old tucson historical tour

Old Tucson Historical Tour

Old tucson, tucson, az.

During one of our Historical Tours, you will learn about Old Tucson’s famous movie productions and rich history. Each of our 60-minute semi-private tours are guided by an Old Tucson historian.

Tour Operation Details:

• Tours are available 7 days a week. Several tours are offered daily. Times for tours vary based on the operational calendar. Please check our HOURS OF OPERATION calendar for exact dates and times.
• During A WESTERN EXPERIENCE - Tours that operate when the park is open for A WESTERN EXPERIENCE , are included with your admission to the park. Tickets are not needed for these tours. See our park map for exact tour times.
• WESTERN EXPERIENCE - CLOSED DATES - Tours that are operate when the park is closed to full operations, are available online for advance purchase. Tickets may also be purchased at The Last Outpost Giftshop . These tours are subject to availability and may sell out quickly. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.

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A Guide to Old Tucson

We're here to help you plan your trip to Old Tucson! We've broken down the four different seasons of fun at this historic attraction in Pima County.

What is Old Tucson?

Old Tucson is a well-known film set and Western-themed family theme park located just west of the Tucson Mountains, and just south of Saguaro National Park West and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . It was constructed in 1939 as a film set, and was opened to the public as a theme park in 1960. Over the years, it was used as a location for hundreds of western movies and TV shows, and grew to be one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Arizona.

Rio Bravo, Gunsmoke, and El Dorado are just a few of the movies and shows filmed here!

January to May: A Western Experience

If you're visiting the Marana area in the first part of the year, Old Tucson should be on your list! It's an easy, scenic drive that will take you back in time! Take the most scenic route to Old Tucson from Phoenix, or points north of Marana, by exiting the I-10 at exit 236 (Marana Road) and following the easy drive through Saguaro National Park . You’ll see two of the wonders of Southern Arizona in one.

During this time of year, Old Tucson goes back to its roots with " Legends of the Wild West " where you'll meet some of the people who braved Southern Arizona during the 1800s.

Legends of The Wild West at Old Tucson brings to life Calamity Jane, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickock, and Jesse James through live entertainment. Enjoy old-fashioned games, and antique attractions like the blacksmith, vintage carousel, miniature locomotive train ride, the Iron Door Mine, and a petting zoo.

Experience the Wild West like never before through engaging shows like our Grand Palace musical “The Ballad of Bonney Will,” and a Stunt Show Demonstration hosted by Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley.

Tip: Be sure to buy your tickets online to save $5 and time waiting in line.

Take a Tour Anytime of Year

No matter when you visit Southern Arizona, you can take a tour of Old Tucson!

During a Historical Tour, you will learn more about Old Tucson’s famous movie set and rich history. Each of the 60-minute semi-private tours is guided by an Old Tucson historian, giving guests the opportunity to see and experience Old Tucson’s famous sets and attractions. Tours are now available 7 days a week with several tours offered daily. Tickets are available online for advance purchase and may also be purchased at The Last Outpost gift shop. Tip: The Last Outpost is a great place to pick up Arizona themed souvenirs! Historical Tours are subject to availability and may sell out quickly. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.

In October, don't miss the fun at Old Tucson when the park gets SCARY for Nightfall. You'll find haunted mazes, scare zones and Halloween-themed stunt shows along with family-friendly attractions for the younger kids. We'll update you with more details later in 2024!

This is another event where you should get your tickets in advance here to save $5!

Create Holiday Memories at Old Tucson

Heading to Marana in the winter? Be sure to add Yuletide to your list of fun.

The holiday spectacular combines the magic of Old Tucson with stunning décor, period costumes, live shows, and interactive experiences. YULETIDE highlights the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson and creates a one-of-a-kind event that is sure to become an annual tradition for the entire community.

Yuletide typically kicks off right after Thanksgiving and lasts through Christmas Eve. Click here to link directly to the Old Tucson website to purchase tickets. Tip: you'll save $5 buying online!

You can book a tour of Old Tucson anytime here.

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Old Tucson 201 S. Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85735

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Discover Legends of the Wild West at Old Tucson

Step into the heart of the Old West and embark on an unforgettable adventure at Old Tucson. For 85 incredible years, Old Tucson has been an icon of Western movie magic and a beacon of quality family fun. Initially built in 1939 by Columbia Studios for the movie "Arizona" starring Jean Arthur and William Holden, this iconic location is now a one-of-a-kind amusement park that promises an unforgettable Western experience.

In 2024, Old Tucson presents Legends of the Wild West, where characters step out of history books and onto our stages. Be prepared for interactive shows featuring daring outlaws and legendary lawmen and witness stories coming to life through live characters like Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, Jessie James, and Cole Younger. You might even find yourself part of a train or stagecoach robbery, adding a genuinely immersive element to your experience.

