Museum Association of Arizona exists to build a vital museum community. We strengthen all of Arizona's museums so they are rec... Read More
4619 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ
About Us: The Pueblo Grande Museum would not thrive without the support of an organized volunteer group; the Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary provid... Read More
6140 East Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, AZ
Mission:The mission of the Cave Creek Museum is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek/Carefree foothill... Read More
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