2020 - 2021 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
135 N. PINAL STREET, FLORENCE, AZ 85132
888.431.1311
PINALCOUNTYAZ.GOV
Welcome TO PINAL COUNTY
CONTENTS
The name Pinal is derived from the Pinal Apaches or "pine groves in the mountains"
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Welcome to Pinal County
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Local Government Offices
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Pinal County Chamber Offices
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Weather and Statistics
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Pinal County Map
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Pinal County Birding Trail
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Pinal County Open Space & Trails
19-66
City/Town Information
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Copper Corridor
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Golden Corridor
79
Adventure Corridor
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Golf
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Attractions and Entertainment
87
Restaurants
91
Lodging
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Advertiser Index
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2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
THERE IS MUCH TO SEE AND DO! Formed from portions of Maricopa and Pima Counties, Pinal County was established on February 1, 1875 in response to the petition of residents of the upper Gila River Valley, as Act 1 of the Eighth Territorial Legislature. Florence was designated as the county seat and remains so today. Pinal County has two distinct geographical regions. The eastern portion is mountainous with elevations up to 6,000 feet while the western portion is primarily low desert valleys.
Produced & Published in conjunction with ROX Media Group
442 W. Kortsen Rd., Ste. 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 p. 520.426.2074 | roxmediagroup.net
Publisher & CEO - Elaine Earle General Manager & Managing Editor - Bea Lueck Creative Director - Tim Clarke Graphic Designer - Shannon Price Writer - Tom Pitts Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. The Pinal County Government and ROX Media LLC. & affiliated companies (collectively, the “Publishers”) will assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Publishers. The Publishers make no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised in this publication. Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of The Pinal County Government. Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and the Publishers shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
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PINAL COUNTY CHAMBER OFFICES AND VISITOR CENTERS PINAL COUNTY LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES City of Apache Junction 300 E Superstition Blvd 480.982.8002 http://www.ajcity.net City of Casa Grande 510 E Florence Blvd 520.421.8600 https://casagrandeaz.gov City of Coolidge 130 W Central Avenue 520.723.5361 https://www.coolidgeaz.com City of Eloy 595 North C Street, Suite 104 520.466.9201 https://eloyaz.gov City of Maricopa 39700 West Civic Center Plaza 520.568.9098 https://www.maricopa.az.gov Town of Florence 775 North Main Street P.O. Box 2670 520.868.7500 http://www.florenceaz.gov
Town of Kearny P.O. Box 639 912.C Tibury Dr. 520.363.5547 http://www.townofkearny.com Town of Mammoth 125 N. Clark St. P.O. Box 130 520.487.2331 https://townofmammoth.us Town of Marana Marana Municipal Complex 11555 W Civic Center Drive 520.382.1999 https://www.maranaaz.gov Town of Queen Creek 22358 S. Ellsworth Road 480.358.3000 https://www.queencreek.org Town of Superior 199 N. Lobb Ave 520.689.5752 http://www.superioraz.gov
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center 567 Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 480.982.3141 www.ajchamber.com
City of Maricopa Chamber of Commerce 19756 N John Wayne Pkwy #100 Maricopa, AZ 85139 520.568.9573 www.maricopachamber.org
Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce 575 N Marshall St #5246 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.836.2125 www.casagrandechamber.org
Oracle Visitor Center 1470 W American Ave Oracle, AZ 85623 520.896.3300 www.visitoracle.org
Coolidge Chamber of Commerce 351 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge, AZ 85228 520.723.3009 www.coolidgechamber.org
O.W.N. (Oracle Women's Network) 1470 W. American Ave Oracle, AZ 85623 520.896.3300 www.visitoracle.org
Sunland Visitor Center 3725 N Camelot St Eloy, AZ 85131 520.466.3007 www.sunlandvisitorcenter.org
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce 22246 South Ellsworth Rd Queen Creek, AZ 85142 480.888.1709 www.queencreekchamber.com
Florence Visitor Center 24 Ruggles St Florence, AZ 85132 520.868.4496 www.florenceazchamber.com
Superior Chamber of Commerce 165 W Main St Superior, AZ 85173 520.689.0200 www.superiorarizonachamber.org
Discover Marana Visitor Center 13881 N Casa Grande Hwy #100 Marana, AZ 85653 520.639.8040 www.discovermarana.org
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2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
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PINAL COUNTY WEATHER AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHS/LOWS (per NOAA) JANUARY
66° / 40°
APRIL
86° / 54°
JULY
104° / 77°
OCTOBER
88° / 60°
Pinal County, Arizona gets 11 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. On average, there are 292 sunny days per year in Pinal County. The US average is 205 sunny days.
PINAL COUNTY STATISTICS STATICAL INFORMATIONFounded: 1875 County Seat: Florence Land Area: 5,374 square miles Population: 462,789 Arizona's third-most populous county
Pinal County contains parts of four Native-American communities: Tohono O'odham Nation, Gila River Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Ak-Chin Indian Community
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GREAT HORNED OWLET
More than 400 species of birds use these riparian areas throughout the year.
HOUSE FINCH
WHAT IS THE PINAL COUNTY BIRDING TRAIL?
T
he Pinal County Birding Trail showcases the area's best sites to find birds and other wildlife. By using this interactive map, the trail allows visitors to set their own itinerary to explore the best the County has to offer. All sites along the trail are public with easy access and parking. Most sites also offer walking and hiking trails as well as other amenities such as restrooms or picnic areas. Whether BLACK THROATED SPARROW you're new to birding or an experienced birder, the Pinal County Birding Trail is the perfect tool to explore the region. The Pinal County Birding Trail was developed in collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Eastern Pinal County and the surrounding areas are full of green, open spaces, creating a home for a rich diversity WESTERN BLUEBIRD of birds and other wildlife. The Pinal County Birding Trail is focused on two of the region's major highlights: The Lower San Pedro River and the Gila River. These delicate desert rivers All sites that are included in the Pinal County offer rare surface water and mature stands Birding Trail are public and offer easy access of towering cottonwood and willow. As a result these areas are some of the most with parking. However, sometimes the biodiverse in all of the desert southwest. boundaries of these sites are not clearly More than 400 species of birds use marked and can border private property. these riparian areas throughout the year, Please respect our neighbors when visiting whether it's for breeding, migration corrithe sites along the Pinal County Birding Trail. dors, or wintering habitat. No matter what time of year, there's always great birding in DUSKY CAPPED FLYCATCHER Pinal County!
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Map #
Site Name
Elevation
Habitat
1
Shores Recreation Site
2000
Riparian, Sonoran Desert
2
Christmas Recreation Site
2105
Riparian, Sonoran Desert
3
Round Mountain Park
3770
Sonoran Desert, Urban Park
4
El Capitan Pass
4802
High Elevation Vista, Oak-Pine Forest
5
Kearny Lake City Park
1939
Wetlands, Sonoran Desert
6
Superior Visitor Center
2849
Sonoran Desert, Urban Park
7
Queen Creek Trailhead
2813
Riparian, Sonoran Desert
8
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
2474
Aboretumn, Gardens, Wetlands
9
Picketpost Trailhead
2400
Sonoran Desert
10
Pinal Peak Campground
7500
Ponderosa PineWhite Fur Forest
11
Oak Flat Campground
3980
Scrub Oak Woodland
12
7B Ranch
2350
Sonoran Desert, Mesquite Bosque, Riparian
13
Winkelman River Park
1930
Riparian, Sonoran Desert
14
Mammoth Ponds
2383
Water Treatment Ponds, Urban
15
Tiger Mine Trailhead
4000
Desert Grassland
16
Oracle State Park
4300
Desert Grassland, Oak-Mesquite Mixed Forest
17
American Flag Trailhead
4422
Desert Grassland, Oak-Mesquite Mixed Forest
18
Aravaipa Canyon
2630
Sonoran Desert, Riparian, Canyons
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Peppersauce Campground
4700
Oak Woodland
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Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area
2148
Sonoran Desert, Riparian, Mesquite Bosque
All sites that are included in the Pinal County Birding Trail are public and offer easy access with parking. However, sometimes the boundaries of these sites are not clearly marked and can border private property. Please respect our neighbors when visiting the sites along the Pinal County Birding Trail.
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P
inal County residents and visitors have access to a wide variety of park, trail, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Pinal County is home to four State Parks, four Wilderness Areas, three National Monuments, two National Forests, one National Recreation Trail, one National Scenic Trail and a world-renowned Arboretum. Pinal County also provides several neighborhood/community parks and manages approximately 60 miles of regional non-motorized multi-use trails. For more information The Open Space and Trails Department provides outdoor leisure, recreation, environmental, cultural visit the new Open and natural resource management services to Pinal Space and Trails website! County residents and visitors so they can have access parks-trails.pinal.gov/ to, understanding and enjoyment of the natural assets of Pinal County.
PINAL COUNTY OPEN SPACE & TRAILS
P = Park T = Trailhead
Pinal County Park & Trail Opportunities
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THE ARIZONA TRAIL Stretching 800+ miles from Mexico to the Utah border, the Arizona National Scenic Trail runs approximately 100 miles through Pinal County, from Oracle to the Florence-Kelvin Highway. About half is maintained by Pinal County with the remainder managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Pinal County offers three trailhead facilities, located at Tiger Mine Road, Freeman Road and the Florence-Kelvin Highway – milepost 29, all with overnight camping allowed.