New to Old Tucson is the "The Ballad of Booney Hill," a one-of-a-kind musical production staged inside the Grand Palace Saloon. This original piece tells the true story of Billy the Kid during the Lincoln County Wars.

Starting mid-March, Old Tucson introduces the Big Spring, a celebration of everything oversized and big! Challenge your family and friends to games on a massive 10' checkerboard, indulge in giant pretzels and drinks at Big Jake's, and meet Big Jake himself, a character brought to life for this special occasion. 

For those seeking a different kind of adventure, Old Tucson offers historical tours or spine-chilling ghost tours on select days and nights. Learn about the park's rich history on a special tour, or get locked inside Old Tucson at night with only lanterns to guide you. Bring your own meters for ghost investigations and uncover tales of the supernatural.  

Take advantage of the $5 discount or secure a spot for the limited special events and tours by getting your tickets online. Day tickets are sold at the gate or The Last Outpost Gift Shop, open all year in the parking lot. Old Tucson is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and parking is free.

201 S. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ

520-883-0100

// oldtucson.com

Limited Time Only Night Tours

ARE YOU READY TO BE LOCKED IN OLD TUCSON AFTER DARK?

People say the grounds of Old Tucson are haunted by numerous ghostly entities. Spectors, sounds, sudden drafts, children’s laughter, full-bodied apparitions and more have been on the lips of patrons and employees for decades. Now you have the chance to see for yourself. 

Grab your lantern and gather your nerves to hear the stories and legends of the ghosts of Old Tucson. Each Ghost Tour will last 90 minutes, with groups limited to a max of 25 guests per tour. Our Guide will take you on a journey through our most haunted buildings and provide a chance to encounter our beloved ghosts.

During an Old Tucson Ghost Tour, you will experience complete darkness at the following outside locations: Main Street, the OK Corral, Town Square, the Mission, and near the North End facing the church. You’ll also get an opportunity to enter the AZ Theatre, Town Hall, Grand Palace, and the Hotel Del Toro.

Old Tucson Haunted Ghost Tours leave the box office on select Wednesday nights. Every patron gets a complimentary bottle of water for the journey. Tickets are limited and only available for sale online, get your tickets now!

Historic Daytime Guided Tours

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF YOUR FAVORITE WESTERN FILMS AND SHOWS  

During one of our Historical Tours, you will learn more about Old Tucson’s famous movie set and rich history. Each of our 60-minute semi-private tours is guided by an Old Tucson historian, our tours give guests the opportunity to see and experience Old Tucson’s famous sets and attractions. Tours are now available 7 days a week with several tours offered daily. Tickets are available online for advance purchase and may also be purchased at The Last Outpost. 

Historical Tours are subject to availability and may sell out quickly. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.

WESTERN EXPERIENCE

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Old Tucson Entertainment | 201 S. Kinney Road | Tucson, AZ 85735 | 520.883.0100

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Inspired Imperfection

Food, adventures, & musings on juggling a business, loving a family, living inspired, and embracing imperfection

Visit Old Tucson: A Genuine Wild West Town in Tucson, Arizona

Published By Jennifer Bourn on November 28, 2018

This year, for our annual Thanksgiving vacation, we decided to road trip through the American Southwest and visit Saguaro National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Big Bend National Park. While researching the parks and how much time we would need for each one, I discovered some fun things to do near Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arziona, like the Pima Air & Space Museum, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Mission San Xavier del Bac, and Old Tucson Studios.

I definitely wanted to work at least a few of those into our trip, so we added an extra day to our trip, extending our stay in Tucson from one day to two days. It worked out great because the park is split in half, divided by the city of Tucson, so we did half the park one day and half the park the next day. Each side of the park only took a little over a half day to explore, so we had the afternoons to check out other family-friendly attractions!

Old Tucson Studios

At Old Tucson, you’ll enjoy classic Wild West experiences like Gunfights, saloon musicals, live action stunt shows, living history presentations, vintage rides, traveling salesman pitches, film history tours, southwestern BBQ, and more.

Immortalized in more than 400 films and commercial productions, Old Tucson is a premiere film location made famous by movie legends such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Martin, Sharon Stone, and Martin Short.

We were so excited to walk through the doors of Old Tucson Studios and step back in time to visit the Wild West, enjoy live entertainment, and eat some great barbecue.

After spending the morning in the hot sun exploring Saguaro National Park, we made a beeline for the beautiful Grand Palace Hotel and Saloon to snag seats for the live CanCan Show and to grab a beer, cold drinks, popcorn, and a hot pretzel before it started. Next we walked across the way to Big Jake’s Bar-B-Q for a late lunch of barbecue chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, and cole slaw (yum!).

Exploring The Wild West

With full bellies, we set out to explore this awesome wild west town, snapping photos in front of the western storefronts, wandering through old buildings, checking out vintage equipment, and of course, peeking in the shops and stores like:

• McLintock Store, Old Tucson’s general store with themed merchandise and cowboy gear.
• The Corner Store, featuring old west-inspired clothing and accessories.
• Olsen’s Mercantile with hand-crafted Native American jewelry, Zapotec rugs, and beautiful pottery.
• The Last Outpost with t-shirts, cactus items, artwork, and gifts.

