Email - peterdettmer@msn.com
Phone - (520) 219-6662
 

MLS Search

NEW! - Search for Homes using our MLS Database

The history of life in the Tucson Valley begins ca. 10,000 B.C. with the migrations of Paleoindian and Archaic hunters and gatherers. Whether or not there was continuous habitation is unclear, though evidence of agricultural settlements along the Santa Cruz River have been found dating from ca. 1000 B.C.

Between A.D. 200 and 1450, the Hohokam culture thrives. The Pima and Tohono O'odham are the descendents of that advanced civilization, and have inhabited the region since the Hohokam decline.

Around 1540 the Coronado Expedition crosses Arizona in search of the "Seven Cities of Gold."
Father Francisco Kino establishes the Mission San Xavier del Bac in 1699. It won't be until 1797 that it will be completed.

The Mission San Agustin, a "visita" of San Xavier, is established on the west bank of the Santa Cruz River in 1757. The construction of the mission and the convento is completed in 1790's

In 1775, Hugo O'Conor establishes the Tucson Presido. This year marks the official birthdate of the City of Tucson. Tucson becomes part of Mexico when it fights for independence in 1821. After the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, Tucson falls under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Arizona becomes an official territory in 1863. Between 1867 and 1877, Tucson holds the title of territorial capitol.

In 1880, the Southern Pacific Railroad reaches Tucson. The population reaches 8,000.

Arizona becomes the 48th state in the Union in 1912.

By 1950 Tucson's population has reached 120,000 and by 1960 it nearly doubled to 220,000. The City and Pima County officially recognizes the city's history by adopting historic district ordinances in 1972.

Tucson becomes the 33rd largest U.S. city in 1990 as its population tops 400,000.

• Tucson Neighborhoods
• Things to do in Tucson
• Tucson Museums & Galleries
• Tucson Golf Courses
• Tucson Sports & Recreation
  

The best way to describe the neighborhoods in Tucson is by geographic location. In general, the different areas are divided accordingly:

CENTRAL: Includes the University and downtown.

EAST: Bordered on the east by the National Park boundary, on the north by Speedway, on the west by Wilmot Road, and on the south by Golf Links Road.

WEST: Mostly bordered on the east by I-10, on the north by Ina Road, on the west by the Saguaro National Park, and on the south by the Mountain Park boundary.

NORTH: Bordered on the east by Sabino Canyon Road, on the north by the Catalina Mountains, on the west by Oracle Road, and on the south by River Road.

NORTHWEST: Generally bordered on the east by Oracle Road, goes all the way north to Pinal County, on the west by Camino de Oeste, and on the south by River Road.

NORTHEAST: Generally bordered on the east by Wentworth Road, on the north by National & State forest/park, on the west by Sabino Canyon Road, and on the south by Speedway Road.

SOUTHEAST: Bordered on the east by Vail, on the north by Speedway Road, and on the west by Nogales Freeway.

SOUTHWEST: Bordered on the east by Nogales Freeway, on the north by Speedway Road, and on the west by Federal/Native American land.

CENTRAL
This is an area of long-standing neighborhoods, most near parks. The area is in the heart of Tucson’s shopping, and includes the University of Arizona and Downtown Tucson. It is the hub of the business community and the Tucson Arts District. While much of central Tucson is the focus of urban renewal, there are many lovely established communities, such as the Sam Hughes area. The Arizona Inn is in this area, as are the El Con Mall and the Park Mall.

EAST
This area includes commercial strips, apartments, condominiums, and lower priced and mid priced housing developments. There are also a few custom homes on large lots, and lots of older mid-priced homes on about ¼ of an acre or less. It offers easy access to shopping and restaurants, and relatively easy access to I-10.

WEST
This area offers easy access to I-10 and downtown. This area includes parts of Marana, the western tip of Tucson, and unincorporated Pima County. In general the west side is characterized by open desert spaces, city views, and an abundance of wildlife. It is just a short drive to Saguaro National Park, Gates Pass, and the Arizona Sonora Desert. The housing is a mix of semi-rural and clustered developments.

