Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Arizona? These are the ones:
1Taliesin West
Scottsdale, AZTaliesin West is not only a historical site but also the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the property and gain insights into Wright's architectural teachings and his lasting impact on the field. 2O.k. Corral Tombstone
Tombstone, AZHave you ever heard or read about the 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral? Well, this is the site where it all happened. 3Hall of Flame Fire Museum
Phoenix, AZThe Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, officially known as the National Historical Fire Foundation, is a unique institution dedicated to the historical preservation of firefighting equipment from around the globe. This museum provides a comprehensive look into the evolution of firefighting equipment and techniques, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, firefighting, or simply looking for a unique museum experience. 4Arizona State Capitol
Phoenix, AZThe Arizona State Capitol, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has a rich history as it once housed the territory and state legislature, along with various executive offices. Today, these offices have been relocated to surrounding buildings, and the building itself has been transformed into the Arizona Capitol Museum. This transition allows visitors to delve into the history of Arizona in a unique and immersive way. 5Heard Museum
Phoenix, AZThe Heard Museum, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is a private, non-profit institution committed to promoting American Indian art. The museum presents the narratives of American Indian people from a first-person perspective and showcases both traditional and contemporary art by American Indian artists and those influenced by American Indian art. 6The Rosson House
Phoenix, AZThe Rosson House, situated at 113 North 6th Street at the corner of Monroe Street in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona, is a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and history of the late 19th century. The house was built between 1894 and 1895 and is a prime example of the Stick Eastlake Queen Anne Style of Victorian architecture. 7Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park
Phoenix, AZThe Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites are significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites located in Phoenix, Arizona. These sites feature a prehistoric platform mound and ancient irrigation canals, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited the region. Visitors can explore these historical structures and learn about the advanced irrigation systems that were developed by the Hohokam, the ancestral Native Americans who lived in the area. 8Phoenix Police Museum
Phoenix, AZThe Phoenix Police Museum is situated on the 1st floor of the Historic Phoenix City Hall, at the intersection of 2nd Ave and Jefferson Street. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. 9Yuma Territorial Prison
Yuma, AZThe Yuma Territorial Prison, located in the Arizona Territory of the United States, has a rich history dating back to July 1, 1876, when it admitted its first prisoner. This historical site provides a glimpse into the past, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the prison's history and the lives of those who were incarcerated there. 10Sharlot Hall Museum
Prescott, AZThe Sharlot Hall Museum, located in Prescott, Arizona, is an open-air museum and heritage site. It was opened in 1928 by Sharlot M. Hall with the aim of preserving the history and culture of the Central Highlands of Arizona. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this region in an open-air setting. 11Museum of Northern Arizona Flagstaff
Flagstaff, AZThe Museum of Northern Arizona, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, serves as a repository for Indigenous artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in learning about the Indigenous cultures and natural history of the region. 12Fort Lowell Museum
Tucson, AZFort Lowell, located in Tucson, Arizona, has a rich history dating back to May 20, 1862, when it was established as a military post by the United States Army. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, providing an understanding of the military operations that took place in the region during that time. 13Fort Verde State Historic Park
Camp Verde, AZFort Verde State Historic Park, located in the town of Camp Verde, Arizona, is a compact park that aims to conserve elements of the fort from the Apache Wars era as they were in the 1880s. This park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience a piece of American history. 14Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Tucson, AZThe Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is a unique destination in Tucson, Arizona. It is situated in the former records vault building at the Southern Pacific Depot, a historic site that has been renovated by the City of Tucson. This museum offers a deep dive into the history of railroads and transportation in the region, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs and train enthusiasts alike. 15The Tombstone Epitaph
Tombstone, AZThe Tombstone Epitaph is a monthly publication based in Tombstone, Arizona. It is dedicated to covering the history and culture of the Old West. The newspaper was founded in January 1880, making it the oldest continually published newspaper in Arizona. This rich history makes it a significant part of the cultural heritage of the state. 16Burton Barr Central Library
Phoenix, AZThe Burton Barr Central Library serves as the central library of Phoenix, Arizona. It is also the administrative headquarters for the Phoenix Public Library. This library is named after Burton Barr, a prominent figure in Arizona's political history. As the flagship location for the Phoenix Public Library, it plays a significant role in the city's cultural and educational landscape. 17Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
Phoenix, AZThe Pioneer Living History Museum, also known as Pioneer Village, is situated at 3901 W. Pioneer Road in Phoenix, Arizona. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history of the region. 18Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center
Tucson, AZThe Jewish History Museum, previously known as the Jewish Heritage Center of the Southwest, is located in a historic synagogue building in Tucson, Arizona. This museum is a testament to the rich Jewish history of the region and offers a unique opportunity to explore this heritage in a setting that is both historic and culturally significant. 19Old Pueblo Trolley Barn
Tucson, AZThe Old Pueblo Trolley is a non-profit educational corporation located in Tucson, Arizona. Its primary mission is to preserve the history of mass transit in the state. The organization is divided into three divisions: the Street Railway Division, the Motor Bus Division, and the Museum Division. Each division plays a specific role in preserving the state's mass transit history. 20Arizona State Museum
Tucson, AZThe Arizona State Museum, established in 1893, serves as a significant repository for archaeological resources. It not only stores and exhibits artifacts but also offers educational and research opportunities. The museum's rich history and its commitment to preserving and showcasing artifacts make it a fascinating destination for those interested in archaeology and history. 21Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens
Yuma, AZThis charming museum deals with the history of Arizona and Arizonian nature. Also features nice gardens at the premises. 22Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Tombstone, AZThe Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a significant historical site in Arizona, United States. It is located in the town of Tombstone and is dedicated to preserving the original Cochise County courthouse. This two-story Victorian-style building was constructed in 1882 and once housed various county offices, including those of the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, and the Board of Supervisors, as well as courtrooms and a jail. 23Castle Dome Mine Museum
Yuma, AZCastle Dome Landing, located in the Castle Dome Mountains of Yuma County, Arizona, is a historical ghost town. It was initially established around 1863, serving as a transport depot and mining camp. This site offers a glimpse into the past, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the early mining activities and life in the Arizona Territory. 24Colorado River State Historic Park
Yuma, AZThe Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, previously known as the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, is a significant historical site located in Yuma, Arizona, US. This park is part of the Yuma Crossing and Associated Sites on the National Register of Historic Places in the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. It was an essential quartermaster depot during the 1870s, where goods were shipped up the Colorado River from the Gulf of California and stored at Yuma for distribution to the desert frontier forts in the Southwestern United States territories. 25McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Scottsdale, AZMcCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, spans across a vast 30-acre area. This park is a unique destination that offers a blend of history, nature, and entertainment. It's a great place for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich history of railroads in Arizona. 26Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Scottsdale, AZWestern Spirit: Scottsdaleās Museum of the West is situated in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The museum, which opened its doors in January 2015, is located on the former site of the Loloma Transit Station. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of the old and new, making it an interesting destination for tourists. 27Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
Phoenix, AZThe Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, formerly known as Temple Beth Israel, holds a significant place in the history of Phoenix, Arizona as it was the first permanent Jewish congregation in the area. This historical significance adds a layer of depth to the visitor experience, providing a glimpse into the early Jewish community in Phoenix. 28Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
Mesa, AZThe Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, also known as Airbase Arizona Aircraft Museum, was established in 1978. It is located in Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona. This museum is a significant part of the Commemorative Air Force, being the 10th unit of this organization. It is home to one of the largest Commemorative Air Force units in the world. 29Mesa Historical Museum
Mesa, AZThe Mesa Historical Museum, located in Mesa, Arizona, is a significant institution that was inaugurated in 1987 by the Mesa Historical Society. The museum's primary objective is to preserve and showcase the rich history of Mesa, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the city's past. 30Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum
Flagstaff, AZThe Arizona Historical Society (AHS) is a non-profit organization that aims to connect people through the power of Arizona's history. This mission is carried out through four regional divisions, each with a representative museum. The divisions are located in Tucson, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Yuma. The society was founded in 1884 by a group of pioneers who wanted to preserve their stories and provide charitable service to the local community. 31Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Flagstaff, AZRiordan Mansion State Historic Park is a significant historical site located in Flagstaff, Arizona, adjacent to Northern Arizona University. This park is home to the duplex residence of Timothy and Michael Riordan, influential lumber barons of the early 20th century. The mansion, built in 1904, is a testament to the Riordan brothers' impact on the development of Flagstaff and northern Arizona in various sectors including lumber, railroads, cattle, banking, and politics. 32Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum
Tucson, AZ 33Arizona History Museum
Tucson, AZThe Arizona Historical Society (AHS) is a non-profit organization that aims to connect people through the power of Arizona's history. It operates through four regional divisions, each with a representative museum. The divisions are located in Tucson, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Yuma. The society was founded in 1884 by a group of pioneers who wanted to preserve their stories and provide charitable service to the local community. 34Phippen Museum
Prescott, AZ 35Arizona Railway Museum
Chandler, AZThe Arizona Railway Museum, situated in Chandler, Arizona, was established in 1983 as a non-profit organization. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in the history of railroads, offering a unique insight into the development and impact of the railway system in Arizona and the Southwestern United States. 36George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Phoenix, AZThe George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, located in Phoenix, Arizona, was originally Carver High School. This institution was established during a period of school segregation, specifically to serve African-American students. The building's history provides a unique insight into the educational and social conditions of the time.- 37
Yuma History Museum
Yuma, AZ - 38
Rose Tree Inn Museum
Tombstone, AZ - 39
Fort Tuthill Military History Museum
Flagstaff, AZ - 40
Arizona Historical Society Downtown Museum
Tucson, AZThe Arizona Historical Society (AHS) is a non-profit organization that aims to connect people through the power of Arizona's history. It operates through four regional divisions, each with a representative museum. The divisions are located in Tucson, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Yuma. The society was founded in 1884 by a group of pioneers who wanted to preserve their stories and provide charitable service work to the local community. - 41
Museum of Indigenous People
Prescott, AZThe Museum of Indigenous People, previously known as the Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture, is situated in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona. The museum houses a vast collection of Native American artifacts, making it a significant cultural and historical site. The museum's collection includes a variety of artifacts, each telling a unique story about the indigenous people of the region.