CAP TRAIL SYSTEM In addition to a reliable supply of Colorado River water, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal system affords another potential benefit to the state of Arizona - a long distance, non-motorized, multi-use recreational trail corridor. In Pinal County, the CAP Trail will be almost 100 miles in length and will connect the communities of Red Rock, Eloy, Coolidge, Florence and Apache Junction. The Nona Road Trailhead located off Park Link Rd offers an opportunity for all non-motorized trail users to experience southern Pinal County. Great views of the Picacho Mountains, including Newman Peak, Picacho Peak and the Tortolita Mountains plus a variety of wildlife watching opportunities are present. Pinal County has maps and other trail information available online at: www.parks-trails.pinal.gov
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HOME Home is a place for new beginnings. Where milestones are reached and a lifetime of memories are made. Coldwell Banker® is guiding you home.
1919. N. Trekell Rd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.423.8250 | roxsells.com (C)2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
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Apache Junction
Just down the road is the Goldfield Ghost Town, a completely reconstructed 1890s gold mining town. Entrance Apache Junction to the town is free, with fees for a number of the attractions, which include a new zipline, a narrow gauge began as an old west mining camp. railroad, mine tours, the Historic Goldfield Museum, gold panning, and many more, along with free gunfight shows. Apache Junction offers a number of hotels and several local restaurants. Add in golfing, horseback riding, a stop in nearby Gold Canyon or at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, and boating, jet skiing, and fishing at Canyon Lake. Plan to stay awhile.
BUCKET LIST
A
PHOTO: PATRICK BULGER
pache Junction, the gateway to the Superstition Mountains, offers a myriad of attractions within easy reach of Phoenix. Made famous by the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine, Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountains offer history, outdoor activities, and adventure. This is the start of the Apache Trail, with its many attractions. The drive up the trail, alone, is worth the trip for its breath-taking scenery. Stops include the Lost Dutchman State Park, offering a wide array of hiking trails and Family Camping, Junior Ranger, and Junior Buddy programs, along with many special events. They offer cabins for camping. Don't miss the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, operated by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society. In addition to their comprehensive exhibit galley and many free lectures and events, they have the only two surviving sets from PHOTO: PATRICK BULGER the Apacheland Movie Ranch, the famous Movie Ranch Barn and the Elvis Memorial Chapel, built for the movie Charro (available for weddings and special events), along with the only 20-stamp mill ore crusher in Arizona and a G-scale model railroad exhibit.
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• Canyon Lake • Superstition Mountain Museum • Goldfield Ghost Town • Hiking and Mountain Biking • Lost Dutchman State Park • The Arizona Renaissance Festival
PHOTO: PATRICK BULGER
Apache Junction & Apache Trail Yearly Events Lost Dutchman Days - February
Parade, 3-Day Professional Rodeo, Rodeo Dance, Art Show, Carnival with 30+ Rides and Carnival Attractions, Food, Vendors
Lost Dutchman Marathon - February
Full & Half Marathon, 10K, 8K Trail Run, 2 Mile Fun Run
Arizona Renaissance Festival - February & March in Nearby Gold Canyon - 30 Acre Village, 14 Stages, Arts & Crafts, Jousting, Feasting
Festival of the Superstitions - November
Live Entertainment, Food, Vendors, Car Show, Beer Garden, Veterans Tribute, Family Fun, Kids Korner, Pony Rides
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PHOTO: PATRICK BULGER
Historic & Scenic Guided Desert Tours Gold Panning and more!
Our Trails Will Rock You! Book online or call 480-982-7661
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Casa Grande
CACTUS FLY-IN
C
asa Grande is the largest incorporated city in Pinal County and a major economic engine for the region. Founded in 1879 as a temporary terminus for the Southern Pacific Railroad, it was named Casa Grande in 1880 for the nearby Casa Grande ruins. It's centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson and growing rapidly. The Museum of Casa Grande offers a detailed look at the area's heritage with artifacts and exhibits ranging from pre-history to the modern day, with many special programs and events each year. Golf has become a major attraction, with three of the finest courses open to the public, including the Dave White Municipal and Mission Royale courses. The Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort was built in 1959 as the San Francisco Giants' Spring Training Facility by owner Horace Stoneham. Its Duke Bar was named for frequent guest John Wayne. The adjoining Grande Sports World has been recog-
nized since 2010 as the best soccer training facility in the country by US Soccer. With eight professional-grade soccer fields and a 58,000 square foot training facility, it is also the training home of the FC Barcelona residence academy. Casa Grande Trap & Skeet caters to shotgun enthusiasts from beginners to experts, with no membership required. Volunteers have built 17 miles of new hiking trails. The annual Casa Grande Cowboy Days and O'Odham Tash event is a truly memorable festival and carnival full of Native American arts/crafts, rodeos, and much more! And no one should ever leave town without visiting the one-of-a-kind Casa Grande Neon Sign Park. You're sure to leave smiling.
The original name was Terminus named for the end of the rail line.
CG MOUNTAIN
BUCKET LIST • Grande Sports World • The Museum of Casa Grande • Casa Grande Neon Sign Park
• Casa Grande Mountain Park • 3 Golf Course Open to the Public • 17 Miles of Hiking Trails CASA GRANDE NEON SIGN PARK PHOTO: SHANNON PRICE
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Casa Grande Yearly Events Casa Grande Historic Downtown Street Fair - January Art, Pottery, Jewelry, Clothing, Sculptures, Entertainment, 200 Exhibitors, Car & Bike Show, Beer Garden, Food, Kids Area
Casa Grande Cowboy Days and O'odham Tash - February Carnival, Parade, Native American Arts & Crafts Festival, Rodeo Featuring Ak-Chin, Gila River, Salt River Pima, & Tohono O'odham Nations
Cactus Antique Fly-In, Casa Grande Airport - March Arizona's Premier Antique Aviation Event, Military & Civil Aircraft, Flying Displays
Pinal County Fair - March
Classic County Fair with Livestock, Exhibits, Food, Carnival Games & Rides, Entertainment, and More
• Service • Sales • Parts
(520) 836-7921 www.norrisrv.com
973 W. Gila Bend Hwy. Casa Grande
Locally & Family Owned for Over 30 Years!
Serving Casa Grande Since 1970 • • • • •
General Contractor Kitchen & Bath Renovations Flooring & Paint Cabinets & Countertops Economical Solutions Gallo Construction 701 W. 2nd St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122
ROC# 170493
(520) 836-8899 www.galloconstruction.com
www.facebook.com/Gallo-Construction-117180445597406 Gallo Construction, Inc. is a licensed and bonded general contractor, specializing in Residential and Commercial Construction.
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Coolidge
Coolidge Yearly Events Coolidge Cotton Days - March
Parade, Arts & Crafts, Car Show, Gem Show, 5K Fun Run, Volleyball and Horseshoe Tournaments, Cotton Displays, Cotton Bale Rolling, Entertainment, Teen Dance, Food
Calvin Coolidge Days Celebration - October
Parade, Entertainment, Carnival, Food, Arts & Crafts, Horseshoe, Volleyball, & Corn Hole Tournaments, Pancake Breakfast, 5K and Bike Run
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
C
oolidge is the home of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This was the first prehistoric cultural site to be protected by the United States Government when President Benjamin Harrison signed the Executive Order proclamation on June 22, 1892. And what a treasure it is. The four story building was built by the Hohokam Indians who had settled along the Gila and Salt Rivers by about 300 and begun irrigating the area. Their Classic Period began in the 1100s when they began developing large communities like this one. The Casa Grande ("Big House") was completed in about 1350 and abandoned in about • Casa Grande National Monument 1450. The first modern • Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum report of the ruins came • Artisan Village of Coolidge from Missionary Father • Copper State Heritage Museum Eusebio Kino in November, 1694. He's the one who • Glass Studio called it Casa Grande. A steel roof structure was
BUCKET LIST
COOLIDGE COTTON DAYS
placed over it in 1932 to help protect it from the elements. This is an absolute must-see in Arizona. The town of Coolidge came later. It was founded in 1925 during the planning for the construction of the Coolidge Dam, which was completed in 1930, and named for President Calvin Coolidge. The new source of water made this a very productive agricultural area. The city incorporated in 1945 and is rapidly becoming a dynamic manufacturing center, as well. Home to Central Arizona College, it has also become a creative center. Plan to take some time to visit the Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum. The displays are truly fascinating. And explore the Artisan Village of Coolidge, the Copper State Heritage Museum, the Glass Studio, and the Artisan Village Art Gallery. You'll be very glad you did.
COOLIDGE COTTON DAYS
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ROD GIPSON
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Automotive & RV
City of Coolidge
Norris RV 973 W. Gila Bend Hwy. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.836.7921 www.norrisrv.com
Construction Gallo Construction 701 W. Second St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.836.8899 www.galloconstruction.com
Education Central Arizona College 8470 N Overfied Road Coolidge, AZ 85128 800.237.9814 ext. 5111 CAC serves and educates the diverse communities of Pinal County.