We also stopped in the Old Tucson Story Museum to learn the history of Old Tucson and see costumes worn in Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza and wandered over to snap photos with The Reno locomotive that has been in more than 100 movies and television shows.

Rides And Activities

In addition to all the various live entertainment options included with your Old Tucson admission, there are also rides and activities you can participate in at no extra charge (which we really appreciated) .

We took a narrated ride on the C.P. Huntington Train through Old Tucson and the beautiful Sonoran Desert, then headed into the Iron Door Mine for an underground adventure that was sort of like walking through a haunted house, but mining themed — it was fun, but might be a bit scary for little kids!

If you have little kids, there is also an Antique Car Track where they can drive the cars (like the ones at Disneyland), the Toltec Mine, and a Wild West Carousel you can ride as many times as you want.

Of course, there are also some fun attractions available that require an additional fee, like Dead Eye Dan’s shooting gallery, the Old West gold panning, and the stagecoach rides through town.

Before calling it quits for the day, Brian, Natalie, and Carter stopped by La Plaza Ice Cream for some cool cones and we listened in on one of the guided film tours, covering 70 years of film and television history .

Know Before You Go

• Old Tucson is located at 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85735 in Pima County right next door to Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum .
• From Interstate 10, take Exit 257 Speedway Blvd. and head west following signs to Old Tucson. From Interstate 19, take Exit 99 Ajo Way (AZ 86) exit and head west following signs to Old Tucson.
• General Admission is $19.95/Adult 12-64, $17.95/Senior 65+, and $10.95/Child 4-11
• Historic Tours that provide a look at Old Tucson’s 75 years of film history are available and included with admission. Highlights include locations where many classic films — including three John Wayne Westerns — were shot.
• Also included with admission are riding the the Wild West Carousel and the C.P. Huntington Train, experiencing the Iron Door Mine Adventure, and various Wild West shows like gunfights, can-can musicals, and a snake oil salesman pitch!
• Want one of those kitsch Wild West costume photos to commemorate your visit? Stop by the Old Tucson Print & Photo Emporium.
• Old Tucson is pet friendly as long as your pet is friendly. Pets must always remain on a leash and are welcome throughout the park, bu they may not enter the restaurants.

Previous Scenic Cactus Forest Loop Drive At Saguaro National Park

Mission San Xavier del Bac Near Tucson, Arizona Next

Jennifer Bourn

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With 22 years experience as a graphic designer and 16 as a web designer/ creative agency owner , Jennifer helps small businesses build brands, create content, and grow profitable online platforms. Her renowned business systems and automations allow her business to thrive while she travels with her husband of 21 years and two teenagers, squeezes in daily workouts , tries new recipes , embarks on ambitious craft projects, speaks at events, facilitates workshops , and leads online courses .

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Preserving Tucson's Heritage

Saving tucson’s places.

Since March of 1984, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has been working to save Tucson's heritage and cultural resources. For over 30 years we have been on the front lines advocating and strategizing to protect the places that make Tucson unique. Throughout the year we offer a variety of programming including lectures, tours, films, and exclusive access to otherwise inaccessible historic properties. We partner with numerous organizations throughout our city and region to help protect our shared past. Only with the support of our members and donors can we fulfill our mission.

Immerse yourself in the Ball-Paylore House

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation’s reactivation in 2007 the board and volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve the places that make Tucson special.

We continue to save our city’s neon signs, sponsor Tucson Modernism Week, list numerous properties on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Modern Landscape Plaza designed by Garrett Eckbo at the TCC.

We present a popular annual spring home tour, weekly downtown walking tours, and educational workshops. We recently partnered with the City and private property owners to revise and update Tucson’s Historic Landmark Designation, reviving an essential permanent preservation tool.

We lobbied to save Marist College, Arizona’s only three-story adobe building, the Valley of the Moon, a Depression-era fairy tale garden, the 1929 Voorhees–Pattison House designed by Roy Place, and the Old Pascua Matus- Meza House.

We serve as host to state and national conferences and prepared and coordinated the designation of Tucson as a Preserve America City.

We publish books, guides and anticipate the publication of two major book projects in 2018; the classic homes of Josias Joesler and Tom Gist. We attend hundreds of public meetings to ensure preservation remains a community priority.

We are partners with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save Arizona’s National Treasures including the Mountain View Of cers Club at Fort Huachuca and the Mission 66 Painted Desert Community Complex designed by famed architect, Richard Neutra.

We provide ongoing technical assistance to neighborhood and community groups. We remain committed to preserving the places that make Tucson special. We need your support to grow our organization and continue to serve the community.

We can only save Tucson’s places with your help.