The North side is nestled in the Catalina foothills, and features dramatic mountain settings and desert vegetation. Gorgeous custom homes on large lots are mixed with a potpourri of apartments, townhouses and single-family home developments. The prestigious foothills area contains both new resort-oriented developments and established neighborhoods built decades ago. There is easy access to Central, Northeast and Northwest Tucson. The Westin La Paloma Resort and the Ventana Canyon Resort are in this area

 NORTHWEST
This is Tucson’s fastest growing area, and includes Oro Valley, parts of Marana, the northwestern tip of Tucson, and unincorporated Pima County. The terrain tends to be a bit hillier than the rest of Tucson, and there are good views of the Catalina and Tortolita mountain ranges. There is a good mix of housing, from inexpensive older homes on ½ an acre of so, to custom built homes in developments like Honey Bee Canyon and Stone Canyon, with the bulk of the newer development in the mid price range. This is also were most of the adult communities are located (including Sun City Tucson, Saddlebrooke, Heritage Highlands and Sunflower). There is easy access to I-10, and the shopping facilities include the Tucson Mall and the Foothills Mall. The Sheraton El Conquistador Resort and the Westward Look Resort are in this area.

NORTHEAST
This area offers mountains near it mostly semi-rural home sites, and easy access to Mt. Lemmon. There are also several moderately priced subdivisions with homes on smaller lots. It has relatively convenient access to restaurants and retail, and easy access to Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park East.

SOUTHEAST
This area is in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, and offers easy access to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and several major employers (in the buildings previously developed and owned by IBM). In the far eastern outskirts the area is characterized by open desert space and mountain views; as you get closer to Central Tucson you find more mid-priced developments with smaller lots.

SOUTHWEST
This area is characterized by both very old and very new neighborhoods. Housing is affordable with prices starting around $70,000. This area has easy access to the Raytheon facility, as well as the Saguaro National Park West.

“A” Mountain:  This peak, to the west of Tucson, was a lookout point for the valley’s early inhabitants.  Indians watched for flash floods and approaching enemies; the Spaniards used it to provide warning of Apache raids.  Today, University of Arizona freshmen annually whitewash the “A”.

Amerind Foundation Museum:  An archaeological and ethnological museum, it displays jewelry, pottery, baskets, crafts and other items unique to the native people of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.  Located between Benson and Willcox off I-10.  Ongoing exhibits:  Horned Toads & Buckboards; The Prehistoric Southwest; and The Brush of Tradition in the Art Gallery.  Open daily, 10am-4pm; closed on Mondays & Tuesdays from June to August and major holidays.  (520) 586-3666.

Arizona Historical Society Sosa-Carrillo Fremont House Museum:  One of Tucson’s oldest adobe residences restored to circa 1880, when it was rented by Territorial Governor Fremont and his daughter.  The property was originally owned by the Jose Maria Sosa family around 1860 and later owned by the Leopoldo Carrillo family between 1878 and 1969.  Restored by the Tucson Heritage Foundation, now a branch museum of the Arizona Historical Society, the museum displays 19^th century furnishings and memorabilia of the Sosa, Carrillo & Fremont families.  151 S. Granada (Tucson Convention Center Complex).  (520) 622-0956.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:  Recognized worldwide as a leader in natural history interpretation and exhibitory, this “living” museum houses over 1,300 kinds of plants and 300 species of animals that live in enclosures designed to replicate their niche in the wild.  Docents answer questions and share their knowledge of the Sonoran Desert.  Visitors can enjoy a cappuccino on the veranda at Phoebe’s Coffee Bar or choose from a complete menu at Ironwood Terraces Restaurant.  Wheelchair-accessible, the museum is located 14 miles west of Tucson in Tucson Mountain Park.  Take Speedway west and follow the signs.  Open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.  2021 N. Kinney Rd. (520) 883-2702.