130 West Central Avenue Coolidge, AZ 85128 520.723.5361 www.coolidgeaz.com
Real Estate Elite Real Estate Pros 502 E. Cottonwood Lane, Ste. 11 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.836.6325 www.eliterealestatepros.com
HISTORICAL MUSEUM | GEM & MINERALS | HISTORIC WW2 AIRPORT
Casa Grande Ruins Located Between Phoenix & Tucson Off I-10 National Monument - FREE Admission COOLIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 520-723-3009 | COOLIDGECHAMBER.ORG
True Learning
Coldwell Banker ROX Realty 1919 N. Trekell Rd Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.423.8250 www.roxsells.com
Services Empire Cat - Agriculture 1.800.EMPIRE.1 www.empireag.com
Sports Titan Power Rentals 760 E. American Ave. Oracle, AZ 85623 855.RENT.4X4 www.titanpowerrentals.com
Proud to serve as Pinal County’s only community college. CentralAZ.edu 29
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Eloy
PICACHO PEAK
HIKING PICACHO PEAK
N
BUCKET LIST
• Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum ext along the Golden Corridor • Sunland Visitor Center is Eloy, strategi• Picacho Peak State Park cally located just • SkyDive Arizona south of the Junction of I-8 • Bent Prop Saloon & Cookery and I-10. Long recognized • Robson Ranch Resort Community as an important cotton growing center, Eloy is now experiencing dramatic industrial growth thanks to, as they say, location, location, location. That's true throughout Pinal County and it's certainly true here. The city was founded in 1902, but how it got its name was a mystery until recently. One favorite story was that a railroad engineer stepped off his train onto a rattlesnake and hollered out "Eloi, Eloi, lama
Fun Fact: Eloy is named for the East Line of Yuma Railroad.
sabachtini" (My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?), the last words of Christ on the cross, and the name stuck! The truth is much more prosaic. The Southern Pacific train from Yuma arrived in 1902 and construction halted for awhile, causing the place to be called the East Line of Yuma, or Eloy. Your first stop should be the Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum in the Old Toltec Elementary School, operated in conjunction with the Sunland Visitor Center. Learn about history and gather current information at one stop. The Hohokam history exhibit is something special. It's a short distance to the Picacho Peak State Park, site of the furthest west battle of the Civil War. Visit the Robson Ranch Resort Community and Golf Course. They also offer meeting rooms, as does the Desert Rose Bahá'í Center. Eloy has become a world-recognized sky diving center thanks to SkyDive Arizona, the world's largest parachuting resort. They have hosted many National and World Championships and the Bent Prop Saloon & Cookery at the airport has become quite the gathering spot.
Eloy Yearly Events Fiestas Patrias - September
Parade, Entertainment, Music, Folklorico Dancing, Car/Bike Shows, Dance Contest, Art, Kid's Rides & Games, Vendor & Food Booths
SKYDIVE ARIZONA
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ELOY ARIZONA
The intersection of Value
EloyAZ.gov
Location and Opportunity
BLYTHE, CA | IMPERIAL, CA | BUCKEYE, AZ | CASA GRANDE, AZ THATCHER, AZ | SHOW LOW, AZ | YUMA, AZ
Tandem Skydiving
1-800-EMPIRE-1 | empireag.com
www.adventuresinskydiving.com (520) 466-3753
Indoor Skydiving www.skyventureaz.com (520) 466-4640
Located in the Heart of the Golden Corridor “WHERE ARIZONA FUN BEGINS”
Your guide to Arizona
“Explore Arizona” Self-guided Day Trips, Hiking, Birding, Off-Roading
SUNLAND VISITOR CENTER
Arizona Office of Tourism designated Visitor Information Center I-10, Exit #203, (Toltec Road) | 3725 N. Camelot St. | Eloy, AZ 85131
520-466-3007
HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-1pm Sun: as posted
Skydive Arizona
Website: sunlandvisitorcenter.org | E-mail: sunlandvisitorcenter@azci.net 33
4900 N Taylor St Eloy, AZ 85131 2020 Greater Prescott Area Visitors Guide 2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide 26 34
Florence
F
BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
BUCKET LIST MICHAEL JOSEPH BACA
lorence is a living history museum. The 6th oldest non-Native American community in Arizona was founded in 1866. By digging out and using the prehistoric irrigation canals from the nearby Gila River, the newcomers created a successful farming community. The Arizona Territory created Pinal County in 1875, naming Florence its County Seat. Silver was discovered nearby that year and the community boomed. It remains the County Seat and evidence of its long history is everywhere to be seen, along with many modern amenities. The McFarland State Historic Park is home to the Florence Visitor Information Center. It's housed in the original Pinal County Courthouse. Built in 1878, it's the oldest courthouse still standing in Arizona, as well as the state's largest surviving pre-statehood adobe structure. For a deeper look into history, the Pinal County Historical Museum offers many authentic artifacts featuring antique farm equipment,
• McFarland State Historic Park • Pinal County Historical Museum • St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
• Historic Downtown Florence • The Windmill Winery • Poston Butte Golf Course
American Indian exhibits, bullet and barbed wire collections, ranch and cowboy displays, prison collections, furniture, wagons, a trading post display, and the Tom Mix collection. The downtown area is a National Historic District with over 25 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2nd Courthouse was built in 1891 and, recently restored, is still in use today. Florence is also home to Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery which welcomes visitors. The Poston Butte Golf Course was named for Charles Poston, regarded as the "Father of Arizona" for his role in convincing Abraham Lincoln to create the Arizona Territory in 1863. His pyramid tomb is located atop Poston Butte. The Windmill Winery doubles as a winery and a wedding and special event venue.
The Windmill Winery
MICHAEL JOSEPH BACA
WINDMILL WINERY
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Florence Yearly Events Florence Annual Historic Home Tour - February
Highlighting History & Architecture Dating to Territorial Days. 20+ Homes & Buildings; Mostly Walkable, 3 Trolleys Available
Country Thunder Arizona - April
One of 6 North American Country Thunder Concerts - 4 Days Largest Country Music Festival in Arizona - 30,000 Fans/Day, Camp, RV; 2018 Academy of Country Music Festival of the Year
Florence Jr. Parada and Rodeo – November
The Florence Jr. Parada and Rodeo is the oldest Junior Rodeo in the United States and is the home of many champion cowboys and cowgirls. Events include team roping, breakaway roping, chute dogging, goat tying, barrel racing, sheep riding, and bull riding.
HISTORICAL FLORENCE
Christmas on Main – December
Come experience small-town holiday cheer at this annual event which brings the holiday spirit to Historic Downtown. Visit decorated stores, take pictures with Santa, enjoy dinner from the food vendors, and then kick back for the entertainment and a Light Parade.
St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
ATV Shops
BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
Museums
Hiking
We've got a lot on tap. 37
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Marana
Saguaro national park Spiral Petroglyph Solstice 19
WHITE STALLION RANCH
M
arana anchors the southern end of the Golden Corridor and makes an excellent base camp for regional exploring. With a myriad of hotels and restaurants, it's easy to stay here and take the back roads to Saguaro National Park West, Old Tucson, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. With its favorable location on the Santa Cruz River, the area was long home to Native Americans, as evidenced by the recently discovered Las Capas archeological site, the oldest known agricultural irrigation system in the United States. Marana became a
BUCKET LIST • Marana Gastronomy Tours • The Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain • White Stallion Ranch
• Wild Burro Canyon Petroglyphs • Tortolita Mountain Park • Li'l Abner's Steakhouse
CATALINA BREWING CO. TASTING
successful farming and cattle ranching community that has grown to become a business and commerce hub, with easy access to Tucson and the vistas of Pinal County on its doorstep. Many hiking and biking trails offer stunning views and all levels of challenge. Look for the petroglyphs on the Wild Burro Canyon Trail, visit the TopGolf Marana complex, or go shopping at the Tucson Premium Outlet Mall at Marana Center. The White Stallion Ranch has been featured in over 100 classic western movies. The private guest ranch offers tours (for guests only) and has been rated the #1 Family Resort by USA Today's Readers Choice Awards. The nearby Li'l Abner's Steakhouse has been feeding cowboys and movie cowboys since 1947. The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort offers true 5-star luxury with a 27 hole golf course, 26 miles of hiking trails, its huge pool complex, and a luxurious spa. And Marana has now become a center for the farmto-table and farm-to bottle movements. Fodor's Travel recently featured two Marana Gastronomy Tours' offerings, one culminating at the Ritz-Carlton, the other at the Catalina Brewing Company.
POOL AT THE RITZ CARLTON
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Marana Yearly Events Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival at Post Farms October
50 Acres of Fun - 2 Corn Mazes, Pick a Pumpkin, Games, Food, Petting Zoo with Ponies, Miniature Donkeys, Goats, and More
WHITE STALLION RANCH
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK WEST
MARANA GASTRONOMY TOURS
The Darndest Place You Will Ever Visit! Hand Feed Ostrich, Goats, Lorikeets, Deer, Stingrays, & More!
Fun for all ages! Located at Picacho Peak at I-10 & Exit #219 Visit website for current hours www.roostercogburn.com
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City of Maricopa
BUCKET LIST
BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
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Park, Aquatic Center, and Multigenerational Center, a 52,000-square-foot recreation center designed for all ages, interests, and skill levels. In addition to open spaces, it offers ballfields, courts, ramadas, a competition-level disc golf course, and a skate park. Maricopa is the first municipality in Arizona to offer the award-winning amenities of an esports arena and Fitness Court. The park hosts more than 80 athletic tournaments yearly in baseball, basketball, disc golf, lacrosse, rugby, football, and esports.