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Historical Guided Tour in Tucson

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• bottled water
• All Fees and Taxes
• Entry/Admission - Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
• Starbucks, 5870 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
• Infant seats available
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Travel time will consume 4 - 5 hours
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
• Mission San Xavier del Bac
• St. Augustine Cathedral
• University of Arizona
• Sentinel Peak Park

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Starbucks 5870 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ See address & details
• 1 Mission San Xavier del Bac Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 2 Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 St. Augustine Cathedral Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 4 University of Arizona Stop: 20 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 111Karin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful introduction to the Sonora desert. Both of us agreed that Mike,,was an excellent host and source of information concerning the history and natural history of this unique and wonderful part of our country. Further he was an excellent driver and we enjoyed his personal attention to our interests and questions. We highly recommend this trip and Mike as a guide. Read more Written April 8, 2024
• E8683DBheatherd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tombstone Feb 24 Thank you so much we had a great time you were so informative Brian and I learned so much from you on local stories and history it was very enjoyable again thank you so much 👍 Read more Written February 16, 2024
• Getaway23449645931 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great day in Arizona Great day trip. I want to go back to both Bisbee and Tombstone. The van is comfortable. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable Read more Written February 5, 2024
• Sunshine804388 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tombstone and Bisbee Tour This day trip from Tucson was excellent. The tour left on time and the tour leader Mike provided loads of commentary and background to all the sites. Mike also allowed us to take photographs of sites on the way to Tombstone. We stopped in Bisbee and the time allocated was well enough to see everything. Tombstone was fun and there was so much choice on what activities to do. I recommend Southern Arizona Tours and Excursions and would check out some of their other tours if I had more time in Tucson. Read more Written January 29, 2024
• MaryKayK197 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Shoot out at the OK Corral Our driver was great. Mike was very knowledgeable about the area and told some good stories and history about the areas that we saw. You get picked up in Tucson so it takes about an hour and a half each way…..You get dropped off in Tombstone and if you want to learn anything about that area, in depth, you have to purchase more tours in the couple of hours that you are there. We paid for the shoot out at the OK corral - a little hokey - but fun just the same. If you go - don’t miss Big Nose Kates Saloon - probably the best part of Tombstone. The shops are tourist traps…nothing upscale that I saw. I think kids would particularly enjoy seeing the “old west” - All and all and ok day - but wouldn’t do it again. Read more Written January 29, 2024
• marilynjmaynz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The tour to tough to die, Sonora desert museum and historical sites of tuscon This tour is well worth going on and Cathy our tour guide, is an exceptional lady with so much knowledge and insight.it has been a day we will not forget... She also organized a tour for the following day for us with Mike who also took us on two tours that were exceptional...he too has a lot of knowledge which he was happy to share with us. We highly recommend this company for any trips in the Tucson area.. Read more Written December 16, 2023
• 62brucel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip. Fun times for the Historic West. I had a GREAT trip with Taffi! She's very friendly, and quite knowledgeable, too. She's a good, safe driver. She had free bottles of water gor guests, too. Read more Written December 8, 2023
• MBP756 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour of Arizona wine country Very enjoyable tour! Learned a lot about the Arizona wine industry and the Tucson area. Our guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable about the area. The scenery on the drive to the wineries was beautiful! Read more Written December 3, 2023
• Sunshine825202 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Arizona hostory Had a great time! Our host was very knowledgeable about the history of these places, as well as many other Tucson history items. Time spent at the San Xavier Mission and Tombstone was just right, made for a wonderful day in historic places. Would definitely recommend! Read more Written October 21, 2023
• ronrow 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great day Tafe was great. Nice wines, although majority of them are red. Fun people in the group. A little more time at each venue would have been better. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• ronrow 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day Great day with Mike. Interesting history, would have liked longer in Tombstone to see more things, but Bisbee was great too Read more Written October 8, 2023
• ronrow 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Mike was very knowledgeable and it was a great day. I personally would have liked a little more time at the Saguaro National Park for a hike and a little more time at the mission for a tour Read more Written October 8, 2023
• I2592TVjayh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Visit to the Sonoran Desert Museum The Sonoran Desert Museum was a great experience. Very informative. The cactus varieties and the historical significance are not widely known. Read more Written August 15, 2023
• wfpk43 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Scenic trip Tafe was very knowledgeable about info around the tour areas. Safe and cautious driver. She even had extra water if anyone needed. Read more Written June 26, 2023
• Laura R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent & knowledgeable tour guide (Taffy) made the entire experience 5/5 stars for me! Taffy eased my worries about taking the tour alone, provided perfectly narrated & detailed descriptions about the history of Bisbee, Tombstone & other areas, along the route. The trip was informative and entertaining yet personalized at each stop as the small tour group was able to adventure off at our own leisure in Bisbee & Tombstone. I did leave Bisbee feeling slightly disappointed (to no fault of the tour guide) in the fact that I spent most of the time there, waiting for places to open & once I was able to get in, it was nearly time to leave. That being said, there are very unique shops with a lot of character so if you have the opportunity to visit, I would recommend it. I enjoyed chatting with the shop owners once they did arrive. Bisbee seems to be a place people go to slow down and there’s no rush to get the day started there. Seems like it could be a good place to semi retire. Tombstone was the typical tourist stop, I must say the actors at the shoot out experience were phenomenal. My intention was not initially to go but once I saw the actors interacting with passersby, between shows, I decided I had to check out the hype. It’s something to experience at least once but maybe not a good choice for infants as it is very loud & there were a few scared babies in the ok corral arena. I was on a mission to check some things off my bucket/to do list & I did just as I set out to do. That being said, I got so much more than I could have expected or hoped for, just by going on this tour. The Boneyard was the most awe inspiring sight as you are traveling the route & that was not something I expected to see or find as incredible as I did. Taffy stopped at a copper mine along the route for a photo opp & that was really neat/unexpected as well! If you are in the area, I’d highly recommend this tour and any other tour by this company! I would go on it again simply for the information and experience with the tour guide. As far as I’m concerned anything else you experience at the self guided stops is a complete bonus! I will forever remember the friends I met on that little tour & it will remain at the top of my list of favorite moments in this lifetime! I hope I get another opportunity to return to AZ & include this tour on my itinerary! There’s no way you could be sorry or regret taking this tour!! It was hands down a wonderful experience where I felt considered and appreciated from beginning to end! Thank you for the great memories! Read more Written June 17, 2023

