
Cultural & Historical Destinations in Mesa, Arizona, United States
1. Mesa Grande Ruins
Explore a Saline Valley tribal village dating back to the 13th century. Uncover ancient Hohokam artifacts.
- Ancient Artifacts: Discover pottery, tools, and other remnants from an ancient civilization
- Petroglyphs: Examine intricate rock carvings that tell stories of the past
- Guided Tours: Learn from knowledgeable guides about the history and culture of the Mesa Grande Ruins
2. Fiesta Bowl Museum
Dive into the rich history of college football in Arizona at the Fiesta Bowl Museum.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations
- Historic Games Highlights: Relive the most memorable moments of college football games through the years
- Community Impact: Understand how the Fiesta Bowl has contributed to the local community and economy
3. Arizona Museum of Natural History
Explore Arizona's rich natural history at this museum with interactive exhibits.
- Dinosaurs & Prehistory: Uncover fossils, dinosaur footprints, and artifacts from early human civilizations
- Native American Culture: Learn about the diverse cultures of Native American tribes in Arizona
- Hands-on Exhibits: Participate in interactive activities, such as excavating for dinosaur bones or exploring the universe
4. i.d.e.a. Museum
Experience contemporary art and interactive exhibits at this innovative museum.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Enjoy a variety of exhibits showcasing the works of local, national, and international artists
- Art Education: Engage in workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities related to contemporary art
- Community Collaboration: Support local artists by attending artist talks, open studios, and collaborative events
5. Mesa Temple Visitors' Center
Discover the history and architecture of Mesa's stunning LDS temple.
- Architectural Beauty: Admire the intricate design, marble facade, and peaceful gardens
- Guided Tours: Learn about the symbolism and craftsmanship involved in temple construction
- Artwork & Artifacts: Examine beautiful artwork, murals, and other religious artifacts on display
6. Homestead National Monument
Step back in time to experience pioneer life at this historic site.
- Pioneer Cabins: Tour the original cabins, barns, and other structures from the 1860s
- Interactive Exhibits: Participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate pioneer skills, such as blacksmithing or weaving
- Guided Tours: Learn from knowledgeable guides about the history and challenges faced by early settlers
7. Mesa Arts Center
Immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene at this world-class cultural center.
- Performing Arts: Attend live theater, dance, and music performances by local, national, and international artists
- Visual Arts Galleries: Explore rotating exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists
- Education & Workshops: Enhance your artistic skills through classes, workshops, and other educational opportunities
8. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Discover a tropical oasis in the Sonoran Desert at this stunning botanical garden.
- Desert Biodiversity: Learn about the unique desert plants and animals found throughout the park
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history, horticulture, and conservation efforts of the arboretum
- Desert Landscapes: Explore diverse landscapes, including cactus gardens, palm groves, and desert waterways
9. Celestial Vault Observatory
Explore the universe at this astronomical observatory offering stargazing programs.
- Stargazing Nights: Participate in regular stargazing nights and telescope viewings
- Solar Observations: Learn about the sun and its role in our solar system through solar telescopes
- Educational Workshops: Attend workshops, lectures, and other educational events related to astronomy and space science
10. Arizona Railway Museum
Step aboard vintage trains at this museum dedicated to the history of rail transportation.
- Historic Trains & Engines: Explore a variety of historic trains, engines, and railcars from the early 20th century
- Railway Exhibits: Learn about the role of the railway in Arizona's history through interactive exhibits
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the operation, maintenance, and restoration of historic trains
11. Pioneer Living History Village
Experience life in the late 1800s at this living history museum.
- Historic Buildings: Tour a variety of original and replicated buildings from the late 1800s
- Interactive Demonstrations: Participate in demonstrations showcasing skills such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and baking
- Costumed Interpreters: Meet costumed interpreters who portray the roles of pioneers from the late 1800s
12. Arizona Museum for Youth
Ignite a love for learning through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Explore exhibits that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking
- Educational Programs: Participate in workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities designed for children
- Community Collaboration: Support the local community by attending family-friendly events and activities
13. Mesa Historical Museum
Discover Mesa's rich history at this museum filled with artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays.
- Local History Exhibits: Explore exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and people of Mesa
- Interactive Displays: Engage with interactive displays, such as touchscreens, maps, and dioramas
- Guided Tours: Learn from knowledgeable guides about Mesa's history and growth over time
14. Arizona Science Center
Explore science through interactive exhibits, live shows, and hands-on activities.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with a variety of interactive exhibits showcasing physics, chemistry, and other scientific concepts
- Live Shows: Attend live science shows featuring mind-blowing experiments and demonstrations
- Hands-on Activities: Participate in hands-on activities, such as building your own circuits or creating slime
15. The Priest House Museum
Step back into the early days of Mesa at this restored Victorian-era house.
- Historic Architecture: Admire the beautiful architecture and decorations of a Victorian-era home
- Interactive Exhibits: Explore exhibits that showcase the life, culture, and people of Mesa during the late 1800s
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history of the Priest House and its significance in Mesa's development