The Asarco Mineral Discovery Center:  An inside look at an operating open-pit copper mine is just part of the Mineral Discovery Center experience.  The Center features displays and exhibits explaining the history and process of mining and mine reclamation and a multimedia theater showing presentations related to mining and minerals.  Historic and modern mining equipment, including a series of huge ore hauling trucks, is displayed on the museum grounds.  The 1-hour bus tour through the Mission Mine includes views of the mining operations and a visit inside one of the mine’s copper mills.  Admission to the Center is free.  There is a small fee charged for the mine tour.  Wheelchair-accessible.  The Discovery Center is located 15 miles south of downtown Tucson at Pima Mine Road and Interstate 19.  Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm.  For more information call (520) 625-7513.

Barrio Viejo (Barrio Historico):  This redeveloped area of territorial Tucson is part of the original Barrio Libre, the oldest area of the city, located south of the walled presidio.  It includes the famous El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, located at 356 S. Main Ave.

Bisbee:  Situated about 100 miles southeast of Tucson, Bisbee is a charming old mining town.  Bus tours of the Lavender Pit Copper Mine, one of the world’s largest open pit mines, and guided underground tours of the Copper Queen Mine are offered.  You may also want to visit the Mining and Historical Museum and the Restoration Museum.  Free guided tours are available at Arizona Cactus & Succulent Research from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.  Group tours are welcome.  Located 6 miles south of Bisbee, just off Border Road.  For more information call or write:  Arizona Cactus, 8 South Cactus Lane, Bisbee, AZ 85603 or call (520) 432-7040. 

The Center for Creative Photography:  This archival home of many noted American photographers features changing photographic exhibits drawn from its archives of major 20^th-century photographers, as well as traveling exhibitions.  A library and research collections also are available on the UA campus just south of the Speedway underpass on Olive.  Mon.-Fri.:  11am-5pm; Sun.:  noon-5pm.  (520) 621-7698.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park:  This beautiful desert park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features daily guided tours of Colossal Cave.  Over the centuries, Colossal Cave, with its complex passageways and myriad crystal formations, has been a shelter for prehistoric people, a bandits’ hideout, an exciting dangerous playground, & a challenging workplace.  The Park also offers off-route Cave tours, Western trail rides, and cool wooded picnic areas.  Take Interstate 10 east to the Vail/Wentworth exit, then 7 miles north.  Mar.- Sept.:  Mon.-Sat.; 8am-6pm:  Sun. & holidays; 8am-7pm:  Sept.-Mar.:  Mon. – Sat.:  9am – 5pm; Sun. & holidays: 9am-6pm.  (520) 647-7275.

 Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Center:  This $200 million facility, the world’s largest man-made controllable environment, has been visited by nearly a million and a half people from all over the world since opening in 1991.  It features tours daily including the Biosphere Theatre, Demonstration Labs, Human Habitat, Climate & Earth exhibit, Ocean Viewing Gallery, Restaurants and Gift Shops.  It also has conference facilities and guest suites overlooking the Sonoran Desert and Santa Catalina Mountains.  Inquire about special summer rates that include dinner and breakfast for two.  Thirty minutes north of Tucson.  Take highway 77 to Mile Marker 96.5.  Call (520) 896-6200 for information.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun:  An ongoing memorial to the late Ted DeGrazia, the prolific Tucson artist, whose watercolors of Mexican children won worldwide approval.  The unique adobe building was designed by the artist and houses many DeGrazia originals.  The gallery is open daily.  10am-4pm.  6300 N. Swan.  (520) 299-9191.

El Presidio Park:  Lt. Col. Hugo O’Conor of the Royal Spanish Army selected this site on August 20, 1775, as the location for a new frontier presidio.  The park is the southern half of the old Tucson presidio at 160 W. Alameda, and is known as Plaza de las Armas.

Flandrau Science Center, University of Arizona campus:  Corner of E. University Blvd. & Cherry Ave.  Hands-on science exhibits, multi-media planetarium and laser lights shows, Arizona’s largest collection of gems and minerals with over 15,000 specimens, 16-inch telescope for nighttime public observing, Science-To-Go field trip programs, on-site science demonstrations, overnight science camps, astronomy and science gift store.  Open daily, 9am-5pm; Wed.-Sat.:  7pm-9pm.  (520) 621-STAR.  Web site:  http://www.flandrau.org.

