The Greater Casa Grande
Chamber of Commerce
AZ Office of Tourism Visitor Information Center

FUN AND MORE

Golf, Relaxation, Sightseeing and Pinal County Day Trips!

What A Difference A Day Makes!  

Five Ways to Explore Casa Grande and Pinal County

Casa Grande

Heart of Arizona, History, Farms and The Duke’s Stompin’ Grounds

Visit the “heart of Casa Grande” old town:

          In historic downtown Casa Grande Main Street, stroll by the quaint specialty stores and antique shops and visit with the friendly business owners at each establishment for that hometown touch.  Work of local artists can be found on display at the Casa Grande Art Museum, (which also has a unique, southwestern sculpture garden), and at Gallery One. Upon occasion, you can watch local artists at work at Gallery One.

          There are 42 buildings listed on the National and Local Historical Registers within the downtown Main Street district. Of special historical interest are City Hall, Historical Society Museum, three restaurants, four churches, the Casa Grande Art Museum and the Paramount Theatre, recipient of a 2005 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award. Many area residents and visitors are drawn to a number of downtown art objects, as well as Peart Park, and the Palm Island Family Aquatic Park, all within close proximity.

Getting hungry after your walk around old town? Sit and have an espresso at one of the unique coffee shops in historic downtown. Whether you are in the mood for a sandwich, coffee or a full-service meal; from Mexican to American cuisine, you can find it in Casa Grande’s historic downtown district.

At the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and Museum, housed in the remarkably unique rock “church” building that is the hallmark of historic Casa Grande, one can explore the rich heritage of rural Southern Arizona, experience the 19th Century mining boom by touring the exhibit and view the miniature agricultural display.  In addition, a visitor will learn how irrigation turned sandy plains into lush cotton fields and see what Casa Grande looked like in 1879 when the railroad ended here and the city was named Terminus.  The museum offers tours, lectures series, workshops and children's programs. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Research Facilities and Photographic Reproductions at the museum, as well as to tour the historic Heritage Hall and the Rebecca Dallis School House, all on-site. The museum is open from mid-September to mid-May each year.

From Casa Grande you can head in any direction to find history, culture, hiking, golfing, an adventure or just ‘plain’ relaxation!

Head west of Casa Grande on Hwy. 84 (Gila Bend Hwy.):

Driving further west on Hwy. 84 visit Shamrock Farms  (Highway 84, turn right onto White and Parker Road, continue north for 1 mile; turn left onto Clayton Road where you will see the Shamrock Farms entrance). For kids of all ages join Roxie the spokescow on one of the farm tours, test your milking skills, see the giant milk bottle, meet the calves, explore the ice cream maze and shop in the gift shop. The Casa Grande Valley agricultural industry has long been a major contributor to the area economy.  Cotton continues to be a key crop, with Pinal County farmers producing about 325,000 bales in 2004. Other farmers in the region raise alfalfa, barley, wheat and several types of vegetables and fruits.

Well, Pilgrim…want to visit where The Duke (John Wayne) hung his hat? Then, Casa Grande is the place to look.  Immediately west of Casa Grande on Highway 84, encounter the gorgeous Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort. Play a round of golf, at the par 72 Ralph Plummer traditional designed layout features lush fairways, mature trees, well-manicured greens, and three abundant lakes. The desert-framed course is one of the longest in the state at 7,545 yards and is adjustable to 5,200 yards to make it both challenging and fun for all skill levels. Then top off this funbelievably grande day with an exceptional gourmet dinner, a cool beverage or two, and hang your hat at the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort – just like The Duke did.

Hey, Look Ma – I’m Flyin’ and I’m Gamin’ in Pinal County

First thing in the morning, when you are most energetic and ready for discovery, hold onto that hat and take a 15-mile drive from Casa Grande to SkyDive Arizona and SkyVenture Arizona in Eloy (Exit 198 east from I-10 to Tumbleweed Road, north on Tumbleweed).

At SkyDive Arizona, you can jump straight into the air, if you like, but it would be far more thrilling if you jump from a plane at 13,000 feet above the Casa Grande Valley for an incredible buzz you’ll be talking about for years. Or, if you’re afraid of heights, try the exciting new wind-chamber indoor skydiving for all ages at speeds up to 120 mph at SkyVenture Arizona.

          After a morning of getting the inside scoop on the air up there and meeting people from all over the world at the internationally renowned SkyDive Arizona where world and international championships are held, get ready for your next adventure.

