Prescott Attractions

Flinn Park in Prescott has a playground, picnic areas, a basketball court and a ball field. It is a basic park with many trees. It's a good option for a family picnic or anyone looking for some place easy to bring children.

Fort Whipple dates to the 1860s, when it was a tactical base for the US Cavalry in the time of the Indian Wars. Later is served as the Rough Riders headquarters, and came into use during the Spanish War. Today visitors can learn about the history in the Fort Whipple Museum which occupies the former military officer's quarters, built in 1909. It is located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration hospital.

The museum features a diverse collection with photos, old medical equipment, and military equipment. Docents offer guided tours of the museum.

The Hassayampa Inn has been in operation since 1927 and offers 67 well-appointed rooms. It is located within walking distance of shops, nearby mountains, galleries and entertainment. This boutique hotel offers visitors a chance to experience a little of Prescott's history.

Prescott Animal Park is a small wildlife sanctuary with reptiles, farm animals and exotic creatures. Many of the animals have been rescued from the wild or from inappropriate captive arrangements. At the zoo, the animals live in their natural habitats.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott is a small wildlife sanctuary with a number of large animals, including bears, wolves, tigers, and mountain lines. It also houses smaller animals, a variety of birds, reptiles, and a good collection of invertebrates. One of the highlights of the Sanctuary is the Tarantula Grotto that features a variety of spiders and tarantulas from the Americas.

The focus of the zoo is on conservation, with wildlife rehabilitation projects. Animals with injuries are brought here, and others which are waiting to be released into the wild are held at the facility.

Also on site are two playgrounds.

Acker Park was designated by its founder as a place for children to learn about nature and the arts. There is a children's play area and public art exhibits.

The park has hiking trails and picnic areas. The hiking trails lead to higher elevations, which provide excellent views.

The Phippen Museum of Western Art in Prescott is named for artist George Phippen, the first President of the Cowboy Artists of America. The art on display focuses specifically on Western heritage through paintings, etchings, drawings, bronze sculptures, photography and jewelry. The museum presents four exhibits a year, and also offers programs for children and adults.

One of the museums major events is the annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale on Memorial Day Weekend. It is held at the Courthouse Plaza in Prescott and is a great opportunity for those interested in purchasing Western art.

Pioneer Park in Prescott has walking trails, four ballfields, soccer fields and bleachers. It is a busy place in summer. There is also an in-line hockey complex

The Prescott Center for the Performing Arts formerly known as the Prescott Fine Arts Association is housed in the Sacred Heart Church that was built in 1891. The building, a very traditional looking church, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although it has been extensively renovated, some of the original features, such as the stained glass, have remained in tact.

Theatrical and music programs are offered including family shows, opera, variety shows and melodramas. Almost all of the performers are volunteers, as are most of the people involved in the Center.

The Art Gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists through changing exhibits of varying themes.

Roughrider Park and Bill Vallely Field in Prescott has two ballfields and six tennis courts, along with bleachers and regular amenities.

The Smoki Museum in Prescott has been open since 1935. It is located in a building designed to look like an Indian pueblo. The exhibits highlight artifacts from Indian cultures such as prehistoric, historic, and contemporary pottery, jewelry, stone artifacts, and baskets.

Clothing, ornaments and other items from the Sioux, Apache and Woodland Indians are part of the ethnographic collection at the Smoki Museum.

The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation occupies 1,395 acres next to Prescott. The tribe owns a business park and shopping center located at the gateway to Prescott.

The town of Cherry has many summer homes. It was founded as a mining community in the 1860's. At one time, Cherry was the site of six mills to support the 40 local mines in and around the town.

Chino Valley is located on Highway 89 north of Prescott. Chino Valley was the site of the first Territorial Capital of Arizona until it moved to Prescott in 1864.

Dewey is located at the junction of Highways 69 and 169 to the east of Prescott. Visitors to this Arizona town won't want to Miss Young's Farm with a number of culinary treats and a bakery.

Hillside is a mining town near Prescott that dates from 1887. In the 1930's a full scale operation was underway, tungsten and uranium were later discovered and the machinery on site is from that operation.

Prescott Valley is a relatively new community, founded in 1966. It lies between the Bradshaw and Mingus Mountains, 80 miles north of Phoenix. For the most part it is a satellite community of Prescott, offering more affordable living. It has become a popular area with retirees, but it is also a good base from which to explore Prescott National Forest.