Fourth Avenue:  A unique pedestrian shopping area in historic downtown Tucson featuring unusual retail stores, boutiques, restaurants and craft shops.  The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association sponsors an annual Winter Street Fair in March that draws artisans and craftsmen from all over the country.

Garden of Gethsemane:  On the west bank of the Santa Cruz River at Congress Street, this unusual grouping of religious statues depicts the Holy Family, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.  The statues were created by the late Felix Lucero, a Spanish sculptor, who vowed to do the work when he was spared on a World War I battlefield.  Open daily, 9am-4pm.

Getaway Adventure Driving Tour:  A free audio cassette driving tour through the Coronado National Forest, narrated by Rex Allen and covering Sonoita, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Bisbee.  Available from the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau.  A $3 donation is requested.  (800) 288-3861.

 La Casa Cordova:  La Casa Cordova and the J. Knox Corbett House, part of the Tucson Museum and Historic Block, are two restored historic homes reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tucson.  The historic residence of J. Knox Corbett abounds with rare period arts and crafts from the early 20^th century.  This historic home is the personification of early life in the old Pueblo, complete with drawers full of antique gloves, corsets and hankies, as well as hand-hewn bathroom medicine cabinets full of healing powders.  175 N. Meyer.  (520) 624-2333.

Mission San Xavier del Bac:  Because it can be seen for miles, this white edifice rising out of the desert is often called “The White Dove of the Desert.”  Situated in the midst of the San Xavier Indian Reservation, it is still the mission for the Tohono O’odham Indians and was the northernmost mission established by Father Eusebio Kino in 1629.  The present buildings were begun in 1783 and took approximately 14 years to construct.  They were restored in the early years of this century.  The mission has been in almost continual use since its foundation, and masses are celebrated every day except Monday.  (520) 294-2624.

Mt. Lemmon:  Just a 35-mile drive from Tucson is this retreat in the pines.  With an altitude of 8,250 feet, Mt. Lemmon provides winter skiing, a chance to see the leaves turn color in the fall and a way to cool off during the summer months.  There are numerous gift shops and restaurants to enjoy.

National Optical Astronomy Observatories at Kitt Peak:  Kitt Peak is home to the world’s largest collection of ground-based optical telescopes.  The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers daily guided tours of telescope facilities, public observing events, and exhibits and videotape presentations on astronomy and the Tohono O’odham culture.  56 miles southwest of Tucson via State Route 86.  Recorded information:  (520) 318-8200.

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico:  A trip to this Mexican border town (60 miles south of Tucson) is a must for newcomers and tourists.  A great place for shopping and eating.  Nogales offers good values on hand-carved furniture, hand-blown glassware, lace and embroidered dresses, hand-woven rugs and more.  No passport or visa is necessary to enter Nogales; however, if you plan on traveling further into Mexico, you will need one or the other.

 Old Town Artisans:  Located within El Presidio Historic District in downtown Tucson, this 1850’s restored adobe building houses shops featuring contemporary and traditional work of hundreds of artists and craftsmen, representing the best of local talent, Native American tribal art, and imports from Latin American cultures.  In the walled Spanish-style patio is La Cocina, serving a variety of soups, salads, and items from the mesquite grill.  Call for directions.  (520) 623-6024.

Old Tucson Studios:  This world-famous Western theme park and movie set has seen the action of more than 300 motion pictures, TV shows and commercials, beginning with “Arizona” (1939) through “The Quick and the Dead” starring Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman.  Shows are presented daily with live gunfights.  Three restaurants, a cantina, ice-cream parlor, sweet shop and gift shops are on the grounds.  Tours available at Guest Relations window at the front gate.  Located 12 miles west of downtown.  Take Speedway or Ajo Way, exit west and follow the signs to 201 S. Kinney Rd.  Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Hours:  Dec.- mid April:  9am-7pm and 10am-6pm the rest of the year.  For more information call (520) 883-0100.

