Yuma is nestled in the Yuma and Gila valleys of southern Arizona, offering a climate that blends pleasant desert sunshine with the cool waters of the Colorado River. Mild winters and temperate summers make Yuma an ideal destination for vacationing year-round. Yuma offers a variety of recreational activities and cultural attractions. The town has been welcoming travelers since the days of the Spanish conquistadors who first arrived in the year 1540. Yuma is situated at the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers and once served as a major steamboat landing.
Things to do in Yuma
Ft. Yuma - Quechan Museum
Across the Colorado, it is one of the oldest military posts of the territory. Built in 1851, where it served as the officer's mess for the U.S. Army post established here, the museum depicts the history of the Quechan tribe, the military and the Spanish Explorers. There are photos, crafts, and artifacts on exhibit. Call 760-572-0661 for more information.
St. Thomas Mission
Built on the grounds of the original Mission founded by Father Garces in 1780, the Mission is a reminder of the long history of the Quechan Indian Nation and Yuma. The present Catholic Mission Church was built in 1922 and is a replica of the original Mission that was destroyed during an Indian uprising in 1855. Call 760-572-0283 for more information.
The Sanguinetti House Museum and Garden
The Sanguinetti House was constructed in the 1870's, it remains one of Yuma's oldest and most historic buildings. Once the home of pioneer merchant E. F. Sanguinetti, the museum now exhibits artifacts, photographs and furnishings of Arizona's territorial period. Colorful gardens and aviaries with exotic and talking birds are maintained as they were at the turn of the century. Next door is the Adobe Annex. Constructed in 1873, it was the home of steamboat captain Jack Mellon. Today it houses the museum's library and archives collections, as well as the gift shop. Call 928-782-1841 for more information.
Yuma Crossing State Historic Park
Yuma Crossing State Historic Park celebrates 5 centuries of history in its museum. Encompassing nine acres, the park showcases 6 restored and 6 replicated buildings. The park is a salute to historic modes of transportation and is recognized as a key location in the cultural and educational development of western history by the National Endowment for the Arts. A must see is the Quartermaster Depot which served as the supply hub for the Army until the railroad came in 1877. Call 928-329-0471 for more information.
Yuma Territorial Prison State Park
Located at Giss Parkway & Prison Hill Road, this penitentiary housed many of Arizona's most dangerous and notorious criminals. The prison was a dreaded place. Its cells were lined with iron bands and summer temperatures soared to 120 degrees. Built in 1876 and used until 1909, it housed 3,000 prisoners at full capacity. One hundred eleven persons died while serving their sentences, most from tuberculosis, which was common throughout the territory. You can tour the cells, dungeon, and museum. The remains of the prison are now Arizona's most visited State Historic Park. Call 928-783-4771 for more information.
Yuma Valley Railway
Hop on-board a 1922 Pullman coach pulled by a 1941 first generation diesel locomotive or a 1952 Davenport Bessler for a 22-mile ride along the Colorado River. You'll travel along the winding banks of the beautiful Colorado River within sight of Mexico, and listen to the folklore and historical facts as told by a local historian. Call 928-783-3456 for more information.
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