More to explore in Tucson

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Historical Guided Tour in Tucson provided by Southern Arizona Tours & Excursions

Tucson Area Walking Tours

Tucson Presidio Museum offers the best Tucson Area Walking Tours. We have a variety of tours with experienced and friendly guides. Information on all our walking tours are listed below in alphabetical order . If you do not see a date that you were looking for below, the tour on that date is sold out.

Cancellation Policy:   Cancellations received more than 24 hours in advance will receive a refund. Cancellations received less than 24 hours in advance will not receive a refund.

WALKING TOURS WITH ADULT BEVERAGES We now offer several tours with wine tasting at the end. Click here to learn more and register .

New May-December dates listed below! Registration links coming soon!

Armory Park

The Armory Park neighborhood is south of Broadway and east of Stone. Buildings started to go up in this area with the arrival of the railroad in 1880. The tour led by Alan Kruse covers a half-mile in two hours and includes the outsides of public buildings on the west side of the neighborhood, no homes. These include the Blenman Inn, the Carnegie Free Library, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the Safford School, the Willard Hotel, and the Temple of Music and Art. Personalities discussed include Charles Rivers Drake, Charles Blenman, Isabella Greenway, Mattie Dreyfus Heineman, and renowned architects Henry C. Trost and A. G. Rockfellow.  This is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking.

***The tour meets across the street from the Blenman Inn at 204 S. Scott. Free on-street parking is available.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. Saturday, July 20, 8-10 am jjjjjj

Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood)

Experience the rich history of Tucson on the one-mile Barrio Viejo (old neighborhood) Walking Tour, which goes through the largest collection of Sonoran Row houses in the United States.  For over 100 years, Barrio Viejo was the heart of Tucson’s social, economic, and cultural life. On this 90-minute walking tour, your tour guide Mauro Trejo will discuss the history of the neighborhood, its architecture, and the individuals, businesses, and cultures that meet there.

***Add-On – (30 minutes) For an additional $10.00 participants have the option of joining their tour guide for conversation, a margarita (or alternative) and a cheese crisp after the tour at the historic El Minuto Café.

This tour begins at El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 S. Main Avenue, just south of El Minuto Restaurant.

All of the following tours are held on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. $20/member, $30/non-membe r Sunday, April 14, 10-11:30 am Sunday, April 28, 10-11:30 am Saturday, May 11, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, May 26, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, June 9, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, June 23, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, July 14, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, August 11, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, August 25, 5:30-7 pm Sunay, September 8, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, September 22, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, October 6, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, October 20, 10-11:30 am Sunday, November 3, 10-11:30 am Sunday, November 17, 10-11:30 am Sunday, December 1, 10-11:30 am Sunday, December 15, 10-11:30 am Sunday, December 29, 10-11:30 am

Court Street Cemetery Tour

Archaeologist and historian Homer Thiel leads this walk through the Court Street Cemetery, where about 8,000 people were buried between 1875 and 1909. When it was closed, about half were reinterred but the other half were left in place. The tour will lead you through the cemetery, show where bodies have been found and reveal the history of this forgotten place.