Picacho Peak:  If you’re heading north on Interstate 10, you may want to stop at Picacho Peak, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona (a plaque marks the spot).  In the spring, the hillsides are ablaze with wild flowers, offering wonderful photographic opportunities.

 Pima Air & Space Museum:  Over 200 aircraft are on display, ranging from a full-scale replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 flyer to the SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest aircraft.  Daily 9am-5pm  (last admittance 4pm).  Closed on Christmas.  6000 E. Valencia.  (520) 574-6958

 Pima Air & Space Museum “Boneyard” Tours:  The docent-led experience will enable aviation enthusiasts to view the more than 5,000 aircraft currently stored at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC).  The AMARC is a 2,600-acre open-air warehouse for aircraft, missiles, components and support equipment.  Open five days a week:  9:30am-5pm (guided tours only, reservations suggested.)  6000 E. Valencia.  (520) 574-0462.

Reid Park Zoo:  Tucson’s city zoo contains more than 300 species of mammals, fish, reptiles and birds from  all over the world.  New South American Habitat Loop features 12 exhibits housing more than 100 new animals.  Open daily 9am-4pm.  Closed Christmas Day.  (520) 791-3204.

Sabino Canyon:  The Santa Catalina Mountains form a huge triangle deeply cut by steep canyons.  Sabino is the largest, located 19 miles from downtown Tucson.  The canyon is a favorite picnic place because most of the year it boasts a bubbling mountain stream fed by the nearby peaks.  At the canyon’s entrance, the U.S. Forest Service maintains a visitor center staffed by ranger naturalists.  A series of exhibits explain the geology, history and nature lore of the region, and a marked nature trail offers fine examples of most of the plants native to the high desert.  Private vehicles are not allowed into the canyon, but a shuttle tram operates.  (520) 749-2861.

Sabino Canyon Tours, Inc.:  Shuttle tram operates 7 days a week.  Currently running Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm; weekends & holidays:  9am-4:30pm.  For group rates and moonlight ride information, call (520) 749-2861.

Saguaro National Park:  Tucson’s famous saguaro forest encompasses almost 80,000 acres in two separate regions of Pima County.  The main section, to the east, includes Tucson’s highest peaks, Rincon, Spud Rock and Mica Mountains.  Beneath slopes lined with pine, fir and aspen, the foothills are covered with saguaro cactus, a species that only grows in this area of the world.  A visitor center contains special exhibits about the saguaro and other desert flora and explains the influence of men and animals on the Sonoran Desert.  Some of these cacti live for more than 200 years and reach a height of 50 feet or more.  During May or early June, white or yellow blossoms top the saguaro branches.  Arizona’s early legislators selected the saguaro blossom as the state flower and applied its likeness to the Great Seal of Arizona.  Saguaro National Park West is 16 miles west of Tucson in the Tucson Mountains.  Naturalists conduct daily interpretive tours at both sites at 10am & 2pm during the winter season.  Park headquarters, 733-5100– Rincon Mountains visitor center, 733-5153 – Tucson Mountains visitor center, 733-5158.

Seven Falls:  A beautiful four-and-a-half mile hike from the lower portion of Sabino Canyon, the trail takes you to a clear, cool natural pool.  The Sabino Canyon tram will deliver you to the beginning of the trail.

Steward Observatory:  Contains a 21-inch telescope and a 7-inch photographic telescope.  Photos of outer space decorate the walls.  Call for information regarding public viewing nights.  University of Arizona campus.  (520) 621-2288.

Tohono Chul Park:  The park is a 48 acre desert preserve, promoting the preservation of arid lands and desert conservation and encouraging the use of desert plants in landscaping.  Self or guided tours take visitors along nature trails, to display gardens, cactus armadas and a greenhouse.  A tea room and two gift shops are on the grounds, as well as a gallery and exhibition hall displaying changing art exhibits.  The park is open daily, 7am to sunset.  Galleries and shops are open Mon. – Sat., 9:30am to 5pm; Sun. 11am to 4pm.  Tea Room hours are 8am to 5pm, daily.  The greenhouse is open Mon. – Sat. 10am to 4pm; Sun.:  11am to 4 pm.  7366 N. Paseo del Norte.  (520) 575-8468.

