Arizona Official State Travel Guide - Arizona 2025-26
North Central Arizona
2025-08-25 05:45:35
Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Fort Apache, Globe, Jerome, Holbrook, Oak Creek, Payson, Prescott, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Sedona, Seligman, Tonto Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe
One of the most beautiful cities in the world is in North Central Arizona. But that’s just part of the region’s appeal. Beyond the red-rock resplendency of Sedona you’ll find historic sites in Prescott and Fort Apache, family-friendly activities like the Verde Canyon Railroad, and some of the state’s best restaurants and wineries.
AREA HIGHLIGHTS
JEROME STATE HISTORIC PARK, JEROME
A landmark in Jerome since 1916, the Douglas Mansion was home to mining mogul James Douglas, and its hillside location overlooked his Little Daisy Mine. Explore this home-turned-museum to see exhibits, photographs and artifacts chronicling the family, mining and town’s history.
PICKLE BARREL TRADING POST, GLOBE
In a rugged mining town, discover a century-old post-and-beam-built shop filled with Southwest-inspired treasures: Minnetonka moccasins, Pendleton blankets, sparkly minerals and rocks, Apache beadwork, cowboy hats, one-of-a-kind antiques, rustic yard art and an array of fun gifts for kids.
DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD
Escape to the verdant Verde River Valley at this scenic park where you can picnic beneath a shaded canopy of cottonwood and willow trees, go fishing at three lagoons, sleep beneath the stars at one of the high-desert campsites; or bike, hike or horseback ride along the shared-use Dead Horse Trail System.
WATSON LAKE AND THE GRANITE DELLS, PRESCOTT
Dramatic rock formations — known as the Granite Dells, an assemblage of large granite boulders with a strikingly rippled appearance — surround Watson Lake, making it one of the most ruggedly beautiful spots in the region. Explore the waters by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard — or bike, hike, fish and climb.
FORT APACHE HISTORIC PARK/NOHWIKE’ BÁGOWA (HOUSE OF OUR FOOTPRINTS MUSEUM), FORT APACHE
One of the best examples of an existing Apache Wars-era military post, Fort Apache Historic Park displays more than 20 structures in its historic district. You can also tour the Nohwike’ Bágowa, dedicated to Apache heritage and arts, and visit the nearby Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark.
NAVAJO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOLBROOK
Housed in the historic courthouse on Route 66, this museum tells the stories of the area’s many residents throughout the centuries, from American Indians to early settlers. See ancient fossils, exhibits on Ancestral Puebloan, Apache, Hopi and Navajo cultures and their crafts; an old Hashknife chuck wagon, and artifacts from the legendary Mother Road, Route 66.
ARIZONA COPPER ART MUSEUM, CLARKDALE
See why Arizona is nicknamed the Copper State at this museum showcasing history, science and artistry. Explore themed galleries, learn about the state’s mining past and admire the craftsmanship of intricate decorative pieces, from antique cookware and drinkware to military relics and architectural details.
VERDE CANYON RAILROAD, CLARKDALE
Board a restored vintage train car (ADA accessible) pulled by a rare FP7 locomotive for an unforgettable four-hour, 40-mile round-trip ride through breathtaking canyon scenery. You’ll pass by the shimmering waters of the Verde River, lush foliage and high-desert rock faces. Keep an eye out for eagles and other wildlife, and be sure to pick up a Southwestern-style souvenir in the Boxcar Gift Store back at the depot.
EVENTS IN THE AREA AZ
AZ Poppy Festival
Globe-Miami
globemiamichamber.com/azpoppyfest
Fourth of July Arts and Crafts Festival
Pine
pinestrawberryartscrafts.com/festival-dates
Gila County Fair
Globe
gilacountyfair.com
Magical Christmas Journey
Clarkdale
verdecanyonrr.com/magical-christmas-journey
Pecan and Wine Festival
Camp Verde
visitcampverde.com/pecan-and-wine-festival
Prescott Summer Fine Art & Wine Festival
Prescott
mountainartistsguild.org/festivals
Sedona Hummingbird Festival
Sedona
hummingbirdsociety.org
Sedona Plein Air Festival
Sedona
sedonaartscenter.org/events
Spring Open Studio Tour
Sedona
sedonaartistscoalition.org
Verde Valley Wine Festival
Cottonwood
verdevalleywinefestival.com
Scan here for more events
A WEEKEND IN PRESCOTT
Beautiful landscapes, cowboy history and old-timey watering holes make for a Wild West-filled weekend.
