Prescott, Arizona is a charming city located in the north-central part of the state. Known for its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Prescott offers plenty of things to do and see for visitors. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Prescott:
This museum showcases the history and culture of Prescott and the surrounding area. It includes exhibits on Native American history, mining, and pioneer life.
Lynx Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful and popular destination in Prescott, Arizona. The recreation area is located in the Prescott National Forest, just a few miles east of downtown Prescott. The centerpiece of the recreation area is Lynx Lake, a pristine lake that offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking.
Thumb Butte Trail #33 is a popular hiking trail in Prescott, Arizona that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is located in the Thumb Butte Recreation Area, just a few miles west of downtown Prescott. The trail is approximately 2.4 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty.
This zoo is home to over 200 animals, including native Arizona species such as mountain lions, black bears, and bald eagles. It also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year.
The Prescott Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Prescott, Arizona. The center was founded in 1968 and has since become a cultural hub for the city, offering a variety of theatrical productions, art exhibitions, classes, and other events.
Goldwater Lake is a beautiful and popular destination located in the Prescott National Forest, just a few miles south of downtown Prescott, Arizona. The lake is named after the Goldwater family, who were early settlers in the area and prominent figures in Arizona politics. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and catfish throughout the year, and there are several fishing piers and boat ramps around the lake. Boats can be rented from the Goldwater Lake Marina, and kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent.
The Smoki Museum was founded in 1935 by a group of non-Native American artists and community members who were interested in preserving and celebrating the Native American cultures of the Southwest. The museum features exhibits on the history, art, and culture of the Native American tribes of Arizona, including the Apache, Hopi, Navajo, and Yavapai. The exhibits include traditional clothing, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts.
The Yavapai County Courthouse Square is a beautiful and historic public space located in the heart of downtown Prescott, Arizona. The Yavapai County Courthouse, which sits at the center of the square, is a stunning example of Neo-Classical architecture. The building was completed in 1918 and features beautiful white columns, a grand staircase, and a domed roof.
The Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail is a scenic trail that runs along the former Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railway line in Prescott, Arizona. The trail winds through beautiful desert landscapes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hills. The trail passes through several parks and natural areas, including Watson Lake, Granite Dells, and Thumb Butte.
The gallery features a diverse collection of art from both local and national artists, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The artwork ranges from contemporary to traditional, with something to appeal to every taste. The gallery has a strong focus on supporting local artists, with many of the featured artists coming from the Prescott area. This provides a unique opportunity to discover and support emerging artists in the community.
The gallery is run as a cooperative, with all of the member artists sharing in the responsibilities of running the gallery. This allows the gallery to showcase a diverse range of artwork from many different artists, with a focus on supporting local and regional artists. The gallery regularly hosts artist demonstrations, allowing visitors to see the creative process in action and learn more about the techniques used by the featured artists.
The Highlands Center offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages, including guided nature walks, classes, workshops, and summer camps. These programs aim to foster an appreciation for the natural world and promote environmental stewardship. The center features several miles of hiking trails through the surrounding forest, offering stunning views of the Bradshaw Mountains and the Prescott Valley. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Fort Whipple military installation, which was established in the late 1800s and played a significant role in the Indian Wars and the American Civil War. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that highlight the military history of the fort and the surrounding area.
Granite Mountain Trail 261 is a popular hiking trail located in the Granite Mountain Wilderness area near Prescott, Arizona The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness area, with towering granite formations, sweeping vistas, and a variety of vegetation and wildlife. The trail is rated as moderately difficult, with some steep sections and rocky terrain. It is approximately 6.8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of around 1,400 feet.
Willow Lake Park is a beautiful park located just a few miles northeast of downtown Prescott, Arizona. The park is set around the picturesque Willow Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. The lake itself is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The park features several picnic areas, complete with picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family picnic or barbecue.
Mountain Artists Guild is a non-profit organization located in Prescott, Arizona, that is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in the local community The guild hosts a variety of art exhibits throughout the year, featuring the work of local and regional artists. These exhibits provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with the community.
The collection features over 5,000 miniature model airplanes, ranging from World War I-era biplanes to modern commercial airliners. The models are incredibly detailed, with many of them measuring just a few inches in length. The collection is a great destination for families, offering a fun and engaging way to learn about aviation and history. Children in particular are likely to be fascinated by the miniature planes and the stories behind them.
The monument commemorates the life and legacy of William “Bucky” O’Neill, a famous figure in Arizona history. O’Neill was a cowboy, journalist, and politician who served as the mayor of Prescott and as a captain in the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. He died in the Battle of San Juan Hill in 1898.
The trail winds through beautiful desert landscapes, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Hikers and bikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, including wildlife and plant life unique to the area. The trail is easily accessible from downtown Prescott, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is also relatively easy and suitable for hikers and bikers of all skill levels.
The preserve is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the natural world and explore the diverse plant and animal life of the area. The preserve offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and educational exhibits. The center also provides information on the history and ecology of the area, as well as ways to protect and conserve the natural environment.
The lookout tower was built in 1927 and served as a fire lookout for many years. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The lookout tower offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Bradshaw Mountains, Granite Mountain, and the city of Prescott. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Arizona and see for miles in all directions.
The trailhead offers stunning views of the Granite Dells, a unique rock formation that is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. The area is also home to Watson Lake and Granite Creek, which provide beautiful natural scenery and opportunities for water activities.
The Prescott United Methodist Church was established in 1874, making it one of the oldest churches in Prescott. The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
The Prescott United Methodist Church is a historic and iconic church located in downtown Prescott, Arizona The Prescott United Methodist Church was established in 1874, making it one of the oldest churches in Prescott. The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Prescott offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making it a great destination for travelers of all types.
