Tourism
Benson Visitor's Center Click the link to navigate their new website!
The Amerind Foundation in Texas Canyon, is just 12 miles east of town located on 2100 Amerind Drive. The foundation is an archeological museum and research center that preserves artifacts of the early Indian inhabitants of the region. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and an entrance fee is charged (520-586-3666).
Benson Historic Walking Tour - Stop in the Benson Visitor Center for your brochure on our Historic Walking Tour. This walk through Benson's past will tell you a bit about the town's architecture and its people. Call 520-586-4293 for more information.
Cochise's Stronghold, the historic site in the Coronado National Forest, provides a fascinating day-trip from Benson. This is the rocky fortress where the great chief and his followers held out against the U.S. Cavalry and the drive provides some fine scenery in addition to the historical experience. To get there, take I -10 east from town, exiting at the Dragoon exit (Texas Canyon). Drive east for 13 miles until you get to U.S. 666 and turn south (right), driving for another 6 miles. Turn west and drive into the national forest.
Gammons Gulch Ghost Town Movie Set - An 1890's Town and Mining Camp recreated like the Wild West really was, antique cars, movie memorabilia, nature path, and bird area. Everything in Gammon's Gulch is authentic, from the working telegraph to the shingle nails, even the outhouses were originally used by old west cowboys. Open 9am - 5pm, Wed -Sun. Call 520-212-2831 for more information. www.gammonsgulch.com
Holy Trinity Monastery - Located 9 miles south of Benson and 2 miles south of St. David on Hwy 80. It features a book store, gift shop, Library, Oriental garden, Museum, Art Gallery, Bird Sanctuary and Thrift Shop. The monastery holds seasonal festivals that attract hundreds of visitors. To access their website click here or for more information call 520-720-4642.
Kartchner Caverns State Park - Located on Hwy 90 in the Whetstone Mountains these unique caverns are the most pristine in the United States. The park just opened the Big Room to the public making the park that much more exciting. These caverns are living, growing, wet caves, and the moisture levels are closely monitored to make sure that they are not destroyed. You do need to call ahead for reservations as a limited number of people are allowed in to the caves daily. There are camping facilities, hiking trails, bird sanctuary, Visitor’s center, interpretive displays and a gift shop. For more information and reservations call 520-586-2283, for general information 520-586-4100 or click the link to access their www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html
San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum - Art gallery and Historical Museum with changing displays and exhibits highlighting local cultures. Once a grocery store, the building is on the National register for historical buildings. Call 520-586-3070 for more information.
Singing Wind Book Shop - A working cattle ranch, birders paradise, picnic spot with wide open views of the Little Dragoon Mountains. Books about the Southwest and Western America are a major part of the Book Shop's Stock. New books on almost every subject fill the ranch house shelves. Open 9am - 5pm daily. Call 520-586-2425 for more information.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) extends from St. David, Arizona to Naco, Mexico. The San Pedro House is located off of Hwy 90 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. On the 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River the conservation area has over 50,000 acres with quantities of wildlife and vegetation, including over 350 species of birds. Over 250 recorded prehistoric and historic sites, the area offers bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, camping, seasonal hunting, horseback riding, nature studies and environmental education. For more information please call Fairbanks BLM Headquarters at 520-457-2265
Benson Depot / Visitor Center
Address:
249 E. 4th Street
Benson
AZ
85602