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aricopa is a vibrant city in the Gila River Valley south of Phoenix. When Father Eusebio Francisco Kino visited in 1694, he reported finding a Native American farming community. In the 1800s, it became an oasis in the desert, growing up around its wells and watering holes. The Gila and Santa Cruz Rivers provided an abundance of water to the area historically and the peaceful and friendly Native Pima and Maricopa farmers sold supplies to the many migrants traveling through. It was a key relay station along the San Antonio-San Diego Mail line and the Butterfield Overland Mail route, playing an important role in the region because of its reliable water and food resources. An east-west railroad provided optimism, but when a promised connecting line to Phoenix failed to be built, it seemed the area's time had passed. Until recently, Maricopa has become one of Arizona's most progressive and fastest growing In 2003, Maricopa cities. The population grew from incorporated and barely 1,000 in 2000 to over became the 82nd 50,000 today, offering many city in the state of unique activities for its residents Arizona. and visitors in a modern, clean, inviting setting. Sitting in the heart of the city is the 98 acre Copper Sky Recreational Complex, including the Copper Sky Regional
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• Copper Sky Regional Park • APEX Motor Club • Duke Golf Club at Rancho El Dorado • Arizona Soaring • Skydive Phoenix • Copper Sky Multigenerational Center
VICTOR MORENO - AQUATICS CENTER AT COPPER SKY
Maricopa Yearly Events Copa Glow Night Market - January
Drawing thousands, Copa Glow Night Market hosts over 10 hot air balloons lighting up the night, tethered balloon rides, delicious food trucks, entertainment and local artisans and vendors.
Maricopa Salsa Festival - March
A day-long event featuring live music, salsa tasting and competition, carnival games for children young and old with over 100 vendors.
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Visit Maricopa: Arizona’s Adventure Corridor
There is something for everyone Golf Laser Tag Casino Skydiving Auto Racing Glider-plane Soaring And more!
Come to play and return to stay! Maricopa-az.gov 45
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AK-Chin Indian Community
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omposed of two cultures, Tohono O'odham ("Desert People") and Pima (Akimal O'odham or "River People"), Ak-Chin is the only Native American Community located totally within Pinal County. It takes its name from the O'odham word "ak-chin," which means "mouth of the wash" or, literally, "the place where the wash loses itself in the sand." It became a very successful farming community based on the seasonal water flow from the now generally dry Gila and Santa Cruz Rivers. The Spanish and their successors called the people Pima Indians because they answered the newcomers questions with the native language phrase abbreviated as "pi mac" meaning "I don't know." Harrah's Ak-Chin is Arizona's first and only tribal casino with an international management partner and it offers worldwide benefits through its Caesars Rewards program. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, it recently completed a $180 million expansion. It offers 529 luxurious guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, a pool with swim-up bar, conference facilities, great entertainment and restaurant options, along with slot machines, video poker,
The World Class 320 acre Southern Dunes Golf Club
video Keno, live action poker and Black Jack, and the only Bingo Hall in the entire Caesar's organization. Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center offers 12 movie auditoriums, from 300 patron theaters, to the 21+ Star Class theaters with in-theater dining and drinks, to private theater suites accommodating 6 - 20 people. Other options include an arcade center, laser tag area, Gamers Cave, bowling alley, pool tables, Golden Tee Golf, soft tip darts, foosball, and the 14-screen Luxe Lounge sports bar, with multiple dining options, and the Elements Events Center for family parties and corporate events.
AK-CHIN CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER PHOTO: SHANNON PRICE
BUCKET LIST • Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino • Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum • Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club • Masik Tas "Birthday" Celebration • Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment • Him-Dak Celebration Center 47
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Ak-Chin Yearly Events Him-Dak Eco-Museum Celebration - April
Celebrating the Museum's Role in Preserving Ak-Chin History. Fun Walk & Run, Native Artists, Artisans & Dance Performers, Exhibits, Face Painting, Bounce House, Art & Food Vendors
Masik Tas Ak-Chin Community "Birthday" Celebration December
Evening Light Parade, Carnival, Fun Zone, Petting Zoo, Vaila Dance, Rodeo, Live Entertainment, Cultural Entertainment, Golf Tournament, Food & Arts & Crafts Vendors, Miss/Jr. Miss Ak-Chin Pageants
AK-CHIN CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTEPHOTO: SHANNON PRICE BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
SOUTHERN DUNES GOLF COURSE PHOTO: ALLAN HENRY
ak-chincircle.com 520.568.3456
AK-CHIN CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER PHOTO: SHANNON PRICE
16000 N Maricopa Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85139
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Oracle
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n adventuresome would-be gold-miner was sailing from Boston around South America to California on a ship named Oracle when they sailed up the Gulf of California by mistake. He decided he'd had enough sailing and headed overland, making it as far as Tucson, where he joined other miners, filing claims on the north side of the Catalina Mountains. When they applied for a post office, they were calling their town American Flag. The Post Office Department said the name was too long for their small town, so they re-named it Oracle. Today Oracle marks the southern end of the Copper Corridor and offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors, including many fine restaurants and guest ranches. Oracle State Park is a 4,000 acre haven for wildlife providing over 15 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails for everything from picnics to serious pack-trips and offering many educational programs. Check out the Arizona Birding Trail BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY and tour the Historic Kannally Ranch House. Arizona Zipline Adventures offers Southern Arizona's first and longest Eco-Zipline tour. Peppersauce Canyon, on the back road to Mount Lemmon, offers picnic and campground sites, off-road trails, hiking, and cave exploring. Biosphere 2 is now a University of Arizona Earth-Science
BUCKET LIST • Oracle State Park • Biosphere 2 • Arizona Zip Line Adventures
research facility. The enclosed ecological system is the largest closed system ever built. Time-Life Books called it "one of the 50 must-see wonders of the world." The Oracle Historical Society is headquartered in the Acadia Ranch Museum, with mining and ranching exhibits, and has hosted a Smithsonian travelling show. They also now own the American Flag Ranch, which includes the oldest existing original territorial post office in Arizona, dating to 1881.
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"One of the 50 must-see wonders of the world." Time-Life Books 51
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• Oracle Historical Society • Guest Ranches • Peppersauce Canyon w/Cave Tours
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Oracle Yearly Events Oracle Artist Studio Tour - April
Meet Artists, See Original Art at Historic Ranches, Studios, Workshops and Galleries; Paintings in Oil, Watercolor, Acrylics, and Encaustic,Jewelry, Ceramics, Wall Hangings, Photography, Woodwork, Iron Sculpture, Metal, Glass, Collage, Artwork with Gourds, Musical Instruments, and More
Mount Lemmon Gravel Grinder - October
A Family-Friendly Bicycle Event Based at the 3C Ranch, Riding from 4,500 Ft. in Elevation to 8,000 Ft. at Summerhaven atop Mt. Lemmon with Onsite Camping, Live Music, Games, Communal Campfire, & More
"Find the Adventure You Seek!" ...in Oracle, AZ
Oracle, the community nestled in the high desert foothills of the Catalina Mountains... • Historic Ranches/B&Bs • Fantastic Eateries • Unique Shopping • Community of Artists • AirBnB Opportunities • Unique Night Entertainment with Local Bands • Rural Community Experience • Rural Gardening & Farmers Market • High Adventure Outdoor Activities Including: zip-lining, hiking,
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horseback riding, running, biking and bird watching
Tele: 520-896-3300 Visitor Center 1470 W American Ave | PO Box 5423 | Oracle, AZ 85623 53
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Queen Creek
Queen Creek is located in both Pinal County and neighboring Maricopa County.
Schnepf Farms BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
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ith a deep-rooted history of farming and agriculture, Queen Creek offers small town charm with modern amenities, featuring a number of unique "agritainment" destination venues. Family-owned and operated, the Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona's only working olive farm. Over 7,000 olive trees are grown sustainably and olives are pressed to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. They offer hourly classes, daily tours, and an expansive retail store, along with a Tuscan-inspired eatery. The nearby Schnepf Farms is another family-owned working farm that offers tours, amusement rides, a U-Pick organic garden with BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY a wide array of fruits and vegetables, and a farm-
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fresh bakery, along with a full schedule of seasonal festivals, concerts, and special events. It's also available for weddings and special events. Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms is yet another family-owned operation. They're dedicated to providing stone-ground artisan always fresh, never bleached or enriched flours from ancient heritage grains, using sustainable methods from seed to table. They've been growing wheat here for over 100 years. They also offer tours, classes, celebrations, and special dinners. Queen Creek Town Center offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options with an array of unique eateries and traditional restaurants. Stroll down Ellsworth Road and relax at Picket Post Square in the heart of the community. Walk, bike or ride horses along the expansive trail system that runs along Queen Creek and Sonoqui Wash. The 48 acre Mansel Carter Oasis Park offers an inclusive playground, shipwreck-themed splash pad, five-acre community fishing lake, and sports courts and fields. The Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center features equestrian events, car show, and more.
BUCKET LIST • Queen Creek Olive Mill • Schnepf Farms • Hayden Flour Mill at Sossaman Farms
• Mansel Carter Oasis Park • Queen Creek Town Center
• Picket Post Square BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Queen Creek Yearly Events
SCHNEPF FARMS. WE GROW FUN HERE.
