LIGHTS, CAMERA, YEEHAW! Experience Western film history at the Mescal Movie Set in Benson. This legendary location has hosted dozens of Western films, including “Tombstone” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Tour the preserved 1800s-style town, hear behind-the-scenes stories and even catch live re-enactments. It’s an unforgettable way to step into the cinematic mythos of the Old West. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Scottsdale MARVIN PITTS; IMAGEWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY the early 1900s, documenting their culture with deep respect and nuance. Her paintings, photographs and notes remain among the most insightful early depictions of Indigenous life in Arizona. Prints and postcards of her works are in the gift shop of the history-focused Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott. In the realm of contemporary Western art, Ed Mell stands out for his stylized, geometric interpretations of Arizona’s dramatic landscapes. Mell’s dynamic compositions bridge modernist design with the timeless grandeur of desert vistas. See his first large-scale sculpture, the angular Jack Knife, on public display on Main Street in Scottsdale, just down the street from Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West . Explore this museum for a comprehensive collection of fine art and artifacts, including rare Hopi pottery, Navajo textiles, Western films and works from both classic and contemporary Western artists. Finish your journey at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, which brings Western history to life through immersive exhibits, female Western artist showcases and interactive galleries. Its commitment to telling both cowboy and cowgirl stories makes it especially unique. This museum offers open-captioned video presentations within exhibitions, as well as a hands-free audio system for enhanced visitor accessibility. From high-desert studios to storied museum halls, Arizona continues to honor and expand the visual legacy of the American West, letting past and present ride side by side. Phippen Museum, Prescott 23
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2025-26: Page 23