FRIDAY EVENING
Stay in the heart of downtown at the historic Hotel St. Michael, located amid the action of Whiskey Row. Unload your bags and explore nearby art galleries, candy stores and souvenir shops before pulling up a chair at The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Arizona’s oldest bar.
SATURDAY
Kickstart your day with a seasonal coffee drink or loose-leaf tea at Wild Iris Coffeehouse & Bakery before delving into American Indian and frontier history at the Sharlot Hall Museum. For natural beauty, see the clear waters and unusual boulders of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. Mountain bikers can get an even better view from the Prescott Peavine Trail, a remnant of the P&AC Railway. When the sun goes down, head back to town for live music at The Bird Cage Saloon.
SUNDAY MORNING
Savor an organic brunch and bohemian vibe at the Raven Café, where vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful. Before leaving town, stroll through Western art, cowboy heritage and changing exhibits at Phippen Museum.
INDIGENOUS ROOTS
EXPLORING HISTORY & CULTURE
North Central Arizona is home to ancient civilizations and artistic expressions that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich Indigenous heritage. From prehistoric ruins to modern museums, these sites bring past and present traditions to life.
STEP INTO THE PAST
Walk among the 700-year-old ruins of Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum in Globe, where you can explore the remnants of a large village built by the Salado culture and view early world artifacts. At Montezuma Castle National Monument, a remarkably preserved cliff dwelling built by Sinagua farmers rises nearly 100 feet above the Verde Valley — offering a striking testament to ancient ingenuity. Near Clarkdale, Tuzigoot National Monument reveals a hilltop pueblo and a museum highlighting ceramics, textiles and tools discovered during excavation.
LIVING TRADITIONS
For a deeper understanding of Arizona’s Indigenous peoples, explore the exhibits and artifacts at the Yavapai-Apache Nation Cultural Resource Center in Camp Verde and the San Carlos Apache Cultural Museum in Peridot. (Tip: Don’t miss the on-site gift shop for jewelry, baskets and art prints.) The Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott devotes its space to collections of pottery, poetry maps and traditions of American Indian tribes across the Southwest. In Dragoon, Amerind Museum connects history with contemporary voices through gallery exhibits, research and cultural programs celebrating Indigenous archaeology and Western artistry.
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
When the summer heat rolls in, nothing beats the refreshing waters and stunning scenery of a swimming pool made by Mother Nature. Thankfully, you’ll find a few.
In Coconino National Forest near Camp Verde, follow Forest Road 708 to a 1-mile hiking trail to Fossil Creek — a designated “Wild and Scenic River” — and cool off in the emerald-green pool and waterfall. (Permit required April 1 – Oct. 1.)
For an aquatic adventure that’s easier to access, enjoy the tranquil haven of Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area in Sedona. Dip your toes in Oak Creek, take in views of towering red rock canyon walls and maybe even toss in a fishing line.
At nearby Red Rock Crossing in Sedona, sit in the cool waters of Oak Creek while taking in incredible views of crimson Cathedral Rock towering before you. The Crescent Moon Picnic Site is a popular day-use area for swimmers, anglers and picnickers.
At Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park, slip into Oak Creek via an 80-foot natural waterslide, or escape the crowds of sunbathers with a short hike upstream for excellent trout fishing.
BRING THE KIDDOS
This region is packed with family-friendly fun — from Old West adventures to quirky roadside stops. Whether your crew is into animals, history or just a good milkshake, these stops guarantee smiles all around.
WILD WEST WONDERS
Step into cowboy country at Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood, where an old-fashioned Western town sets the scene for chuckwagon dinners, saloon-style singing and sharpshooting fun. Up in Jerome, Gold King Mine & Ghost Town is a playground for kids to pan for gold, explore antique cars and trucks and pet the baby chicks.
CRITTERS & CURIOSITIES
Animal lovers will want to stop by Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, hedgehogs, reptiles and more. This wildlife haven focuses on conservation, education and interactive encounters, making it a hit with kids of all ages.
TRICKS & TREATS
No road trip with the family is complete without a stop in Seligman for some Americana kitsch and laughs. Delgadillo’s Snow Cap is a legendary Route 66 drive-in diner serving up everything from creamy root beer floats and thick milkshakes to classic burgers.
©Arizona Official Travel Guide. View All Articles.