Roots & Boots Queen Creek - March
PRCA Rodeo, Carnival, Petting Zoo, Shopping & Dining Emporium Rodeo Dance, Trail Ride, Community Competition, Cowboy Church Old Time Western Shows, Stage Entertainment, Vendors & Booths
Hometown 4th, Celebrate at Schnepf Farms - July
An Old Fashioned Small Town 4th of July Celebration, National Flag Service, Live Music, Watermelon Eating Contests, Artisan Vendors, Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Garden, Lawn Games, Finishing with a 30-Minute Fireworks Show
24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 (480) 987-3100 | https://schnepffarms.com
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Small-town charm and modern anemities make Queen Creek a top destination for agritainment adventures, outdoor exploration and family fun! BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
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QueenCreek.org/VisitTheQC 2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
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San Tan Valley
BUCKET LIST MICHAEL JOSEPH BACA
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djoining Queen Creek is the unincorporated community of San Tan Valley. There's evidence of agriculture during the classic Hohokam era from 1100 to 1450 A.D. There was little activity in the modern era pre-millennium other than occasional prospecting (over 50 claims are still in place) and cattle grazing. A stagecoach trail ran through the area. It formally took the name San Tan Valley from the nearby San Tan Mountains in 2009. With over 80,000 people, it is now the newest and largest named community in Pinal County, spreading from the San Tan Mountains into the surrounding desert. A major area attraction for visitors and residents alike is the San Tan Mountain Regional Park. It was designed in 1986 to preserve open spaces and provide an escape from the fast-paced life of nearby Phoenix. The visitor center was added in
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2005. It provides over eight miles of easy to strenuous multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, ranging one to more than five miles. Look for petroglyphs and native Sonoran plant and animal life from javelinas and coyotes to Gila monsters. Numerous events are held at the park, including stargazing programs, with the park providing the telescopes. The golfer has multiple options in San Tan Valley. The Links at Queen Creek Golf Course is a par 70 championship course with multiple tee boxes catering to all playing levels. It features five lakes and two running streams and offers daily rates, rental clubs, and the Ironwood Grill with a terrace overlooking the course. The Golf Club at Johnson Ranch is a quality, value oriented daily fee club, with two very different nines. The Mountain nine offers elevated tees and stunning views while the Valley • San Tan Mountain Regional Park nine offers generous fairways • Stargazing at the Park and longer holes. The Terrace • The Golf Club at Johnson Ranch Restaurant is available for weddings, special events, and • Encanterra Country Club corporate outings. The Encan• The Links at Queen Creek Golf Course terra Country Club features a par 72 Tom Lehman-designed core style course with panoramic views of the Superstition and San Tan Mountains. The layout makes it easier to walk than many courses.
2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
San Tan Mountain Regional Park has 20 Miles of Hiking, Biking & Horseback Riding Trails.
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There’s so much more in
@ExplorePinalCounty | www.pinal.gov | 61
@ExplorePinalCounty |
@ExplorePinal
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Superior
PETE CASILLAS
BUCKET LIST
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uperior sits at the crossroads of Arizona's history. In the early 1870s, legend has it that 75 Apache Indians (probably actually Yavapai Indians, who were then called Mohave-Apaches) leaped off of Picket Post Butte rather than surrender to the US cavalry. The cliff has been known as Apache Leap ever since and the small, shiny pieces of obsidian found in the area are called Apache Tears. The town, at the western edge of the Pinal Mountains, was once called the "Mayberry of the Southwest" by Sunset Magazine because of the friendliness and "niceness" of its people. It has an astonishing mining history as reflected in its position as a gateway to the Copper Corridor, and there's much for the visitor to see and do. It's an ideal place to create your own adventure The World's with its multitude of hiking trails and outdoor activities. Smallest Museum
measures only 134 square feet.
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum • Bob Jones Museum • The Caboose Park & Superior History Trail
2020–2021 Pinal County Visitors Guide
• The Magma Hotel Complex • The Pinal Cemetery • Legends of Superior Trails
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum, founded in 1924 by Magma Copper's first president, is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona, with over 6,000 plant species, and a sanctuary for over 150 species of birds and wildlife, in a 323 acre setting with multiple trails. It's on Highway 60, along Queen Creek. The Bob Jones Museum houses the Superior Historical Society in the home of Arizona's sixth governor. The Historic Magma Hotel, a frequent movie location built in 1912 and fully restored to boutique elegance in 2019, offers rooms and tours. A must see in Superior is the Highway 60 Caboose Park and Superior History Trail, featuring the Ore Cart Trail exhibit, play areas, a dog park, mining equipment displays, and the Red Caboose Visitor Center.
Superior is 63 miles east of Phoenix. The town, in a mountainous setting at an elevation of 2,882 feet, is surrounded by peaks such as Iron Mountain at 6,056 feet.
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BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM PHOTO: BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
MICHAEL JOSEPH BACA
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Superior Yearly Events Annual Prickly Pear Festival - August
Celebrating the Sonoran Desert with a Prickly Pear Foraging Hike, a Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by the Superior Fire Department, Educational Speakers, Vendors, Live Music, Food, Art, and the Annual Prickly Pear Cook-Off
Superior Burro Run - October
A Family-Friendly Event Showcasing the Historic, Creative, Outdoor-Oriented Fun Loving Place that is Superior, Arizona! BurroCross is a Team Event - a Runner and a Burro. There are Three Course Lengths. The Superior Chamber of Commerce Hosts Vendors, a Beer Garden, Music, and Fun Activities for all Ages
Historic Main St & US 60 Shopping & Dining, Hiking, Biking & Tours
ANNUAL TOWN WIDE EVENTS • Home & Building Tour & Antique Show • Apache Leap Mining Festival ND • Mike McKee Memorial Car Show FRID DowntowAYS: • Magma Royale n, Mus • St Francis Fiesta & Car Show Shops Oicp, Food, en Late • Superior Burro Run
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CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE AND OTHER EVENTS
Superior Chamber of Commerce | 165 W Main St. | 520-689-0200 superiorarizonachamber.org Superior Arizona Chamber
The Largest Desert Botanical Arboretum in America
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(520) 689-2723 • www.btarboretum.org
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PHOTOGRAPH: JEFF KIDA
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Copper Corridor 67
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way from Superior in the north to Oracle in the south, with more to come. Here's a brief look at some of those mining successes. Superior, the northern gateway to the corridor, is about 60 miles east of Sky Harbor Airport, on Highway 60. Their history began in 1875 with the Silver King Mine, Arizona's richest ever silver mine. The Silver Queen Mine followed in 1881. Among those attracted to the new boomtown were Wyatt Earp, his common-law wife Mattie, and Doc Holiday. When Wyatt and Mattie broke up after the 1882 gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, she returned and is buried in the Pinal Cemetery. The Silver Queen became a major copper mine when the silver played out and as a result, Picket Post Creek became known as Queen Creek, flowing down hill to lend its name to Queen Valley and the town of Queen Creek. The town was named Superior in 1902 after the mine's owners. Magma Copper took over the mine in 1910 and it became a huge producer. When it ceased production in 1996, the mining operation had processed over 27 million tons of ore, producing approximately 1.3 million tons of copper, over 36,000 tons of zinc, 686,000 ounces of gold, and over 34 million ounces of silver. Further exploration has now found what is purported
The Pinal County portion of Arizona's Copper Corridor runs from Superior in the north to Oracle Junction in the south, encompassing some of the most interesting geography in the state, along with a fascinating slice of the state's history and scenery. Developed by the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition and named for the enormous wealth that has been produced by the mining activity throughout the region, it provides a look at the past, the present, and the future of the Copper State. The mining history and physical linkage to the rest of the state makes it a truly special part of Pinal County. Arizona is the number one producer of copper in the country and, as many different precious metals tend to be found in the same strata, the results here have been astounding. The corridor includes a history of successful mines all the
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to be the largest copper deposit in North America, some 7,000 feet below the surface. It's estimated to include over 1.6 billion tons of ore, and is projected to be a $64 billion project over the next 60 years, providing over 25% of the country's copper needs for decades. Using modern techniques and a projected $6 billion investment by Resolution Copper (the largest investment in Arizona history), work is under way to recover it. The Ray Mine, a little over 10 miles to the south, has been in production for 140 years. Primarily known as a copper mine, the deposit also includes gold, silver, molybdenum, zinc, and lead. The open pit mine continues to process some 250,000 tons of ore per day, with proven and probable reserves of over 800 million tons. It is projected to produce until at least 2044 and has been directly responsible for the development of the towns of Kearny and Hayden. From Winkelman, at the confluence of the San Pedro and Gila Rivers, to Oracle, mining is joined by cattle ranching and offers a stunning selection of riparian and wilderness area access points along the San Pedro River Valley for outdoor exploration and activities. Mammoth is another town with a very successful mining history - with a
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potential for even more in the future. It became a major source of molybdenum during World War I, adding to its gold mining heritage. The nearby ghost town of Copper Creek is known to contain a major copper deposit, including over 500 mineralized breccia pipes of concentrated ore, raising new interest in developing the claims. In the 1980s, the San Manuel Mine was rated the largest underground copper mine in the world in terms of production capacity, size of ore body, and infrastructure, later adding an open pit operation, producing almost 800 tons of ore. They had the largest smelter of its type in the world and developed geologic modeling techniques that are still in use by geologists worldwide to locate and estimate the size of ore bodies.
Arizona is the number one producer of copper in the country.
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PINAL COUNTY'S COPPER CORRIDOR FROM SUPERIOR TO ORACLE, ARIZONA Asarco Ray Mine Overlook
Heading south from Superior on Highway 177 provides a good up and down look at the hilly basin and range eastern Pinal County countryside. After about 12 miles, look for the signs for the Ray Mine Viewpoint. It's definitely worth a stop for its stunning views of a working open-pit copper mine that is over six miles long, two miles wide, and hundreds of feet deep, that produces 250,000 tons of ore daily. Not something you get to experience every day.