Tombstone:  Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”, Tombstone was a notorious mining town and outlaw hangout.  Today, you can visit the site of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, the neighboring Historama, the Birdcage Theatre, Boothill Graveyard, Rose Tree Inn Museum and Court House Museum.  During October, the town stages “Helldorado Days”, a re-creation of the heydays of the town.  About 75 miles from Tucson.

Trail Dust Town:  Authentic old-West architecture and ambience are features of this “in town” western town – a Tucson landmark for almost 50 years.  In addition to the Savoy Opera House, Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, galleries and retail shops, Trail Dust Town has numerous attractions, including Dragoon Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows, the Fiesta del Presidio carousel, the C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train and mine tunnel tour, the Shootist Arcade, the wagon and carriage museum and more.  During Rodeo Week, Trail Dust Days features continuous live entertainment and western craftspeople.  6541 E. Tanque Verde.  Call for times of events and store openings.

Tubac:   Located in the Santa Cruz Valley, 50 miles south of Tucson, Tubac was at one time the site of a Spanish presidio built to protect nearby missions and settlements from unfriendly Indians.  Today, Tubac is known as an artists’ community where unique shops and art galleries offer pottery, hand-screened fabrics, art, jewelry and more.  In February, the town sponsors a nine-day festival featuring international crafts, art demonstrations, entertainment and food.

Tucson Botanical Gardens:  Situated in the center of Tucson, this collection of gardens includes a xeriscape (arid landscaping) demonstration garden, a historic Tucson garden, spring wild flower garden, tropical greenhouse and iris garden.  Lecture tours offered.  Open 7 days a week, 8:30am to 4:30pm (except city holidays).  Gift shop open Mon. – Fri.:  8:30am to 4pm; Sat.:  9am to 4pm; Sun.:  noon to 4pm.  2150 N. Alvernon.  (520) 326-9225.

Tucson Mountain Park:  Located west of Tucson, in the Tucson Mountains, this 12,000 acre preserve encompasses some of the most beautiful desert in the Southwest.  The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are within its boundaries, as is Gilbert Ray Campground, which provides spaces for trailers and campers to park for one week.

Tucson Museum and Historic Block:  A recent $3 million expansion doubled the Museum’s gallery and public spaces.  Tucson Museum of Art offers a varied year-around schedule of changing fine arts and crafts exhibitions.  Permanent collections included Western, Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, 20^th Century European and American Art.  Galleries are housed in a complex that covers an entire block and includes the historically restored La Casa Cordova and J. Knox Corbett homes, Casa Romero, a library, serene outdoor courtyards with many sculptures and an elegant Museum Shop, featuring the best of Arizona’s artisans.  Mon. – Sat.:  10am to 4pm; Sun.:  noon to 4pm.  140 N. Main.  (520) 624-2333.

Tumacacori National Monument:  Just off I-19, 48 miles south of Tucson, the ancient Franciscan mission of Tumacacori was one of a string of missions established by Father Eusebio Kino some 200 years ago.  Today, the ruins of the mission church and other buildings, as well as extensive gardens, are all open to the public.

Arizona Historical Society Fort Lowell Museum and Park: The original fort was established to protect settlers and travelers from marauding Indians and at that time (1873-1891) was situated seven miles from the Old Pueblo. Today, it is surrounded by the city. Still standing are the ruins of the fort hospital and the enlisted men’s barracks. The museum proper is a branch of the Arizona Historical Society housed in the re-constructed commanding officer’s quarters and contains furnishings and artifacts that depict life on a military post in frontier Arizona. The park offers armadas, tables, fireplaces and restrooms, as well as facilities for softball and baseball, a swimming pool and playground. Wed.-Sat.: 10am to 4pm. 2900 N. Craycroft at Fort Lowell City Park. (520) 885-3832.