***This tour begins at the southwest corner of Stone and Speedway.

Pre-registration is required. $20/member, $30/non-member

Tour Dates: Sunday, April 14, 10-11:30 am Sunday, October 27, 10-11:30 am Sunday, October 27, 1-2:30 pm

Evergreen Cemetery – NEW TOUR

After a general overview of Tucson’s cemeteries, Presidio Museum tour guide Alan Kruse will lead attendees through several Evergreen Cemetery gravesites and hear the stories of a number of historical characters including Sam Hughes, Henry Buehman, Larcena Pennington, Harry Arizona Drachman, Sarah Herring Sorin and Thomas Jeffords.

***This tour is about 1/4 mile long and meets one block in from the cemetery entrance at N. Oracle Road and W. Fort Lowell Road. Free parking is available at the meeting spot.

Click on the date below to register: Saturday, November 16, 10 am-12 pm

Fort Lowell Neighborhood

The Fort Lowell area is much more than just the territorial fort and staging area for the final Indian campaign against Geronimo. Historian and preservationist Ken Scoville leads this tour that explains how most of the cultural layers of Tucson are present here. The oasis of water and trees at the confluence of the Pantano Wash and the Tanque Verde Creek, which became the Rillito (little river) was a draw for many residents in the area. As early as the first century AD, the Hohokam and later historic agriculturalists farmed the area. In the 19 th century, water again brought settlers from Mexico and the United States military in 1873. The last years of that century and the first decades of the 20 th century brought a new wave of farmers and a small community named El Fuerte. Artists and dreamers would join in the teens and twenties to restore adobe ruins from the fort as the early farmers had done. By the 1950s, the automobile and air conditioning would bring huge population growth and pressures for change. Fort Lowell would become a historic district to help preserve this unique area. If you understand the history of the Fort Lowell area, you understand the history of Arizona.

***This tour is 1.5-miles long and begins at Fort Lowell Park, 2900 N. Craycroft Rd.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. Monday, April 22, 9:30 am-12 pm Saturday, April 27, 9:30 am-12 pm Monday, May 6, 9:30 am-12 pm $20/member, $30/non-member jjjjjj

Mainly Murals – NEW WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE FOR AFTERNOON TOURS

The Mainly Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez , features many of the murals found in the downtown area, discussing the artist, history of the mural, and many of the artists’ inspirations behind the pieces. SEVERAL NEW MURALS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS TOUR ROUTE SINCE DOROTHY HAS BEGUN GIVING THESE TOURS. The tour begins at the Presidio Museum and is approximately two miles long, including murals north of Congress Street. 

An afternoon tour with WINE TASTING is a new offering for this tour. See below to register for that option. All of the following tours are held on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $20/member, $30/non-member Saturday, May 4, 8-10 am Saturday, June 1, 8-10 am Saturday, July 6, 8-10 am Saturday, August 3, 8-10 am Saturday, September 7, 8-10 am Saturday, October 5, 8-10 am Saturday, November 2, 9-11 am Saturday, December 7, 9-11 am

TOUR DATES & TIMES WITH WINE TASTING INCLUDED Enjoy a variety of regional wines in the Monsoon Room at JoJo’s Restaurant. Price includes wine tasting. Pre-registration required. Click on the date below to register. $50/member, $60/non-member Saturday, November 2, 1-4 pm Saturday, December 7, 1-4 pm

Mansions of Main Avenue

Take a stroll down Main Avenue with tour guide Alan Kruse to view the homes and hear the stories of the movers and shakers of early Tucson, including:

**Hiram and Petra Stevens , who were a prominent merchant couple but whose domestic life was less than perfect **Sam Hughes  who is called by some the “father of Tucson” **Annie Cheyney  whose newly restored 1905 home is the talk of the town **Albert Steinfeld  of department store fame whose son Harold was a top scorcher **Frank Hereford , an attorney who represented the defendants in the Wham Robbery **William Herring  who was at one time Wyatt Earp’s lawyer

***This tour covers 1/4 of a mile in two hours and meets in front of Cafe a la C’art, 150 N. Main Avenue. This is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $20/member, $30/non-member Sunday, April 21, 9-11 am Saturday, June 1, 8-10 am Sunday, August 4, 8-10 am Saturday, October 19, 9-11 am Sunday, December 15, 10 am-12 pm

Modern Streetcar & Walking Tour – NEW TOUR

Potentially, one of the most significant events to occur in Tucson in many decades is the Modern Streetcar. Attendees on this tour, led by Presidio Museum tour guide  Alan Kruse , will ride the streetcar from one end to the other getting on and off at various points to walk and further explore.  The tour begins at the Mercado, the most western terminus, with a short history of the modern streetcar before boarding.  The first stop will be to see the artwork on the Gutierrez Bridge.  The next stop is in the Downtown area to look at some streetcar art and take a walking tour down Congress Street and on to Fourth Avenue. After boarding the streetcar again, the group will stop at the U of A’s Main Gate to learn about the history of the early streetcar (1897-1930).  Back on the streetcar, the group will travel through the campus, ending up at the eastern terminus at Helen and Warren Streets. Here, attendees will see the head of Poet, the source of all the poetry generated along the line. The tour officially ends here at about 12:30 pm.  It takes approximately 30 minutes to ride back to the Mercado. Additional time should be planned if attendees decide to stop for lunch on the way back. This tour will focus on Tucson today but will also include some historical information. 