Kearny, Arizona
About 10 miles south of the overlook, on the north bank of the Gila River, is the town of Kearny. Named for General Stephen Watts Kearny, the commander of the Army of the West, who camped here on November 7, 1846, on his march from Santa Fe to San Diego during the Mexican-American War. Known as the "Father of American Cavalry," because of the success of his campaign he then also became known as the "Conqueror of New Mexico and California" (Arizona was still part of the New Mexico Territory at the time). He was guided on this march by Kit Carson. The town was founded in 1958 when the Ray open pit mine expanded and consumed the company towns of Ray, Sonora, and Barcelona. The new town was developed as a planned residential community for those displaced by the expansion but not company town by John W. Gallbreath of Columbus Ohio who, among other things, owned the Pittsburgh Pirated and the 1955 Kentucky Derby winner, Swaps. Play a quick round at the 9-hole regulation-length Kearny Golf Course or plan to do some hiking in the area. Stop in at the General Kearny Inn. Visitor information is available at the Magistrate Court Building.
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Hayden, Arizona
A little less than 10 miles further down the road is the town of Hayden, Asarco's business headquarters and home to Asarco's Hayden Smelter. It is currently one of only three operating copper smelters in the United States. It boasts the tallest free-standing structure in Arizona, the 1,001 foot tall smelter chimney.
Winkelman, Arizona
Next up is the neighboring small community of Winkelman, Arizona, where Highway 177 meets Highway 77, on the border with Gila County. Winkelman lays claim to being Arizona's oldest , and now smallest, incorporated town. This is also where the San Pedro River joins the Gila River after its northward flow from Mexico. The San Pedro is the last major undammed river in Southern Arizona. This is a good place to take a break and enjoy the riparian area and the marvelous views of some of some of the most spectacular scenery in Arizona. Located along the Gila River, the Winkelman Flats Public Park offers RV camping areas with all hookups, a campground, swimming, tubing, canoeing, and fishing, with a playground for children, concessions, rest rooms, and showers. Look for the Winkelman Ore Cart. To continue south along the Copper Corridor, you will now go south on Highway 77 and, in short order, you'll cross the Gila River on the Winkelman Historic Luten Bridge, built in 1916 and listed Winkelman lays on the National Register of Historic claim to being Places. While it hasn't always been apparent, you've been paralleling Arizona's oldest , the Gila River since you approached and now smallest, incorporated town. Kearny from the north.
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Apache Sky Casino
About 11 miles south of Winkelman, just past the small community of Dudleyville, you'll see the signs for the Apache Sky casino just past mile marker 127, on a 170 acre site at the southern end of the San Carlos Apache Nation. It's open 24 hours a day with its 15,000 square feet of casino space featuring over 350 slot machines, video poker, live-dealer blackjack, poker, table games, and sports book.
The Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce serves and provides information for the communities of Kearny, Hayden, Winkelman, and all of the neighboring areas in the region. BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
Mammoth, Arizona
Arivaipa Canyon
A little further south is the road to the Arivaipa Canyon Wilderness Area, one of the true treasures of the southwest. The 19,410 acre wilderness area is operated by the Federal Bureau of Land Management. It's accessible by foot only and requires a permit. The Nature Conservancy protects the adjacent 7,000 acres. Authorization is required for access there, as well. What a treasure trove this is. Water runs year round and there are 84 documented species of mammals, more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, over 100 breeding bird species, and, seasonally, more than 250 species of migratory birds. Special indeed, and famous all over the world.
Arivaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is a 19,410 acre wilderness area is operated by the Federal Bureau of Land Management.
JULIE FOSKETT
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Just a few miles further south is the town of Mammoth, founded in 1872 to serve the nearby Mammoth Mine, named for the "mammoth" amount of gold found there. It also served as a bedroom community for the nearby copper mining activity in San Manuel. Shortly after the outbreak of World War I, molybdenum was discovered and a second wave of mining produced 10,450 ounces of gold and 447,876 pounds of molybdenum from 1916 to 1919. Its location on the west bank of the San Pedro River at the foot of the Galiuro Mountains provides a beautiful setting for camping, backpacking, hiking, off-roading, and exploring old mining sites. This is another birding paradise. The nearby ghost town of Copper Creek is a popular attraction for visitors, as was the ghost town of Tiger which has now completely disappeared. The first of the displays for the Ore Cart Trail was installed here to commemorate the lives of the men who died in the mines.
San Manuel, Arizona
Another 12 miles in the south is the community of San Manuel, the site of a former enormously productive copper mine. The original discovery was made in 1879 by miners working the nearby Mammoth Mine but serious exploration didn't begin until copper was added to the U.S. list of strategic metals during World War II. Development began in 1952 and production included copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver. The smelter output was shipped 30 miles by rail spur to the Hayden Southern Pacific Interchange. By the 1980s, this was the largest underground copper mine in the world. Open pit mining was added in 1985 and when the mine closed in 2003, this became the largest open pit reclamation site in Arizona, with that work completed in 2006. The town was built in 1953 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company overlooking the San Pedro River Valley and the Galiuro Mountains. This was Del Webb's first master planned community. Leisure activities include hunting, backpacking, off road travel, dirt biking and ATVs. It's a convenient gateway to the Arizona Trail, with an airport only 6.8 miles from the local trailhead.
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THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR
P
inal County's Golden Corridor includes the communities along the primary routes between Phoenix and Tucson, the zone of largest growth and diversification in the county. Its principal cities include Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Marana, Maricopa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, along with the entirety of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and a large portion of the Gila River Indian Community, including Sacaton, the community's capital. It generally follows the Santa Cruz River Valley The Golden Corridor's many from Tucson in the south to its confluence with the attractions make for an Gila River in the north and has a long history of agriinteresting lifestyle and active cultural activity, dating to the earliest Native Amerlevel of engagement for ican farmers in the region. It has become an area of resident and visitor alike. phenomenal growth because it provides easy access to the benefits and assets of the two largest metropolitan areas in the state without the cost, congestion, limits, and challenges posed by living in the big cities. The more relaxed lifestyle, coupled with the easy access, is fueling the area's growth. The Golden Corridor's many attractions make for an interesting lifestyle and active level of engagement for resident and visitor alike. As the new, modern manufacturing projects move ahead, central Pinal County is establishing the Arizona Innovation and Technology Corridor between the two largest universities in the state and, with a community college dedicated to helping to build a local workforce, it's leading to a kind of "reverse commute" for skilled and technical workers from Phoenix and Tucson. The Golden Corridor is thought by some to be limited to the communities along I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, like Casa Grande, Eloy, and Marana. But it also includes the Phoenix suburban areas of San Tan Valley, the largest unincorporated community in the county, and Queen Creek, as well as the communities easily accessed from I-10, like Coolidge, and Sacaton along Highway 87 east of I-10, and Maricopa and Ak-Chin along Highway 347 west of I-10, as well as the County Seat, Florence, east of Coolidge at the junction of Highway 87 and Highway 79. The area is accessed, of course, by I-10, which many think of as "the highway between Phoenix and Tucson," but it is so much more. I-10 is America's southernmost, and therefore "Warm Weather," cross-country highway, stretching just under 2,500 miles from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, providing direct easy access to and from Pinal County for such cities as San Antonio and Houston, Texas, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, and, of course, Los Angeles, California. When you add the accessibility to San Diego, California, by way of Yuma, Arizona, provided by I-8, and the access to and from Mexico provided by I-19 via Nogales, it becomes clear why the crossroads location of Pinal County has become such a desirable location BEA LUECK
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BRIAN LOCKETT
There's the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, built by the Hohokam Indians almost 700 years ago. for exploration and for long-term business development. That, in turn, has led to the planned development of I-11, which will ultimately provide access all the way from Mexico to Canada through Pinal County. In addition, with the extensive railroad network serving the county, it's easy to see why such largescale projects as Lucid Motors, the new, innovative high-tech electric car company, chose Casa Grande for its manufacturing operation. Similarly, Nikola Motors (named for famed inventor Nikola Tesla) has chosen Coolidge to build a plant to manufacture their hybrid trucks with power units inspired by electric locomotive engines, powered by hydrogen fuel cells. New technologies indeed! Both of these companies plan to start production in 2020 and are just two examples of the literally billions of dollars in investment exemplifying the new thinking in Pinal County. And there's plenty to see and do. There's the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, built by the Hohokam Indians almost 700 years ago. The Ira Hayes Memorial in nearby Sacaton commemorates the Pima Pinal County is Indian who was one of the six larger in size than marines pictured raising the flag on Iwo Jima during the Second World several US States War. There's skydiving and hang in square miles, gliding in Maricopa and the world's 5,347 sq. mi. largest skydiving drop zone, home to numerous national and international competitions, in Eloy. There is an amazing network of hiking and biking trails throughout the region and a myriad of high quality golf courses from which to choose. Picacho Peak State Park between Marana and Eloy and McFarland State
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There is an amazing network of hiking and biking trails throughout the region and a myriad of high quality golf courses from which to choose.
