At the heart of Canyon Country is the incomparable Grand Canyon -- and the cultural hub of northern Arizona - Flagstaff. Everything worth seeing in northern Arizona is within an hour or so of this pine-clad community. Whether it's winter sports or summer mountain recreation you're looking for, it's always right next door in Flagstaff.
Things to do in Flagstaff
Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum is located in the old and historic Coconino County Hospital. The museum offers a regular program of changing exhibits throughout the year. Exhibit themes include a wide-variety of topics related to the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona, including livestock, logging, agriculture, railroads, environmental history, social and political issues, the history of technology, and the city's rich and remarkably diverse cultural and ethnic heritage. Call 928-774-6272 for more information.
Coconino Center for the Arts
The Coconino Center for the Arts serves as the cultural hub of the Flagstaff community. The 4000 sq. ft. gallery features diverse rotating exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists and craftspeople, as well as Flagstaff students. Contemporary fine crafts, western art, and special science programs are also held throughout the year. The intimate 200-seat theater offers musical concerts, readings, theater performances, and other presentations. Call 928--779-2300 for more information.
Elden Pueblo
Located at the foot of Mount Elden on the edge of Coconino National Forest, this 50-60 room Sinagua Pueblo was first excavated in 1926 and dates back to around A.D. 1150-1275. Important discoveries uncovered at the site include evidence that thriving trade connections existed between the residents of Elden Pueblo and tribes as far south as Mexico. Today, the pueblo serves as a hands-on archaeological summer camp for fourth to ninth grade public school students. Call 928-526-0866 for more information.
Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, The Lowell Observatory is best known for the discovery of Pluto was discovered. It's also where scientists gathered the first evidence of the expanding universe. Today the Observatory's astronomers carry out forefront research in all areas of astronomy. Tours and evening stargazing sessions are available to visitors. The famous observatory sits at an elevation of 7,260 feet. Call 928-774-3358 for more information.
Museum of Northern Arizona
The Museum of Northern Arizona was founded in 1928 to serve as a repository for Native American artifacts and natural science specimens from the Colorado Plateau. A visit to the museum offers the opportunity Learn all about the region through geology, history and anthropology exhibits. Throughout its 70-year history, the museum has acquired more than five million items and has evolved into a regional center of learning. Call 928-774-4213 for more information.
Riordan State Historic Park (Riordan Mansion)
Built in 1904 for two families, the Mansion serves to remind us how good it was to be a wealthy resident of a small logging town. The historic building is a true Arizona treasure - a terrific example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The huge home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant's quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Lodge, Charles Whittlesey. Call 928-779-4395 for more information.
Snowbowl
One of best outdoor recreation areas in Arizona is just minutes from Flagstaff. Visitors will discover winter skiing, summer scenic sky rides, guided horseback riding and alpine lodging. Snowbowl has something for everyone anytime of the year. The ski resort is tucked away in the San Francisco Peaks and features a 2,300-foot vertical drop and a two-mile long run with an average of 260 inches of snow. There are 32 trails and four chairlifts. Winter visitors can choose from snow shoeing, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skijoring. Snowbowl also boasts the best learning terrain in the southwest. Call 928-779-1951 for more information.
Sunset Crater Volcano
Witness nature's response to a massive volcanic eruption that occurred in the year 1065 AD, blanketing the region with black cinder. The cooling and hardening of the volcano's rim of red cinders and lava flows near the cone resulted in a fascinating jagged surface that is quite remarkable when witnessed for the first time. At almost 950 years old, it is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. Call 928-526-0502 for more information.
The Arboretum - Flagstaff
Don't miss this incredible 200-acre botanical garden, research station, and environmental education center located at 7,150' above sea level and nestled within the world's largest ponderosa pine forest. There are over 2,500 species of high-elevation plants to see and several miles of trails to explore. The Arboretum is home to one of the largest collections of high country wildflowers in America. Guided tours are available daily. Call 928-774-1442 for more information.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Hike down into Walnut Canyon and walk in the footsteps of the people that lived here under limestone overhangs some 900 years ago. These single story structures, cliff dwellings, were occupied from about 1100 to 1250. The Sinagua people that lived here moved on to become the modern pueblo people of today. Walnut Canyon is one of their ancestral homes. Call 928-526-1157 for more information.
Wupatki National Monument
Just north of flagstaff off of US 89 is Wupatki, which is the Hopi word for "tall house." During the 12th and 13th centuries ancient Indians settled in this area and built pueblos. They flourished on the land made fertile by the volcano now called Sunset Crater. During its time, this was the tallest, largest, and perhaps the richest and most influential pueblo around. It was home to 85-100 people, and several thousand more lived within a day's walk. Most visitors tour the national monument by car and foot. Much of Wupatki can be experienced by driving the 35-mile loop road connecting the park to US 89. Call 928-679-2365 for more information.