TUCSON 

Tucson has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years. It celebrates a diversity of cultures, architecture, and peoples. Yet, it is one of the "Mega-Trend" cities of the 21st Century: the Optics Valley, premier health services center for the Southwest, the astronomy center of the world, home of a premier research institution - University of Arizona, and a tourism destination. 

Tucson, is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Tucson was originally an Indian village called Stookzone, meaning water at the foot of black mountain. Hugo O'Conor established the Tucson Presidio in 1775. August 20th, 1775 is considered Tucson's birthday. Spanish settlers arrived in the area in 1776. Tucson officially became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. Tucson served as capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 to 1877. 

Tucson boasts the best of both worlds...the progress and innovation of a metropolitian community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Tucson's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life. 

Tucson's climate varies from the 2400 foot desert basin to the 9100 foot forests of the Santa Catalina mountains. The City's dry desert air and winter sunshine make it a popular health and winter resort. The City is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The City's industries include electronics and missle production. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government. 

The Tucson metropolitan area supports over 750,000 residents. Metropolitan Tucson is continuting to grow by nearly 2,000 new residents each month.
 

MARANA 

Long before the coming of the Spanish Conquistadors and missionaries in the 17th Century, the Marana/Avra Valley area was inhabited by the Hohokam Indians, who developed extensive canal systems to use the waters of the Santa Cruz River for irrigated agriculture. By the coming of the first Spaniards to the area in the 1690's, the Hohokam had long since disappeared, and their irrigation works had become ruins. 

Up until 1776, when the Spanish established a presidio at Tucson, the Marana/Avra Valley area lay under the domination of the Tohono O'Odham Indians, who themselves were subject to the domination of the marauding Apaches from the nearby highlands of southern and eastern Arizona. With the independence of Mexico from Spanish colonial rule in 1821, official jurisdiction over the area passed to the new Republic of Mexico and remained so as a part of the State of Sonora until the middle of the 19th Century. 

In 1961, the Arizona Highway Department and the Federal Government removed most of the Marana business district to widen Interstate 10. The high school, several of the shops, and the businesses relcated but were not centralized and ended up scattered throughout the area. Consequently there is no "Main Street" in north Marana and the business district in southern Marana has become the main shopping region. 

In March of 1977 the Town of Marana was incorporated with about 10 square miles. In August of that year the 1,500 townspeople elected their first town council. In early 1979 the Town began growing through an agressive annexation policy and is now nearly 116 square miles with an estimated popluation of 18,000. Marana is a suburb of Tucson located on the far northwest side of Tucson. 

ORO VALLEY 

Oro Valley is in northern Pima County, six miles north of the Tucson city limits. The valley was formed by the Santa Cruz River joining Gold Creek in the Catalina Mountains. It sits at an elevation of 2,620 feet, covers over 34 square miles and has a current population of nearly 40,000. Oro Valley was incorporated in April 1974. 

Oro Valley offers a broad range of community and cultural facilities including James D. Driegh Park with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, racquetball courts and Little League fields; CDO Riverfront Park with tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields; and West Lambert Lane Park with a variety of natural hiking trails. Canyon Del oro High School and Ironwood Ridge High School have baseball fields, tennis courts and running tracks. Oro Valley has two country clubs, one private and one public, and a total of four 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole course. Tennis and swimming as well as other recreation activities are available at the country clubs. 

THINGS TO DO IN THE TUCSON AND SURROUNDING AREAS 

DOWNTOWN TUCSON MAJOR ATTRACTIONS 

FOX TUCSON THEATRE FOUNDATION
The 1930 Fox Tucson Theatre will be returning to Tucson soon--restoration is underway of this stunning southwestern art deco movie palace. (520) 624-1515 

HISTORIC STONE AVENUE TEMPLE
Built in 1910 as the first synagogue in the Arizona Territory, the Stone Avenue Temple has been beautifully restored as a center for regional Jewish history and community events. (520) 670-9073 

HOTEL CONGRESS
Arts district, circa 1920s. Award-winning restaurant, historic Tap Room, popular night club, banquet facilities. Rooms $50-$90. (800) 722-8848 

OLD TOWN ARTISANS/LA COCINA RESTAURANT AND CANTINA
1850s historic adobe. Largest collection of local, regional art plus pottery, jewelry, furnishings, Native American, and more. Open Daily. Major credit cards. Indoor, courtyard dining. (800) 782-8072 

La Cocina Restaurant & Cantina at Old Town Artisians - 201 N. Court Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 622-0351; (800) 782-8072. Historic location with charming courtyard. Climate-controlled indoor, courtyard dining. Lunch daily, varied menu. Full-service bar, catering. 

TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Southern Arizona's interactive museum for children. Explore ten exciting galleries of hands-on exhibits and participate in challenging activites. Guided tours for groups available. Air-conditioned. Nonprofit. (520) 792-9985 

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORIC BLOCK
Notable permanent collection, as well as 10-12 changing exhibitions annually. Historic Block features five restored homes of Historic El Presidio District. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun. Noon-4pm. Closed Mon. June-Aug. (520) 624-2333 

MAJOR TUCSON ATTRACTIONS 

SABINO CANYON TOURS, INC.
Twelve thousand years ago, Columbian mammoth roamed here. About 12,000 years ago, dams were placed in the creek by Hohokam Indians. In the 1870's, pony soldiers from Fort Lowell enjoyed horseback excursions to the "ol" swimmin' hole" still in use today. In the 1930's, 180 CCC workers built bridges and 3.8 miles of road up into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Many varieties of birds, deer and other animals make their home here in the Coronado National Forest. Hiking trails and picnic areas abound in the canyon. 

Today, the shuttle bus operates 365 days a year. A narrated round trip is 45 minutes and travels the most cameraworthy scenery in the Tucson area. Moonlight rides three nights per month are available by reservation April through December. Reservations and group rates: (520) 749-2327 

TOHONO CHUL PARK
Tohono Cul Park is the Southwest's center where nature, art, and culture connect. 

As you walk down the winding nature trail through our various desert gardens; tour through the Exhibit Hall in a renovated historic home; enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the Tea Room and shop in the Greenhouse and Museum Shops; you begin to understand why the desert is so cherished in Tucson. Hours of Operation: 8am-5pm every day (visitors through admissions by 5pm may remain in the Park until sunset). Exhibit Hall, Museum Shops & Greenhouse: 9am-5pm daily. Tea Room: 8am-5pm daily. Admission fee: $5 adults; $4 seniors (62 and over); $3 sutdents, $2 children (5-12); free for members and children under 5. (520) 742-6455 

KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY
Explore your universe!! The world's largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert. Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, is home to 22 optical and two radio telescopes representing dozens of astronomical research institutions. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), funded by the National Science Foundation, oversees site operations on Kitt Peak. 

Explore the Visitor Center exhibits and gift shop to learn about astronomy. Take a tour and discover how astronomers use telescopes to unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Visit the National Solar Observatory exhibit gallery and watch scientists operate the world's largest solar telescope. 

Tours run daily 10am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Self-guided also available. Open daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st. 

Nightly Stargazing is available for 20 participants or more -- with reservations made in advance. 

Directions: Kitt Peak is 56 miles southwest of Tucson via State Route 86 on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. Allow 90 minutes of drive time from Tucson. Take I-10 to I-19 South. Less than 1 mile is Ajo Way/Hwy 86 (Exit 99). Take this exit West (right). Proceed past Ryan Airfield and Three Points. Continue until Junction 386 (Kitt Peak turnoff). Turn left onto 386. The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is located at the summit (12 miles). (520) 318-8726 

COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK
This desert refuge has sheltered people for over a thousand years. It has been home, shrine, hideout, challenging workplace, exciting playground, tranquil retreat. On the National Historic Register, the 2,000-acre Park showcases crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. Cave tours, museum, Western trail rides, picnicking. Open daily. (520) 647-7275 

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert: living exhibits include more than 1,300 types of plants, 300 kinds of animals. Open daily, year-round. Call for hours/rates. (520) 883-2702 

BIOSPHERE 2
World's largest, glass-enclosed mini-world "Exploring Earth's Future. Guided "Under the Glass" tours. Snacks & shops. (520) 838-6200 

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN
Desert retreat featuring the most complete collection of artist Ted DeGrazia's works plus adobe mission and home. Gift shop. Free admission. Open daily. 10am-4pm (800) 545-2185 

FLAUNDRAU SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
"Star Theater" planetarium with fun and educational programs for all ages, hands-on science exhibits, mineral museum and public observatory. Charters, "star parties," banquets and meetings. (520) 621-7827 

INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE MUSEUM
An interactive natural history museum featuring over 400 different species of mammels, birds and insects from around the world. Open daily. Call for our educational programs. Movies on the hour, gift shop and restaurant. Located West of Speedway, five miles from I-10. (520) 629-0100 

MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC
Acclaimed as finest example of mission architecture in U.S. Southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. Active parish. Gift shop. Arts, crafts shop. Cafe nearby. (520) 294-2624 

MT. LEMON SKI VALLEY
30 miles, 30 degrees cooler in the Aspen and Ponderosa Pine forest! Open year round for skiing/skyride, unique gifts, homemade fudge and patio or fireside dining. (520) 576-1400 

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS
Old Tucson Studios is southern Arizona's premier outdoor entertainment venue with a full array of live shows, thrilling stunts, saloon musicals, stagecoach adventures and fun for the whole family. (520) 883-0100 

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
More than 250 aircraft representing America's history. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. No admittance after 4pm. Now conduction regularly scheduled tours of Davi Monthan's AMARC facility. (866) 432-2071 

REID PARK ZOO
Enter Randolph Way off 22nd St., west of Alvernon. Over 500 animals from different continents in naturalistic settings. Conservation, recreation and education for the entire family. (520) 791-3204 

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST
This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic cactus saguaro, which grow only in the Sonoran Desert. Terrain differs from sister park to the west. Rolling foothills are softened with trees, grasses and desert shrubs. Well-maintained trails and picnicking. An 8-mile loop drive around the Cactus Forest Drive provides overview of Park area. (520) 733-5153 

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK WEST
This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic cactus saguaro, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Terrain differs from sister park to the east. More than 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat and easy strolls in the Sonoran Desert to steep and rugged hikes in the Rincon Mountains. (520) 733-5158 

TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM
Descend into Titan II ICBM Site 571-7, the only publicly accessible missile complex in the world. Hours: May-Oct. Wed-Sun 9am-5pm. Last admittance at 4pm. Nov-Apr; Open daily 9am-5pm. Last admittance at 4pm. (520) 457-3456 

TRAIL DUST TOWN
Authentic Old West atmosphere for almost 50 years, world-famous Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, Savoy Opera House, stunt shows, narrow gauge train, distinctive shops, vintage carousel. (520) 296-4551 

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS
An urban oasis of five plus acres with 15 specialty gardens that surround visitors with beauty and inspiration. Gift shop and tours. Admission. (520) 326-9686 

SOUTHERN ARIZONA ATTRACTIONS 

BIRD CAGE THEATRE
Preserved since 1881. Nationally known historic Old West landmark. Site of 16 gunfights, 26 killings, refrain of "Bird in a Gilded Cage" song. Open daily. (800) 457-3423 

BOOTHILL GRAVEYARD & GIFT SHOP
Laid out as a burial plot in 1878. Final resting place for the victims of the O.K. Corral battle and the good and bad of Tombstone. (800) 457-3423 

GADSEN COFFEE COMPANY
Adjacent to Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. Wholesale, retail, mail-order. Roasting shade-grown, bird beneficial organic coffees. Open Daily. Full expresso bar, pastries, box lunches at Caffe Aribac. (888) 514-5282 

KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK
Kartchner Caverns, a stunning, wet, "live" cave in Southeastern Arizona boasts many world-class features that have been protected since the cave was discovered in 1974. Open Daily 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Christmas); Cave tours: 8:40 a.m. - 4:40 p.m. Entrance: $10/car. Reservations strongly recommended. (520) 586-4100 

O.K. CORRAL
Historic site of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Daily re-enactments with Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday. Guided tours. Fascinating history of Tombstone and Geronimo. Daily 9am-5pm. Admission. (520) 457-3456 

QUEEN MINE TOURS
Tour an authentic turn-of-the-century underground mine. Slicker, hard hat and head lamp provided. Bisbee Passport Member. Reservations suggested. (866) 432-2071 

THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH
Famous Old West newspaper office. Tour our 1880's newsroom and printshop. Read original O.K. Corral gunfight reports. National Historic Journalism site. Subscription $20/year. Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. (520) 457-2211 

TOMBSTONE'S HISTORAMA
Authoritative account of Tombstone's history from Geronimo's Apaches to modern times, including O.K. Corral gunfight. Vincent Price narrates this 25-minute multimedia presentation. Daily 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission. (520) 457-3456
 

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