Park in Florence are always worth a visit, as is the Florence Historic District with over 120 buildings on the National Register. Add in hunting, fishing, a wide selection of one-of-a-kind specialty shops, great restaurants, fascinating museums, a multitude of lodging options up to and including world-class resorts and spas, and it's easy to see why so many people are making Pinal County's Golden Corridor their Arizona destination of choice. BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
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S
outh of Phoenix, along Arizona Highway 347, which provides a connector route from I-10 at the north to I-8 at the south, are a pair of vibrant communities which have collaborated to form a dynamic and unique part of the Golden Corridor of Pinal County. The City of Maricopa and the Ak-Chin Indian Community have worked together to become a major destination because of the many activities and attractions they offer. Just over 30 miles south of Sky Harbor Airport, they provide a special oasis within easy reach of the 6th largest metropolitan area in the United States. The Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum encompasses the entire Ak-Chin Reservation and is the first of its kind in America. It was established to preserve, protect, promote, and teach all aspects of Ak-Chin's Golf Magazine named the Troon heritage. Golf-managed Ak-Chin Southern In a May, 2019, article, inMaricopa MagDunes Golf Club, a daily fee facility, azine called the region along State Route the 5th Best Course to Play in Arizona. 283, which crosses Highway 347 in Maricopa, the "Adventure Corridor" because of the many activities and amenities offered. At APEX Motor Club, car enthusiasts can test their racing prowess at the first-ever motor club in a major metropolitan area and the first in Arizona, with world-class racing circuits, country club level amenities, private garages, restaurant, bar, pro-shop, child care, men's and women's locker rooms and fitness center, and even a go-karting center. Golf Magazine named the Troon Golf-managed Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, a daily fee facility, the 5th Best Course to Play in Arizona. The championship-level course has hosted many major tournaments and events. Its impeccable course conditioning, unmatched playability, and superlative customer service ensures an unparalleled round of extraordinary golf. And the Duke Golf Club at Rancho El Dorado in Maricopa is another high quality, championship style, par 72, 18-hole, daily-fee club just minutes away. If you prefer a more heart-racing activity, take to the air with Arizona Soaring or Skydive Phoenix – two distinctive venues with professional, certified staff who will give you the lift you need to experience the exhilaration of taking to the skies.
THE MARICOPA & AK-CHIN INDIAN ADVENTURE CORRIDOR
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Golf Apache Creek Golf Club 3401 S Ironwood Dr Apache Junction 480.982.2677
Arizona City Club Inc 13939 S Cleator Rd Arizona City 520.466.5327
Three Parks Fairways 3831 N Florence Blvd Florence 520.868.0110
Kearny Golf Club 301 Airport Rd Kearny 520.363.7441
Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club 8000 E Club Village Dr Apache Junction 480.983.3200 - 877.983.3200
Tierra Grande Country Club 813 W Calle Rosa Casa Grande 520.723.9717
Mountain View Golf Club 38759 S Mountain View Blvd Saddlebrooke 520.818.1100
Queen Valley Golf Assoc 600 N Fairway Dr Queen Valley 520.463.2214
Robson Ranch Golf Club 5750 N Robson Blvd Eloy 520.426.3333
Mountain Brook Village Golf Club 5783 S Mountainbrook Dr Gold Canyon 480.671.1000
Roadhaven Golf Course 1000 S Idaho Rd Apache Junction 480.982.4811
Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club 62493 E Robson Cir Oracle 520.818.6403
Mission Royale Golf Course 11 Mission Royale South #1 Casa Grande 520.876.5335
Saddlebrooke Golf Club 64500 E Saddlebrooke Blvd Saddlebrooke 520.825.3048
Dave White Municipal Golf Course 2121 N Thornton Rd Casa Grande 520.836.9216
Palm Creek RV Resort 1110 N Henness Rd Casa Grande 800.421.7004
Southern Dunes 48456 W Hwy 238 Maricopa 480.367.8949
Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort 2684 W Gila Bend Hwy Casa Grande 800.237.4238/520.836.6444
Poston Butte Golf Club 6100 W.Merrill Ranch Pkwy Florence, AZ 520.723.1880 www.postonbuttegc.com 18 Championship Holes, featuring the Signature Island Green Par 3, hole #17.
Duke At Rancho El Dorado 42660 W Rancho El Dorado Pkwy Maricopa 480.844.1100
Gold Canyon Golf & Resort 6100 S Kings Ranch Rd Gold Canyon 480.982.9090/800.827.5281
Link's Golf Club at Queen Creek 445 E Ocotillo Rd Queen Creek 480.987.1910
Gold Canyon RV & Golf Resort 7151 E Hwy 60 Gold Canyon 877.465.3226
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Attractions and
Entertainment BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Ak-Chin Indian Community Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Maricopa 480.802.5000 harrahsakchin.com Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum 47685 W Eco-Museum Rd Maricopa 520.568.1350 Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center 16000 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa ak-chincircle.com 480.802.5000
Goldfield Ghost Town 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd Apache Junction 480.983.0333 goldfieldghosttown.com
Casa Grande Main Street 110 W 2nd St Casa Grande 520.836.8744 casagrandemainstreet.org
Superstition's O.K. Corral Stables Guided Horseback Rides Superstition Mountains 5470 E. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4040 www.OKcorrals.com
Coolidge
Superstation Mountain Museum 4087 N Apache Trail Apache Junction 480.983.4888 superstitionmountainmuseum.org
Apache Junction
Casa Grande
Apache Trail Tours 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd Apache Junction Book online or call 480.982.7661 www.apachetrailtours.com
Caywood Farms 841 E. Highway 287 Casa Grande 520.560.1119 caywoodfarms.com
Barleen’s Arizona Opry 2275 Old West Hwy Our Trails Will Rock You! Book online or call 480-982-7661 Apache Junction 480.982.7991 barleensdinnershow.com
Museum of Casa Grande 110 W Florence Blvd Casa Grande 520.836.2223 tmocg.org
Desert Belle Saguaro Lake Tours 14011 N Bush Hwy Apache Junction 480.984.2425 desertbelle.com
Casa Grande Neon Sign Park 408 N Sacaton St Casa Grande 520.836.8744 neonsignpark.com
Dolly Steamboat 16802 AZ-88 Apache Junction 480.827.9144 dollysteamboat.com
Phoenix Skydive Center 3860 N Pinal Ave Casa Grande 520.840.9095 phoenixskydivecenter.com
Canyon State Aero 4855 E Falcon Dr Mesa 480.302.1680 canyonstateaero.com
Paramount Theatre 420 N Florence St Casa Grande 520.836.1030 paramountfoundation.org
Historic & Scenic Guided Desert Tours Gold Panning and more!
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Casa Grande Ruins 1100 W Ruins Dr Coolidge 520.723.3172 nps.gov/cagr Pinal Geology &Mineral Museum 351 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.3009 pinalgeologymuseum.org Artisan Village of Coolidge 351 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.3009 artisanvillageofcoolidge.org Coolidge Performing Arts Center 684 W. Northern Avenue Coolidge 520.723.3009 coolidgeperformingartscenter.org
Eloy Desert Rose Baha'i Institute 1950 W. William Sears Dr Eloy, 85131 520.466.7961 https://drbi.org/ Sunland Visitor Center 3725 N Camelot St Eloy 520.466.3007 sunlandvisitorcenter.org Skydive Arizona 4900 N. Taylor St. Eloy, AZ 85131 520.466.3753 www.skydiveaz.com
SkyVenture Arizona 4900 N Taylor St Eloy 520.466.4640 skyventureaz.com
Kearny
Oracle
Kearny Lake Kearny http://townofkearny.com
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch 17599 E Peak Ln Picacho 520.466.3658 roostercogburn.com
Marana
Arizona Zipline Adventures 35406 S. Mt. Lemmon Rd. Oracle, AZ 85623 520.308.9350 www.ziparizona.com Experience the adventure! We provide zipline tours, caving, and team-building activities and are home to Peppersauce Kitchen Restaurant.
