IN THIS REGION Benson, Bisbee, Elgin, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Tubac, Tucson, Willcox TUCSON & SOUTHERN ARIZONA take your pick from side canyons, chimneys and outcroppings along the way. Permits are required for all activities—including hiking. BISBEE MINING & HISTORICAL MUSEUM, BISBEE Explore “The Queen of the Copper Camps” at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum, where you’ll enter a state-of-the-art mining exhibit rife with crystals, minerals and the history of this historic town, when miners blasted their way through thousands of miles of tunnels in search of precious metals. SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION, TUCSON A vision of white against vast blue skies and stark desert, this Catholic church known as the “White Dove of the Desert” was completed in 1797 when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain. Today, this National Historic Landmark on Tohono O’odham tribal lands is regarded as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the country. AMERIND MUSEUM, DRAGOON From ancient artifacts to con-temporary artistic explorations of modern-day issues, this museum and art gallery nestled amid the natural beauty of Texas Canyon is dedicated to American Indian and Western art, history, culture and archeology. Be sure to stop by the Amerind Museum Store to shop museum-quality handicrafts. ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM, TUCSON This multi-faceted museum offers an array of experiences. Stroll the bo-tanical gardens filled with Sonoran Desert plant life, see wildlife up-close at the onsite zoo, marvel at rocks and minerals at the natural history exhibits, spot underwater creatures at the Warden Aquarium and view artwork in the galleries. O.K. CORRAL, TOMBSTONE Transport yourself to the rough-and-tumble Wild West when you stand in the very place where the infamous gun fight occurred in 1881. Watch a daily reenactment, walk through the 1880s stables and blacksmith shop, and see historic photographs of Tombstone life as it was “back then.” 51 Area Highlights SONOITA/ELGIN & WILLCOX AVA WINE REGIONS Escape to rolling hillsides, picture-perfect rows of grape vines and unpretentious tasting rooms when you visit Southwestern Arizona’s two American Viticultural Areas. The Sonoita/Elgin region is Arizona’s longest-established AVA and home to some of the state’s best-known winemakers, while the Willcox wine region grows 74% of Arizona’s wine grapes. KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK, BENSON Descend into an awe-inspiring underground world of soda straw stalactites, brushite moonmilk and needle quartz formations when you go on a guided cave tour. Above ground, explore miles of scenic hiking trails rated from easy to difficult. The cave, campgrounds and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible. ALFIE NORVILLE GEM & MINERAL MUSEUM, TUCSON Housed in the grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style Pima County Courthouse, this University of Arizona-affiliated facility showcases incredible specimens of minerals, gems, fossils and meteorites. Marvel at flawless jewelry, massive crystals and even a glow-in-the-dark rainbow of fluorescent specimens. ARAVAIPA CANYON WILDERNESS Rugged cliffs, deep canyons, peaceful waters and lush foliage set the scene for outdoor adventure in this 19,410-acre wilderness area. Hike the unofficial trails and O.K. Corral, Tombstone Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson San Xavier Del Bac Mission, Tucson TOP TO BOTTOM: O.K. CORRAL; CHRISTINE C. PHOTOGRAPHIE; NICCI RADHE; ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2022-23: Page 51
