Visit Tucson/ Pete Gregoire
O.K. Corral
The O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, is the site of one of the most famous gunfights in American history, which occurred in 1881 between lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday and the Clanton brothers. This historic site offers reenactments and museum exhibits that immerse visitors in the wild and lawless days of the Old West. It’s a must-see for those interested in frontier history.
Arizona Office of Tourism
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretches over 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile. Its breathtaking views, formed over millions of years by the Colorado River, are a magnet for tourists and adventurers alike. Visitors to this Arizona treasure can enjoy hiking, rafting, and scenic viewpoints, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
Arizona Office of Tourism
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Built in 1783, San Xavier del Bac Mission is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” the mission features intricate frescoes, beautiful sculptures, and an active Catholic congregation. This Tucson, Arizona, historic site gives insight into the early colonial days of the American Southwest and is a peaceful and awe-inspiring visit.
Arizona Office of Tourism
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, houses over 15,000 instruments from all over the globe. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing instruments from different cultures, interact with exhibits, and even listen to them being played. It’s an educational and immersive experience that showcases the universal language of music and its global impact.
Andres Lobato
Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts, showcasing over 400 aircraft ranging from early military planes to modern spacecraft. It is one of the largest aviation museums in the world, offering visitors the chance to learn about the history of flight, space exploration, and aviation technology. Its outdoor exhibit space includes some of the rarest aircraft in existence.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
A unique museum dedicated to the works of artist Ted DeGrazia, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum is located in a stunning adobe building that blends art and architecture. DeGrazia's vibrant Southwestern paintings, pottery, and murals provide a deep connection to the culture of the Sonoran Desert. It’s a place where art and nature harmoniously come together in Tucson, Arizona.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Explore Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where breathtaking buttes and mesas rise from red sands in the Arizona desert. Famous from Western films like "Stagecoach," the park's panoramas are accessible by car and Navajo-led tour. The Trading Post at The View Hotel offers a wide selection of Native American arts and crafts.
Glen Canyon Dam Bridge
The Glen Canyon Dam Bridge is an architectural marvel spanning the Colorado River. Located near the Grand Canyon in Page, Arizona, this bridge provides stunning views of the surrounding canyon and the impressive dam, which helps manage the water flow of the river. It’s a great spot for photography and learning about the engineering feat behind the dam.
Franklin Auto Museum
The Franklin Auto Museum in Tucson, Arizona, showcases one of the most extensive collections of Franklin cars in the world. The museum highlights the history of this iconic car brand, known for its innovative air-cooled engines, with over 100 models on display. It’s a must-visit for classic car enthusiasts and those interested in early 20th-century automotive history.
Arizona Office of Tourism
Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth. The Winslow, Arizona, crater, nearly a mile wide and 550 feet deep, offers a fascinating glimpse into the forces of nature and the impact of an ancient collision with the Earth. Visitors can walk around the rim and learn about its scientific significance.
Arizona Office of Tourism
Standin' on the Corner Park
Famous for the line "Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona" from the Eagles' hit song "Take It Easy," Winslow is a charming stop for music lovers. Standin' on the Corner Park features a statue of a man with a guitar and a replica of a classic 1960s flatbed truck, capturing the essence of the song and the nostalgia of Route 66.
National Park Service
Petrified Forest National Park
Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park is home to some of the most vivid and well-preserved fossilized trees in the world. The park’s colorful landscapes, rich history, and ancient fossils tell the story of a time when the area was a lush, tropical environment. Visitors can hike, explore petroglyphs, and experience the unique beauty of this desert wonderland.
Roswell UFO Site
The Roswell UFO Site in New Mexico is famous for the alleged 1947 UFO crash incident, sparking widespread interest in extraterrestrial life and UFO conspiracy theories. Visitors can explore the UFO Museum, which features exhibits, memorabilia, and documentation surrounding the Roswell incident. It’s a quirky and intriguing stop for those fascinated by alien lore and UFOs.
Tourism Santa Fe
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art, culture, and history of Native American tribes in the Southwest. The museum features a vast collection of pottery, textiles, jewelry, and artifacts, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers a comprehensive look at the history and impact of nuclear science, from its origins in the early 20th century to its use in warfare and energy production. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits on atomic energy, the Manhattan Project, and the Cold War. It’s an educational stop that brings the science and history of nuclear technology to life.
Bradbury Science Museum
Located in the heart of Los Alamos, New Mexico, the Bradbury Science Museum offers insight into the development of the atomic bomb and the history of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. With interactive exhibits on science, technology, and nuclear research, it provides a detailed look at the significant role this lab played in shaping modern history.
International UFO Museum
The International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, is dedicated to the famous 1947 UFO incident. The museum features exhibits on UFOs, extraterrestrial theories, and the events that sparked worldwide interest in aliens. It’s the go-to spot for anyone intrigued by UFO lore and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns is an underground marvel with over 119 caves, including the stunning Big Room, one of the largest in North America. Visitors can explore the caves’ intricate stalactites and stalagmites, while the park above ground offers hiking trails and wildlife watching, making it a must-see natural wonder in the heart of the New Mexico desert.
