There are some fantastic and unique historical places to explore in Southeastern Arizona! Here are five places to visit with the family, perfect for a weekend getaway – and plan ahead for spring break!
Rex Allen Museum, Willcox – known as the Arizona Cowboy, Rex Allen was a singing Cowboy and actor that gained fame with western movies, a voice narrator for Disney nature movies, and more. We toured the museum back in September, knowing little about this local legend. We left with some fun facts and were somewhat in awe of Rex Allen’s life. Be sure to hop across the street to see the statue, and take a photo at the Willcox mural around the corner!
- 150 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox, AZ 85643
- $3/person, kids under 10 and veterans free
- open Monday 10-1, Tue-Sat 11-3
- more information here
Ft Bowie National Historial Site, Bowie – this 19th-century army outpost is now a historical landmark, with a 1.5-mile trail to see the preserved ruins of various post buildings and a stagecoach stop. This is near the popular Chiricauwa National Monument, so make a stop at both for a fun family day trip! Bonus: stay the night at the KOA in Willcox and see these places, the Rex Allen Museum, Apple Annie’s Orchard, and MORE.
- 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605
- free
- open 7 days a week, 8:30am-4pm
- more information here
Bisbee and Tombstone – two old mining towns with a lot of history and charm! Definitely take the kids on the Queen Mine Tour to get the best learning experience about mining life. In Tombstone, you can’t miss the historic O.K. Corral and gunfight reenactment of the fight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and others. We also like touring Boothill Graveyard, and the Rose Tree Museum.
- Bisbee and Tombstone are about 1.5hrs south of Tucson; follow I10 towards Benson, then take Hwy 80 south
- prices vary, mine tour is $14/adult, $6.50/children 6-12 (under 6 not allowed in mine); $10/person ages 6+ for O.K. Corral gunfight (under 6 free)
- some tips and ideas can be found here
Arizona Folklore Preserve, Hereford – just south of Sierra Vista is a beautiful venue with quality entertainment, all in the name of southeastern Arizona history! You’ll hear songs and stories of days gone by. Definitely make a stop at Ramsey Canyon beforehand to hike, and make a weekend of your stay in Sierra Vista! (Need ideas? Check this blog post.)
- 56 E Folklore Trail, Hereford, AZ 85615
- $20/adult, $10/children ages 17 and under
- Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5pm
- more information here