Arizona State Museum: Located on the University of Arizona campus, this museum features archaeological and anthropological discoveries and dioramas depicting the history of the Indians of the Southwest. Mon.-Sat.: 10am-5pm; Sun.: 12-5pm. (520) 621-6302.

International Wildlife Museum: Visitors can view over 400 species of mammals, birds, insects and prehistoric creatures from around the world. Hands-on exhibits. The museum is located in the Tucson Mountains and contains a restaurant and gift shop. Open Mon.-Fri.: 9am-5pm; Sat.-Sun.: 10am-6pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd. (520) 617-1439.

Mineralogical Museum: Displays emphasize the extraordinary variety of spectacular minerals for which Arizona is famous, including a selection of fine gem stones and fossils. Mon.-Fri.: 8am-5pm; Sat.: 1-5pm. Flandrau Science Center basement at Cherry and University. $2 admission. (520) 621-4227.

Titan II Missile Museum: Visitors to the museum, the world’s only ballistic missile museum, receive a briefing on the Titan program, a close-up look at the Launch Control Center, a tour of the displays and the equipment which serviced the Titan II complex. Daily 9am-4pm (guided tours only, reservations suggested). West Duval Mine Road, Green Valley. (520) 625-7736.

Tucson Children’s Museum: More than something to see . . . it’s something to do! The Tucson Children’s Museum offers exciting, hands-on exhibits for ages 2-11. Crawl through a heart, "drive" a fire truck, learn about electricity and role-play one of 40 different careers! TCM is located at 200 S. 6^th Ave in the historic Carnegie Library building downtown. For hours and information on programs and special events call (520) 792-9985.

Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block: Built in 1975, the museum offers a varied year-round schedule of changing fine arts and crafts exhibitions. Permanent collections include Western, Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, 20^th – century European and American art. Exhibits change every two months. Galleries are housed in a complex that covers an entire block and includes, in addition to the main building, La Casa Cordova and J. Knox Corbett homes, Casa Romero (currently a pottery studio, and part of the Museum’s art school which offers adult and children’s classes in painting, drawing, pottery and print-making), a library (open to the public) and serene outdoor courtyards with many sculptures. Mon.-Sat.: 10am-4pm; Sun.: noon-4pm. 140 N. Main. (520) 624-2333.

University of Arizona Museum of Art: Exhibits are open to the public throughout the academic year and include works from the museum’s permanent collections, which span the Middle Ages through the 20^th century, and visiting exhibits. Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm; Sun.: noon-4pm. University of Arizona campus. (520) 621-7567.

Boating
Reid Park Lake (paddle boats for rent), Silverbell Lake (sailboards), Kennedy Park (sailboards).

Cycling
The Greater Arizona Bicycling Association sponsors a variety of rides, from beginners to advanced.

Dog Racing
Tucson Greyhound Park, located at 36^th Street and South 4^th Avenue, offers greyhound racing, pari-mutuel wagering and clubhouse dining in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled facility. Off-track vetting. Open year round, seven days a week. (520) 884-7576.

Fishing
Tucson has several nearby lakes – Patagonia, Parker Canyon, Pena Blanca and Arivaca – as well as Rose Canyon Lake on Mt. Lemmon and small lakes stocked for fishing at several local parks. Tucson is also close enough to the Gulf of Baja California for weekend fishing trips.

Skiing
Mt. Lemmon is just 35 miles away. The majority of its slopes are for intermediate-to-expert skiers, but there is a beginners’ area. Altitude is 8,250 feet. Skiers will find lifts, a cable tow and ski rentals. (520) 576-1400.

Tennis
With more than 150 tennis courts in Tucson (many with lights for night play), tennis enthusiasts can usually find an available court. There are more than 35 public courts, plus many high school courts. Tucson also has a number of private tennis clubs. Check the Yellow Pages for addresses and phone numbers of public and private clubs.