Bandelier National Monument
New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument preserves ancient cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people more than 700 years ago. Visitors can explore these fascinating structures by hiking trails that wind through the dramatic landscape of mesas and canyons. It’s a peaceful place to connect with the rich history and culture of the region’s Native inhabitants.
Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD)
Route 66 Museum
The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma, celebrates the history and significance of the iconic highway known as the Mother Road. With exhibits on Americana, roadside attractions, and vintage cars, this museum takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through one of the most famous routes in American history.
Visit Oklahoma City
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum celebrates the history and culture of the American West, featuring exhibits on cowboys, Native American tribes, and Western art. The museum is home to the prestigious Western Heritage Awards and offers a deep dive into the heritage, art, and traditions that shaped the American frontier.
American Banjo Museum
With over 300 banjos on display, the American Banjo Museum tells the story of this iconic American instrument. The museum explores its roots in folk music and its evolution through jazz, bluegrass, and contemporary styles. It’s a unique Oklahoma City stop for music enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural significance of the banjo.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
The Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City offers a fascinating collection of historic trains and railroad artifacts. Visitors can take a ride on a restored rail bike, tour vintage locomotives, and learn about the history of railroads in Oklahoma. It’s a perfect stop for train enthusiasts or anyone interested in the vital role railroads played in the development of the American West.
Golden Driller
The Golden Driller in Tulsa is a 65-foot-tall statue that pays homage to the oil industry, a symbol of the city’s deep roots in the petroleum industry. Standing at the entrance of the Tulsa Expo Center, the Golden Driller is one of the largest freestanding statues in the USA and is a must-see roadside attraction in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Travel & Recreation Department
Braum's Milk Bottle
A quirky and beloved landmark, the Braum's Milk Bottle is a giant milk bottle atop a small building that serves as a local landmark and a reminder of Oklahoma’s dairy heritage. It’s part of the Braum’s family chain and has become an iconic Oklahoma City stop for visitors seeking a slice of Americana.
The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the most iconic symbols of Texas independence. It’s the site of the famous 1836 battle in San Antonio where a small group of Texan defenders, including figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, fought against the Mexican army. Visitors can tour the chapel, visit exhibits, and learn about the courage and legacy of those who fought here.
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards offer a glimpse into the Texas city’s Western heritage. This historic district features daily cattle drives, old-fashioned saloons, and shops with cowboy gear. Visitors can experience the rich culture of the American West while learning about Fort Worth’s role in the cattle industry and enjoying authentic Western experiences.
Bill's Backyard Classics
Bill's Backyard Classics is a collection of over 60 classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles. The Amarillo, Texas, museum is privately owned and offers an extensive display of American automotive history, ranging from the 1930s to the 1970s. For car lovers, it’s a chance to see rare and restored vehicles from the past century up close.
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland explores the history of oil and gas exploration in Texas and its profound impact on the state’s economy and development. Exhibits showcase the technology behind drilling, the lives of oil workers, and the geological history of the area, offering a fascinating look at one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and offers a hands-on, immersive experience for space enthusiasts. With over 400 artifacts, including spacecraft, astronaut suits, and interactive exhibits, it’s a hub for learning about the history and future of space exploration. Visitors to this Texas treasure can also take a tram tour to see the iconic mission control room.
Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas in Abilene is an interactive museum that brings to life the history of the Texas frontier. With exhibits on Native American tribes, cowboys, and frontier settlers, visitors can experience the challenges and triumphs of early Texans. The museum uses high-tech displays and lifelike holograms to tell the stories of the Old West.
Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum in Brady is dedicated to the rich history of country music in Texas. The museum features memorabilia from over 100 country music artists, showcasing the legacy of legendary singers, songwriters, and musicians who shaped the genre. It’s a must-visit for fans of classic country music and Texas musical history.
American Freedom Museum
The American Freedom Museum is a tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. military and fought for freedom. The museum features exhibits on American wars, military history, and the sacrifices made by service members throughout history. It’s an inspiring stop in Bullard, Texas, for those interested in learning more about the history of American freedom.
Travel Texas
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is a famous public art installation located off Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, where 10 Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in the ground, creating a quirky homage to American culture. The installation invites visitors to spray paint the cars, making it a fun and interactive experience. It’s a popular roadside attraction for those driving along the historic route.
Glenrio Ghost Town
Glenrio, a once-thriving town on Route 66, is now a ghost town that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The town’s abandoned buildings and faded signs create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere on the border of Texas and New Mexico, allowing travelers to experience the spirit of the Old West and the heyday of America’s most famous highway.
Zion National Park Scenic Drive
Utah's Zion National Park is a stunning natural wonder, known for its towering red rock formations and narrow slot canyons. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the park’s diverse landscape, including iconic landmarks like The Watchman and Angels Landing. Visitors can also explore hiking trails, canyoneering routes, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Hoover Dam
On the border of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding regions. Built during the Great Depression, it stands as a testament to American ingenuity and resilience. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the dam’s construction, its role in water management, and its impact on the economy and environment of the Southwest.
Four Corners Monument
Four Corners Monument is the only place in the USA where four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—meet at a single point. Visitors can stand in all four states simultaneously, making it a unique photo opportunity and a fun, educational stop for those traveling through the southwestern United States.