Florence Pinal County Historical Society & Museum 715 S Main St, Florence 520.868.4382 pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org Country Thunder 20585 E Water Way Florence 866.388.0007 countrythunder.com/az The Windmill Winery 1140 W. Butte Avenue Florence, AZ 520.858.6050 www.thewindmillwinery.com/ Tom Mix Memorial Rt. 79 south of Florence Florence St. Anthony Monastery 4784 N St Joseph’s Way Florence 520.868.3188 stanthonysmonastery.org
Gold Canyon Arizona Renaissance Festival 12601 E. US Highway 60 Gold Canyon, AZ, 85118 520.463.2600 www.arizona.renfestinfo.com
El Rio Preserve Project 10190 N. Coachline Blvd Marana 520.382.1950 maranaaz.gov/elrio Ora Mae Harn Park 13250 N Lon Adams Rd Marana 520.382.1950
Titan Power Sports 760 E American Ave Oracle 855.736.8494 titanpowerrentals.com
Superior Historical Society & Bob Jones Museum 300 Main St Superior
Biosphere 2 32540 S Biosphere Rd Oracle 520.621.4800 biosphere2.org
Maricopa
Queen Creek
Arizona Soaring 22548 N Sailport Way Maricopa 520.568.2318 azsoaring.com
MD Ranch 6533 W Phillips Rd Queen Creek 480.331.7893 mdranchllcaz.com
Shamrock Farm Tour 40034 W Clayton Rd Stanfield 602.477.2462 shamrockfarmstour.com
Mansel Carter Oasis Park 19535 E Appleby Rd Queen Creek 480.358.3700
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 E Arboretum Way Superior 520.689.2723 btarboretum.org World’s Smallest Museum 1111 US-60 Superior worldssmallestmuseum.com
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center 22149 E Ocotillo Rd Queen Creek 480.987.7469 qcpac.com Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S Meridian Rd Queen Creek 480.888.9290 queencreekolivemill.com
Arizona Speedway 48700 N Ironwood Rd San Tan Valley 480.926.6688 arizonaspeedway.net
Superior
Tortolita Mountain Park Marana 520.382.1950 maranaaz.gov/trails
Sonora Wings Hang Gliding 11934 N Russell Rd Maricopa 480.251.1515 sonorawings.com
San Tan Valley
San Tan Regional Park 6533 W Phillips Rd Queen Creek 602.506.2930
The Arizona Trail Oracle aztrail.org
Juan Bautista de Anza Marana 415.623.2344 nps.gov/juba
Schnepf Farms 24810 E Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 480.987.3100 www.schnepffarms.com
Winkleman Pacific NW Float Trips Winkleman 833.762.4440 pacificnwfloattrips.com
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R estaurants
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Casa Grande
Eloy
Agave’s Restaurant 15406 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa 480.802.5000
BeDillon’s Cactus Garden & Restaurant 800 N Park Ave Casa Grande 520.836.2045
Bent Prop Saloon and Cookery 4828 N Taylor St Eloy 520.466.9268
Arroyo Grille 48456 AZ-238 Maricopa 520.426.6832
Creative Cafe 1420 N Trekell Rd Casa Grande 520.421.0442
Flashbacks Diner 13856 S Sunland Gin Rd Arizona City 520.494.1250
347 Grill 16000 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa 520.233.2426
Mi Amigo Ricardo 821 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande 520.836.3858
La Paloma Family Restaurant 116 W Frontier St Eloy 520.466.8226
Vekol Market & Cafe 47021 W Farrell Rd Maricopa 520.568.1654
Sho-Ga Japanese Restaurant 1115 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande 520.251.5405
Robson Ranch Grill 5750 W Robson Blvd Eloy 520.426.3331
Apache Junction
Coolidge
Florence
Dirtwater Springs 586 Apache Trail Apache Junction 480.983.3478
Dragon City Chinese Restaurant 209 S Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.5626
Hong Kong Restaurant 100 S Pinal Pkwy Ave Florence 520.868.3388
Fresh Press Burger Parlor 189 Apache Trail Unit 102 Apache Junction 480.982.4534 Lotus Garden 183 Apache Trail #B104 Apache Junction 480.671.8668 Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd Apache Junction 480.983.6402
Gallopin’ Goose Saloon and Grill 1980 S Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.0300 Pita Patio Cafe 235 W Coolidge Ave Coolidge 520.635.5576 Tag’s Cafe 156 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.1013
LB Cantina 695 S Main St Florence 520.868.9981 Mt. Athos Restaurant & Cafe 444 N. Pinal Pkwy Florence 520.868.0735 Valentino’s Eatery 3385 N Hunt Hwy Suite 121 Florence 520.723.5910
Kearny Buzzy’s Drive-In 111 Tilbury Dr Kearny 520.363.7371
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G.J. Bar & Grill 22157 AZ-177 Kearny 520.363.9967
Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse 8501 N Silverbell Rd Marana 520.744.2800
Old Time Pizza 370 Alden Rd Kearny 520.363.5523
The Feedlot Cafe 14075 W Kirby Hughes Rd Marana 520.682.4319
San Tan Valley
Orehouse Hilltop Tavern 1200 N Jefferson Dr Oracle 520.896.3334
Queen Creek
Chicago Dog House 2510 E Hunt Hwy #21 San Tan Valley 480.894.7465
Maricopa
Bistro 1528 36460 N Encanterra Dr Queen Creek 480.677.8060
Homer’s Smokehouse BBQ 1532 W Ocotillo Rd San Tan Valley 480.440.9734
Mammoth
Francisco’s Mexican Food 20850 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa 520.213.8381
Casa De Mina 25728 S. Power Rd. Queen Creek 85142 480.988.4792
Moreno’s Mexican Grill 85 W Combs Rd San Tan Valley 480.358.4642
La Casita 400 AZ-77 Mammoth 520.487.9980
Headquarter’s Cafe 19640 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa 520.568.2167
San Tan Cafe 18911 E. San Tan Blvd., #149 Queen Creek, 85142 480.840.6425
San Tan Flat 6185 W Hunt Hwy Queen Creek 480.882.2995
Las Michoacanas Restaurant 337 AZ-77 Mammoth 520.487.2380
Raceway Bar & Grill 49237 W Papago Rd #7 Maricopa 520.568.0808
Sushi Creek 21805 S. Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek 85142 480.677.4333
Maria’s Cafe 739 San Pedro Ave Mammoth 520.487.0136
Say Sushi 21101 N John Wayne Pkwy e103 Maricopa 520.494.2233
The Whistle Stop Cafe 301 Alden Rd Kearny 520.363.2559
Tortillas Mi Pueblito 706 AZ-77 Mammoth 520.487.2123
Marana Core Kitchen & Wine Bar 15000 N Secret Springs Dr Marana 520.572.3000 Flightline Grill 24641 E Pinal Airpark Rd Marana 520.365.1058
Oracle Casa Rivera Mexican Restaurant 1975 W American Ave Oracle 520.896.3747 Oracle Inn Steakhouse 305 E American Ave Oracle 520.896.3333
Superior
San Manuel
DeMarco’s Italian Restaurant 433 US-60 Superior 520.689.0168
La Casita Cafe 570 S Ave A San Manuel 520.385.3025
Jade Grill Asian BBQ 639 West US-60 Superior 520.689.2885
Mel’s Drive-In 50 E Main St San Manuel 520.385.4212
Porter’s Cafe 404 Main St Superior 520.689.5003
Romo’s Mexican Food 501 S McNab Pkwy San Manuel 520.385.4355
SunFlour Market 203 Main St Superior 602.503.7136
San Pedro Valley Pizza Company 326 S Alta Vista San Manuel 520.385.2041
Oracle Patio Cafe 270 W American Ave Oracle 520.896.7615
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Lodging
Ak-Chin Indian Community Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 15406 N Maricopa Rd Maricopa 480.802.5000
Apache Junction Best Western Apache Junction Inn 101 W Apache Trail Apache Junction 480.982.9200 Gold Canyon Gold Resort & Spa 6100 S Kings Ranch Rd Gold Canyon 480.982.9090
Casa Grande Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort 2684 W Gila Bend Hwy Casa Grande 800.237.4238/520.836.6444 Baymont by Wyndham Casa Grande 2145 E. Florence Blvd Casa Grande 520.413.9873 Comfort Inn 2145 E. Florence Blvd Casa Grande 520.421.9878
Holiday Inn 777 N Pinal Ave Casa Grande 877.806.5920 Saguaro Whispers, A Hidden Retreat 9788 N. Cox Rd Casa Grande 520-858-4795 MainStay Suites 851 North Henness Rd Casa Grande 520.426.1177
Coolidge Moonlight Motel 1087 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.3475 Grande Vista Motel 1211 N Arizona Blvd Coolidge 520.723.7793
Eloy Hotel Bluestone 7200 S Sunland Gin Rd Eloy 520.836.5000 Las Colinas Motor Home-RV Resort 7136 S Sunland Gin Rd Eloy 520.836.5050
JULIE FOSKETT
Picacho / Tucson NW KOA Journey 18428 S Picacho Hwy Picacho 520.466.2966 The Skyrider Suites 4775 N Tumbleweed Rd Eloy 520.466.4300
Florence Blue Mist Motel 40 S Pinal Pkwy Ave Florence 520.868.5875 GreenTree Inn & Suites 240 W AZ-287 Florence 520.868.9900 Rancho Sonora Inn & RV Park 9198 N Hwy 79 Florence 520.868.8000
JACK HENRY TAYLOR
JULIE FOSKETT
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Kearny General Kearny Motel & Event Center 301 Alden Rd Kearny 520.363.2559
Mammoth The Lodge 712 N Highway 77 Mammoth 520.487.1904
Marana The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain 15000 N Secret Springs Dr Marana 520.572.300
Triangle L Ranch 2805 N Triangle L Ranch Rd Oracle 520.623.6732 Cherry Valley Ranch Bed & Breakfast 2505 Mt Lemmon Rd Oracle 520.896.9639
Advertiser Index Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center..........................Page 49
Historic C.O.D. Ranch 37 S COD Ranch Rd Oracle 520.850.2452
Apache Trail Tours.............................................................Page 21
Superior
Central Arizona College...................................................Page 29
Arizona Renaissance Festival.........................................Page 22 Boyce Thompson Arboretum................................................Page 66
Copper Mountain Motel 577 W Kiser St Superior 520.689.2886
City of Apache Junction...................................................Page 21 City of Casa Grande..........................................................Page 26 City of Coolidge..................................................................Page 29 City of Eloy..........................................................................Page 33 City of Maricopa ................................................................Page 45 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty.............................................Page 18 Coolidge Chamber of Commerce...................................Page 29 Discover Marana................................................................ Page 41 Elite Real Estate Pros .......................................................Page 26 Empire Southwest..............................................................Page 33 Gallo Construction............................................................Page 25 Norris RV..............................................................................Page 25 O.W.N. Oracle Women's Network................................Page 53
JULIE FOSKETT
Pinal County........................................................................ Page 61 Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch.........................................Page 42
Oracle 3C Guest Ranch 36033 S Mt Lemmon Rd, Oracle 520.896.2372 El Rancho Robles 1170 N Rancho Robles Rd Oracle 520.896.7651
Historic Hotel Magma 100 Main St, Hotel Superior 520.689.2300 MAGMA
Schnepf Farms....................................................................Page 58
Winkelman
Superior Chamber of Commerce...................................Page 66
Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn 89395 E Aravaipa Rd, Winkelman 520.261.7373 93
Skydive Arizona..................................................................Page 34 Sunland Visitor Center.....................................................Page 33 The Windmill Winery.......................................................Page 37 Titan Power Rentals Inc...................................................Page 53 Town of Florence...............................................................Page 38 Town of Queen Creek.......................................................Page 58
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APACHELAND BARN AND SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES GOLF COURSE
THE RITZ CARLTON
BIOSPHERE 2
