Spread across 30 acres (12.14 hectares) of land, this park has undergone massive changes since its initial construction. A favorite of railroad enthusiasts and the little ones in the group, this is a perfect place for a family day out. The park features an attractive Carousel and a beautiful statue of the prominent comic artist Bil Keane. The Model Railroad Building, which houses various artifacts relating to trains and rail, has been reconstructed as a 19th-century style rail shed. The ticket prices and timings of the attractions vary, so check the website for further details.
Located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this National Historic Landmark was the former winter home and school of the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He had been visiting Arizona for years to escape the harsh winters due to his health. Subsequently, during his visits, he felt that Arizona needed its architecture. So, in between these visits, he purchased the land for a paltry sum and then began construction, attracting students. The structure today is the main center of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and is open for tours.
Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest synagogue in the valley and serves the Jewish community of Phoenix and Scottsdale. The onsite Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum conducts tours that offer insight into the Jewish culture and religion. The congregational library is one the largest Judaica libraries in the SouthWest and has a collection of over 12,000 religious texts.
The Desert Botanical Garden was opened in 1939 to preserve the area's pristine desert environment. Today, the garden helps save endangered plants, with the focus still on native flora and a special emphasis on succulents. The cactus collection is world-renowned and between March through May, the seasonal blooms are spectacular. The garden hosts several events throughout the year, some of which include the popular 'Butterfly Habitat' during the spring and the 'Luminarias' during the holiday season. If you come during the summer months, don't forget your hat and sunscreen.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park is one of the best sites in the region and among the two Hohokam mounds in the Phoenix metropolitan region. It gives an insight into the Ancestral Puebloan Period from the 11th through the 14th Centuries of the Hohokam. According to records and archaeological facts, this place was the hub of the community's status symbol. This preserved site showcases an ancient culture and the lifestyle of the forefathers of the Pima tribe. If you love history, then this seasonal site must be in your itinerary when visiting Mesa.
Located in North Mesa, the Park of the Canals preserves both local history and terrain. Hohokam Indians inhabited many different regions throughout Arizona over 2,000 years ago, becoming one of the most prominent cultures in the Southwest and lending to the area's significance. Particularly special, the Hohokam people are credited with providing a canal system from the Salt River. The modern metropolitan city still relies on the pathways of this ancient canal structure. The park also features a mini botanical garden, information center, playground, and picnic tables for your convenience and enjoyment.
Niels Petersen House was built in 1892 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.. With its stained glass windows and vintage furniture, the house reflects the bygone era. Built for a Danish entrepreneur Peterson, a well- respected citizen of Tempe, the house is known for its Queen Anne Style architecture. Currently it houses a museum that has historical artifacts, furniture and decor of the Victorian Era and early 20th Century. The museum also offers free space for children to play and explore their gallery. It was considered one of the most elegant homes of its period.
The Rosson House is a beautiful structure that features the Queen Anne style of the Victorian Era. Constructed in 1895, it has been restored to all its former glory and today serves as a museum. Visitors get a glimpse into the lives of late 19th-century Phoenix denizens through the preserved articles and housewares on display. The house is located in the quaint Heritage Square, guided tours around the house are available and it is open almost 365 days a year. Events are often organized on-site so make sure to check out their website before planning a visit.
Located in the historic district of Glendale, First United Methodist Church was first established in 1894. The congregation was moved to a new church in the 1920 and is was built in a grand Gothic style with a red brick wall facade and was called one of the most beautiful buildings in Glendale. The church's interiors are beautifully decorated with stained glass paintings and windows. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this church is definitely a must see.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park is one of the best sites in the region and among the two Hohokam mounds in the Phoenix metropolitan region. It gives an insight into the Ancestral Puebloan Period from the 11th through the 14th Centuries of the Hohokam. According to records and archaeological facts, this place was the hub of the community's status symbol. This preserved site showcases an ancient culture and the lifestyle of the forefathers of the Pima tribe. If you love history, then this seasonal site must be in your itinerary when visiting Mesa.
The Desert Botanical Garden was opened in 1939 to preserve the area's pristine desert environment. Today, the garden helps save endangered plants, with the focus still on native flora and a special emphasis on succulents. The cactus collection is world-renowned and between March through May, the seasonal blooms are spectacular. The garden hosts several events throughout the year, some of which include the popular 'Butterfly Habitat' during the spring and the 'Luminarias' during the holiday season. If you come during the summer months, don't forget your hat and sunscreen.
This 1928 Spanish Colonial chapel was built by Brophy students, funded by Mrs. William Henry Brophy and designed by John R. Kibbey. Points of interest include a Mexican Baroque altar of pink volcanic Tufa stone, quarried near Wickenburg and hand-carved. Featured also is a survivor of the World War I battle of Verdun, a large wooden crucifix, carved around 1670. An artist from An Tur Gloine in Dublin, Ireland produced the series of Irish stained glass windows. Each represents an article of faith from the Apostles Creed.