Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center

Highway 77 between Catalina and Oracle

(520) 825-1289

www.bio2.edu

The once whimsical creation of a millionaire seeking to create a self-contained habitat is now a renowned research facility run by Columbia University.  Learn about Biosphere 1, earth, through interactive exhibits, displays and tours of the Biosphere 2 Center.

Tohono Chul Park

7366 N. Paseo del Norte

(520) 575-8468

www.tohonochulpark.org 

The Northwest's hidden jewel, this privately run 49-acre park strives to preserve the foothills desert.  Walking trails, ramadas, a museum, green house, water garden and Tea Room.

 TUCSON AND VICINITY

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 N. Kinney Road

(520) 883-2702

www.desertmuseum.org

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden.  Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region.  Within the museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants.  There are almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert.

International Wildlife Museum

4800 W. Gates Pass Road

(520) 617-1439

Static displays of more than 400 animals, insects, birds and prehistoric mammals from around the world.

Pima Air and Space Museum

600 E. Valencia Road

(520) 574-0462

www.pimaair.org

One of the world's largest collections of vintage, historic, and military aircraft and spacecraft.  Hear from tour guides who actually flew some of these aircraft in combat or on historic flights.

Reid Park Zoo

1100 S. Randolph Way

(520) 791-4022

www.tiyp.com/public/reidpark

Animals, birds and insects from around the world.  More than 500 exhibits packed into 17 beautiful acres.

Old Tucson Studios

201 S. Kinney Road

(520) 883-0100

www.oldtucson.com

The famed western movie studio lot where movie greats John Wayne, Gary Cooper and others walked.  Stage shows, gun fights, trail rides, stage coach hold ups, shops and dining.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

1950 W. San Xavier Road

(520) 294-2624

Construction started on this Franciscan Mission in 1783 and was completed in 1797.  It has been part of Spain, Mexico and now the United States.  Recently restored to its original glory, the mission has been called the "Sistine Chapel of North America."  an active Tohono O'odham Catholic parish, the church is open to viewing most days of the week.

Titan Missile Museum

1580 W. Duval Mine Road

(520) 625-7736

www.pimaair.org

Located in Green Valley, the Titan Missile Museum is a preserved nuclear missile silo.  It once held Titan II ICBMs.  Daily tours are offered of this relic of the Cold War.  The museum is operated by the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 N. Alvernon Way

(520) 326-9255

www.tucsonbotanical.org

The 2.5-acre Botanical Garden seeks to preserve Southwest native plants, promote good environmental stewardship, and teaches gardening in the desert.

 MUSEUMS

Arizona Historical Society Museum

949 E. 2nd Street

(520) 628-5774

www.arizona.edu/~azhist

The Historical Society museum next to the University of Arizona is the perfect introduction to the history of Southern Arizona and Tucson.

Arizona State Museum

1013 E. University Blvd.

(520) 621-6302

Located on the campus of the University of Arizona, the museum takes advantage of one of the nation's best research universities.  Learn the history of Southern Arizona's Native American tribes through exhibits recognized internationally for their innovation and presentation.

Center for Creative Photography

University of Arizona Fine Arts Bldg.

1030 N. Olive

(520) 621-7968

www.creativephotography.org

An extensive collection of some of the finest photographers ever, including Ansel Adams.  The center maintains lifetime archives of hundreds of famous and respected photographers in a plethora of genres.

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium

1601 E. University Blvd.

(520) 621-4515

www.flandrau.org

Features daily shows in the planetarium, fun, hands-on science displays, the University of Arizona Mineral Museum, and nightly viewing of the stars through the telescope.

Tucson Children's Museum

200 S. Sixth Ave.

(520) 884-7511

www.azstarnet.com/~tuchimu

A museum geared toward children that helps them explore and learn about the world around them.  Interactive displays are sure to delight.

Tucson Museum of Art

140 N. Main Ave.

(520) 624-2333

www.tucsonarts.com

Permanent and changing fine art and craft exhibits, some featuring local, Southwestern, and Native American artists.