Ancient history and modern mysteries in the Sonoran Desert

One of the oldest and most historic museums in Greater Phoenix, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park has been open for almost a century. With an emphasis on sharing the rich culture of the Indigenous people of the Salt River Valley, Pueblo Grande not only features galleries of original artifacts, but also regularly hosts events and exhibits — ranging from dances and markets to ancient technology demonstrations and guest speakers.

Inside, the museum features three galleries displaying artifacts and information on the Hohokam peoples, a hands-on children’s gallery, and a store selling Native American gifts, art, and jewelry. Outdoors, a fully-accessible 2/3-mile trail takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site with a partially excavated platform mound, ball court, and replicated prehistoric houses.

The Cave Creek Museum provides an in-depth look at the history of this north Phoenix region through its collection of preserved artifacts—dating as far back as ancient inhabitants and as recent as pioneers and settlers. Travel through time by exploring the various collections on display, including Native American pots and tools as well as old photos from Cave Creek’s military and ranching days. Once you’re done perusing the exhibits within the archeology and history wings, be sure to check out the museum grounds, home to a historic stamp mill and other equipment from the state’s early mining days, a church that once housed the museum, a cabin with a fascinating history, and surrounding gardens.

Goldfield was once a thriving city that included three saloons, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a brewery, a meat market, and a school. However, the town was founded around a gold mine that faulted, and it was quickly forgotten. But Goldfield got a second chance at life, and is now a popular historical attraction. The restored ghost town features narrow gauge railroad rides, mine tours, reenactments of gunfights, gold panning, horseback riding, and tons of historical displays.

The Pioneer Living History Museum, located in the black rock foothills of Northern Phoenix, is a must-see for history buffs. The buildings that populate the 90-acre open-air museum are a mix of authentic 19th-century structures and incredibly detailed recreations. An exhibit hall is filled with pieces and artifacts from all across the West. With 30 different buildings, including a bank, barber shop, Victorian-style home, and sheriff’s office (with gallows), you may feel as if you’ve walked onto an old Western a movie set.