***This tour begins at the Mercado San Agustin, 100 South Avenida del Convento. The total amount of time actually spent on the streetcar (some sitting, some standing) is one hour. The rest is walking (approximately ¾ mile), sitting, and waiting for the streetcar. The ground the tour covers is uneven with multiple curbs and one flight of stairs. Because of this, no canes or walkers are allowed on the tour. There are restroom facilities at the Mercado San Agustin, but there are no more scheduled stops along the way.  

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. Wednesday, December 11, 9 am-1 pm $30/member, $40/non-member

NEW TOUR: Murals & More + Margaritas in the 4th Avenue District – Also available WITHOUT margaritas (see below)

Explore the unique blend of art, culture, and history painted through the murals of the historic 4th Avenue District. The tour wanders through alleyways adorned with striking murals that showcase the city’s diverse artistic influences, from traditional southwestern motifs to contemporary urban expressions. 

Along the way, learn about the talented local artists who have contributed to Tucson’s burgeoning mural scene, each piece telling a story that resonates with the community as we encounter hidden gems and lesser-known masterpieces that contribute to the unique character of Tucson’s streets.

After the tour, the group will enjoy a margarita (included in tour price) at Corbett’s.  Food may be purchased for an additional fee.

**This tour begins and ends at Corbett’s at 340 N. 6th Ave.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register for the tour that includes margaritas. $36/member, $46/non-member Sunday, April 28, 11:30 am-2 pm Sunday, November 24, 11:30 am-2 pm Sunday, December 22, 11:30 am-2 pm

Tours without margaritas are also available in the afternoon. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register for a tour without margaritas. $20/member, $30/non-member Saturday, March 30, 3-4:30 pm Sunday, April 28, 3-4:30 pm Sunday, May 26, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, June 23, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, July 28, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, August 25, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, September 22, 5:30-7 pm Sunday, October 27, 4:30-6 pm Sunday, November 24, 3-4:30 pm Sunday, December 22, 3-4:30 pm

Pioneer Women of Main Avenue

Led by tour guide Alan Kruse , this walking tour focuses on the pioneer women who contributed so much to Tucson’s history. Attendees will view the outside of their homes and learn about their lives. Some of the women covered include:

**Sarah Sorin – the first female attorney to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court unassisted **Gladys Franklin – active with historic and artistic endeavors in Tucson, she died in the same room she was born in on Main Avenue at 89. **Edith Kitt – Ran the Arizona Historical Society for years **Bettina Steinfeld – wife of Albert Steinfeld, Merchant Prince of the Southwest **Annie Neal Cheyney – had the Cheyney House built on Main Avenue **Atanacia Hughes – married to Sam Hughes at age 13 or so, gave birth to 15 children (pictured above)

***This tour covers 1/4 of a mile in two hours and begins at Café a la C’art at 150 N. Main Ave. It follows the same route as the Mansions of Main Avenue Walking Tour and is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking. On-street parking is available.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register $20/member, $30/non-member

Sunday, May 5, 8-10 am Saturday, September 14, 8-10 am

Presidio District Tour – Why is Tucson the City It is Today?

El Presidio Historic District provides many of the answers as to why Tucson is the city it is today. Presidio Museum tour guide  Ken Scoville  leads this tour, which explains how the geography of the area influenced our changing relationship with water and our desert environment as each cultural group from prehistoric to historic settled in the area. The homes they constructed responded to and later denied the desert environment. The constant pressure for change and real estate speculation in a growing city is also a part of the story as the infancy of historic districts established the desire to preserve the buildings and landscape environment of an area that connects to important past events and people in the community and nation. The historic resources, the decisions and actions of people and the geography allow us to understand past endeavors that impact our present and likely the future of our community and nation. 

***This tour begins at the 1928 Pima County Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave., where you’ll discover the archaeological efforts to find the presidio (fort), two earlier courthouses built at this same location and the beginning of the “Old Pueblo.”

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register

$20/member, $30/non-member Friday, April 19, 10 am-12:30 pm Friday, May 10, 10 am-12:30 pm

Public Art & Murals – NEW WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE FOR AFTERNOON TOURS

Recent years have seen an explosion of public art throughout Tucson. The Public Art & Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez , begins at the Presidio Museum and proceeds into the downtown area, stopping at numerous public art pieces and murals. At each stop you will learn about the artist and the artwork.  Several new murals have been added to the tour route since Dorothy began giving these tours about a year ago. The tour is approximately 2 miles and includes stops south of Congress Street. Dorothy will be on a microphone for better hearing.

All tours on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register.