University of Arizona Sports
 UA sports teams compete in the tough PAC-10 Conference. Football, baseball, basketball (M&W), track and field (M&W), cross-country (M&W), golf (M&W), gymnastics (W), softball (W), swimming/diving (M&W), tennis (M&W), soccer (W), volleyball (W). Sports club teams in American Taekwondo, archery, badminton, boxing, cricket, cycling, fencing, field hockey, ice hockey, Kenpo Karate, lacrosse, rugby, Shorin Ryu, Shotokan, soccer, table tennis, tricats, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, Wado Karate, water polo, wheelchair athletics – there is something for every sports enthusiast. Call (520) 621-CATS (621-2287) for ticket information. The number for sports clubs is (520) 621-4709.

Arthur Pack Desert Golf Course:  9101 N. Thornydale Rd. – 18 holes

Canoa Hills Golf Course: 1401 Calle Urbano, Green Valley – 18 holes

Cliff Valley Golf Course: 5901 N. Oracle Road – 18 holes

Dell Urich Municipal Golf Course: 600 S. Alvernon – 18 holes

Dorado Country Club Executive Course: 6601 E. Speedway – 18 holes

Fred Enke Golf Course:  8251 E. Irvington – 18 holes

Golf Club at Vistoso: 955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr. – 18 holes

Haven Golf Course: 110 N. Abrego Dr., Green Valley – 18 holes

Heritage Highlands Golf & Country Club:  4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

Kino Springs Golf Course: 187 Kino Springs, Nogales – 18 holes

The Links at Continental Ranch: 8480 N. Continental Dr. – 18 holes

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa: 2727 W. Club Drive {also Omni Tucson Nat’l (Orange/Gold) and Omni Tucson Nat’l (Green/Orange)}

Pusch Ridge:  10000 N. Oracle Rd. – 9 holes

Quail Canyon Executive Course: 5910 N. Oracle Rd. – 18 holes

Randolph North Golf Course: 600 S. Alvernon – 18 holes

Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs: 9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr. – 18 holes

Rio Rico Resort & Country Club: 1069 Camino Caralampi, Rio Rico – 18 holes

San Ignacio Golf Course: 4201 S. Camino Del Sol, Green Valley – 18 holes

Santa Rita Golf Club:  16461 S. Houghton Road

Silverbell Golf Course: 3600 N. Silverbell – 18 holes

Star Pass Golf Course:  3645 N. Star Pass Blvd.

Torres Blancos Golf Course: 3233 S. Albrego Dr., Green Valley – 18 holes

Trini Alvarez/El Rio: 1400 W. Speedway – 18 holes

Private & Semi-Private Courses

Blanchard Course on Davis-Monthan AFB:  3965 S. Craycroft – 18 holes

Country Club of Green Valley: 77 Paseo de Golf, Green Valley – 18 holes

Desert Hills Golf Course: 2500 S. Circulo de las Lomas, Green Valley, 18 holes

El Conquistador Country Club: 10555 N. La Canada Dr. – 18 holes

49er Golf & Country Club: 12000 E. Tanque Verde – 18 holes

Gallery at Dove Mountain: 14000 N. Dove Mountain – 18 holes

LaPaloma Country Club: 3660 E. Sunrise Dr.,18 holes

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club: 6200 N. Clubhouse Dr. – 18 holes            

Mountain View Golf Club:  38691 S. Mountain View Blvd. – 18 holes

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort: 2727 W. Club Dr. – 18 holes

Oro Valley Country Club:  200 W. Valle del Oro

Quail Creek Country Club: 1425 N. Quail View Loop, Green Valley – 18 holes

Rolling Hills Country Club: 8900 E. 29^th St. – 18 holes

Saddlebrooke Country Club: 64500 E. Saddlebrooke Blvd. – 27 holes

Santa Rita Country Club: 16461 S. Houghton Rd. – 18 holes

Skyline Country Club: 5200 E. St. Andrews – 18 holes

The Stone Canyon Club: 945 Vistoso Highlands Dr., Oro Valley – 18 holes

[ Home ] [ Tucson Home Buyers ] [ Search MLS ] [ Tucson Home Sellers ] [ Tucson Relocation ] [ About Us ] [ About Tucson ] [ Tucson Links ] [ Contact Us ]

Copyright © 2007 SunnyTucson.com
All Rights Reserved