Cultural & Historical Sites
Tumacacori National Historic Park
Historical Sites
Located four miles south of the resort, Tumacacori National Historic Park is home to three late-17th century Spanish colonial missions in southern Arizona: the Tumacacaori, Guevavi and Calabazas. These adobe missions are among over twenty such outposts across Arizona established by the Jesuits and Franciscan missionaries.
The San Jose de Tumacacori Mission was established in 1691 and sits on 310 acres in the town of Tumacacori. The mission is open to the public all year round.
The San Cayetano de Calabazas Mission was established in 1756 and can only be visited as part of a reserved ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months.
The Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi Mission was established in 1691 and like
the Calabazas Mission can only be visited as part of a reserved
ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months.
Tumacacori National Historic Park
1891 E. Frontage Rd.
Tumacacori, AZ 85640
(520) 398-2341
Directions:
I-29 to Exit 29 and follow the clearly marked signs for the
Tumacacori National Historical Park.
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory
Located at the top of Mt. Hopkins (elevation 8,555 feet), in the
Santa Rita Mountain range, and overlooking the resort from the east, the
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory is the largest installation of the Smithsonian
Institution Astrophysical Observatory outside Cambridge, MA. Since 1968,
the working research center and observatory has been an important site
for astronomers.
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory
Amado, AZ 85645
(520) 670-5707
Directions:
I-19 north to exit 48 (Arivaca Road/Amado), then north to
Elephant Head Road. Turn right and drive east, crossing the bridge
over Santa Cruz River. Go one mile past the railroad track, then
turn right on Mount Hopkins Road. Drive southeast for seven miles
to the Administrative Office and Visitors Center.
Titan Missile Museum
Take a trip back in time to the height of the Cold War and visit the Titan Missile Museum. For nearly 40 years, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an arms race that was unprecedented in the history of the 20th century. Both nations built massive missile sites aimed at the other country that could be launched in a matter of seconds. The largest of these intercontinental missiles was the Titan II. Now decommissioned, this particular missile site is now a museum, so visitors can now get up-close and personal with an unarmed Titan II rocket and silo.
Titan Missile Museum
1580 W. Duval Mine Rd.
Green Valley, AZ 85614
(520) 625-7736
Directions:
I-19 south to Green Valley, exit at Exit 69 West. One mile past
La Cañada to the main entrance.
Nogales, Mexico
No trip to Santa Cruz County would be complete without a short
stop across the border from Nogales, Arizona to Nogales, Mexico.
Many fine local restaurants and shopping surprises await you
in the bustling border town.
Directions:
I-19 south to the end of Nogales, AZ. Parking your car and
walking across the border is probably the most convenient way
to travel. The cost of parking your vehicle is generally under
$5.00 for the whole day.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center
At the Asarco Mineral Discovery Center, visitors are given an opportunity
to see the operations of a working copper mine. Located about
30 minutes from the resort, visitors are taken to an observation
area, 1,500 feet below the surface, to watch hundreds of tons of rock
and ore be excavated, then crushed to a fine powder.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center
1421 W. Pima Mine Rd.
Sahuarita, AZ 85629
(520) 625-7513
Directions:
I-19 south to Exit 80/Pima Mine Road and follow the signs. Turn
west at the end of the exit ramp and make an immediate left over the railroad
tracks.
Tubac Center of the Arts
The Tubac Center of the Arts is a non-profit community center showcasing
the artistic talent of the area. Located less than ten minutes
from the resort, the center is home to three galleries, with
over 3,500 square feet of exhibit space.
Tubac Center of the Arts
9 Plaza Rd.
Tubac, AZ 85646
(520) 398-2371