REGULAR TOUR DATES & TIMES $20/member, $30/non-member Saturday, April 27, 9-11 am Saturday, May 25, 8-10 am Saturday, June 22, 8-10 am Saturday, July 27, 8-10 am Saturday, August 24, 8-10 am Saturday, September 21, 8-10 am Saturday, October 26, 9-11 am Saturday, November 23, 9-11 am Saturday, December 21, 9-11 am

TOUR DATES & TIMES WITH WINE TASTING INCLUDED Enjoy a variety of local and regional wines and learn about Arizona’s wine growing regions inside the beautiful Leo Kent Hotel St. Cruz Restaurant & Bar. Price includes wine tasting. Pre-registration required. Click on the date below to register . $55/member, $65/non-member Saturday, April 27, 1-4 pm Saturday, May 25, 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, June 22, 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, July 27, 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, August 24, 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, September 21, 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, October 26, 1-4 pm Saturday, November 23, 1-4 pm Saturday, December 21, 1-14 pm

Santa Cruz River History

This two-mile walking tour is led by Mauro Trejo and focuses on our relationship with the Santa Cruz River, how it supported Tucson’s early residents, and the factors in the 19th and 20th century that affected its demise.

The tour begins at Tucson’s Mission Garden and includes the sites of the former Spanish mission and the O’odham village that was the origin of our modern city. Attendees also visit Tucson’s tallest tree and the Garden of Gethsemane, a holy site of statues made by WWI veteran and artist Felix Lucero in the 1940s.

***This tour begins at Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane, Tucson, AZ, 85745

All tours on Friday, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $25/member, $35/non-member includes entry into Mission Garden Friday, April 26, 9-11 am Friday, May 24, 8-10 am Friday, June 28, 8-10 am Friday, July 26, 8-10 am Friday, August 23, 8-10 am Friday, September 27, 8-10 am Friday, October 25, 9-11 am Friday, November 22, 10 am-12 pm Friday, December 27, 10 am-12 pm

Turquoise Trail – NEW WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE FOR AFTERNOON TOURS

Presidio Museum Tour Guides Mauro Trejo and Dorothy Yanez lead different versions of this walking tour, which covers the Turquoise Trail through the heart of downtown. Learn about Tucson’s fascinating history and see some architectural gems. Pre-registration is required.

PLEASE NOTE: A standard-length tour (led by Mauro) and a slightly- shorter version of the Turquoise Trail (led by Dorothy) are both available. Dorothy also offers an afternoon tour with wine tasting at Maynard’s Market afterwards . Make sure you register for the correct tour below: STANDARD LENGTH TURQUOISE TRAIL TOUR Click on the appropriate date below to register. All tours on Saturdays unless otherwise noted (2.5-mile tour) Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $20/member, $30/non-member Saturday, April 13, 9-11:30 am Saturday, May 11, 7:30-10 am Saturday, June 8, 7:30-10 am Saturday, July 13, 7:30-10 am Saturday, August 10, 7:30-10 am Saturday, September 7, 7:30-10 am Saturday, October 12, 7:30-10 am Saturday, November 9, 9-11:30 am Saturday, December 14, 10 am-12:30 pm

SLIGHTLY SHORTER VERSION OF THE TURQUOISE TRAIL TOUR This 2-mile tour is led by Dorothy Yanez and covers the Turquoise Trail through stop 14 at the south end of Church Avenue, returning to the Presidio Museum by heading north up Church. All tours on Sundays unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $20/member, $30/non-member Sunday, April 21, 9-11 am Sunday, November 17, 9-11 am Sunday, December 15, 9-11 am

SHORTER VERSION OF THE TURQUOISE TRAIL TOUR WITH WINE TASTING AFTERWARDS This 2-mile tour is led by Dorothy Yanez and covers the Turquoise Trail through stop 14 at the south end of Church Avenue, going to the wine room in Maynard’s Market afterwards for a wine tasting of a variety of Sonoran Wines and small bites. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. $50/member, $60/non-member Sunday, April 21, 1-4 pm Sunday, November 17, 1-4 pm Sunday, December 15, 1-4 pm

University of Arizona

After a discussion of the interesting beginnings of the University in 1885, tour guide Alan Kruse will lead attendees to the historic portion of the campus beginning with the Main Gate at University at Park. The history, the personalities, and the architecture will be emphasized in a somewhat chronological order.  The architecture of the older buildings varies from Classical Revival to Italian and Spanish Romanesque. The tour will also include newer sites such as the Women’s Plaza of Honor and the Student Union Memorial Center. As we stroll the campus, we will investigate some of the plants – the University is a recognized arboretum – and the public art.  The tour will end after a short visit to the front of the Arizona History Museum.

***This tour is 1.25-miles long and meets in the Arizona Historical Center Parking Lot on the northeast corner of Euclid and 2nd Street.

Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register. Wednesday, November 20, 9-11:30 am $20/member, $30/non-member

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