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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum |
 Your travel source with a personal touch! |
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When visiting the Tucson area, and you only have a few days to do the city, be sure that the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is first on your list of things to see and do. This world-renowned attraction is a combination of gardens, natural history and a wonderful assortment of animals and birds that call the Sonoran Desert their home. Throughout the area you will see wonderful interpretive displays of living animals and plants that are native to this desert region that encompasses parts of Arizona, California, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. |
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Within the grounds are over 1200 different types of plants and more than 300 animals – all of them alive and well in their natural desert settings. The almost two miles of pathways (most of the paved) wind throughout the area making it easy for even those who are in a wheelchair or power scooter to enjoy themselves. It is a great place for the kids and, if you live in the area, or believe you live close enough to visit several times a year, they have a membership that allows grandparents to visit with two of their grandchildren.
Plan to spend the entire day at the museum. Even then, it is hard to take everything in. There are several places to eat on the premises, several good restroom facilities, and snacks to make your day more enjoyable. Although it is best to visit during the cooler winter months, don’t put off a visit simply because you are here in the summer. Just make sure you have good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water to drink. There are drinking fountains and shaded armadas where you can also get a break from the summer heat. Also, during the summer, the museum is open every Saturday until 10:00 allowing you to visit when the air is cooler and the animals are a bit more active.
Scattered throughout the museum you will find people in white shirts, specially trained museum volunteers called docents, who will explain things to you and sometimes give interpretive talks.
The museum was founded in 1952 and is a private, non-profit organization. The museum is entirely financed by admissions, memberships and contributions. It is located just a few miles west of downtown Tucson at 2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743-8918. Phone: 520.883.2702. Fax: 520.883.2500. Web: www.desertmuseum.org.
I have a membership and go often. I like to make visit at least once a month (more often in the spring) so I can see the botanical gardens during different stages and seasons. To travel with me now on a walk through the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, click on Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Self-guided Tour.
If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please contact Jim. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