          Head west on I-10 and, at Exit 198, west, you find some incredible bargains at the Outlets At Casa Grande – designer merchandise at great prices. After shopping head west in Interstate 10 again at Exit 194, go west into the heart of hometown Casa Grande. You will pass many excellent dining establishments where you may choose to stop for a delicious meal and beverage, and then hop back in your car (you are still on Florence Boulevard which, heading west, will be called Highway 84 or the Gila Bend Hwy.), continue driving west, past the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort, through the small town of Stanfield to “Peters Corner,” the intersection of the Gila Bend Highway and the Maricopa Hwy.

Turn right at Peters Corner and you will be driving north on the Maricopa Hwy. approximately 8 miles. Soon you will notice, “something you think is a castle in the desert” which is actually Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Or, then again, maybe you will collect $200 or even more if luck is with you as you try your hand at gaming.  A uniquely designed resort where you can also dine at one of the many restaurants or lounge by the pool, which offers a swim up bar. The gorgeous casino and resort also offers the traveler free, live entertainment featuring a variety of musicians and bands. The resort offers 144 luxury room if you choose to stay the night and rest after your exciting day in Pinal County.

Hiking, Hohokams, History and Ostriches?!

There are so many things to do in the western part of Pinal County, a camera and good walking shoes are a must! Traveling Interstate 10, heading toward Tucson, there are many unique sights and stops along the way.

At Exit 175, just off the interstate to your west, you will see the Gila River Arts and Crafts Center on the right. The center includes a museum; Heritage Park, arts and crafts display center and a gift shop (all items are authentic, including jewelry, baskets, pottery and paintings). When stopping at the restaurant for a bite to eat, you simply must experience the Indian fry bread. The center has an RV park for overnight guests.

Casa Grande is one of Pinal County’s largest cities and was founded in 1879. This progressive community with a hometown attitude has numerous amenities to offer the traveler. Many shopping and dining experiences await you there, as well as a variety of overnight accommodations for the traveler. Refer to Trip 5 for additional things to see and do while in Casa Grande.

Continuing east on Interstate 10 toward Tucson, you cannot help but notice the monolithic 1,500-foot peak called Picacho Peak at Exit 219. Picacho Peak State Park is the site of a significant Civil War battle fought in Arizona. The battle is re-enacted the second week of March each year — please check for exact dates and times. The park contains picnic areas with shelters and tables, hiking trails, RV parking and camping areas. In the spring, when area residents are crossing their fingers, hoping for sufficient rainfall, the slope of the peak is covered with blossoming desert plants. This is a picture-perfect spot.

As you leave the State Park, stay on the east frontage road to your right. You will soon be at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. Visitors can feed the ostrich, emus and deer and purchase items from the open market located at the same site.

From Interstate 10, at the Exit 226 Red Rock interchange, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic by taking Park Link Drive east to Hwy 79 (Pinal Pioneer Parkway). Park Link Drive is a 20-mile partially paved road, which connects to Pinal Pioneer Parkway to the east. When you reach Pinal Pioneer Parkway turn left (north) and you will pass through the Tom Mix Wash and pass the Tom Mix Monument.

Continue driving north on Pinal Pioneer Parkway. Turn right on Paisano Drive. At the end of the road you will find St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery. As you drive past the Cholla and Saguaro cacti, greasewood and creosote bushes, you cannot miss the huge copper domes covering the chapel and bell tower.

Continue your drive north on Pinal Pioneer Parkway (Hwy 79) to the county seat of Pinal County: Florence, AZ. Historic Florence, is the town in which the movie Murphy’s Way was filmed on Main Street. You will also want to visit McFarland State Historic Park, the first territorial courthouse, constructed in 1877. Senator McFarland’s library is housed in the back. Further south on Main Street the American flag proudly waves at the entrance to the Pinal County Historical Museum. The museum has many fascinating displays and tells many stories of the “old west” and the Florence Territorial Prison. While in Florence the Pinal County Visitor Center and learn more about what Pinal has to offer.

Leaving Florence, you will want to take Highway 287, west to Coolidge, Arizona, and the home of the Casa Grande National Monument. The Casa Grande National Monument is the last known residence of the Hohokam tribe (those who have gone). The four-story Casa Grande (big house) is one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America. The monument is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25th when the monument is closed. The entrance fee is $5.00 per person. Children 15 and under enter free-of-charge.

Not-so-superstitious Lost Dutchman and Nature’s Nooks

Apache Trail/Route 60

120-mile tour 88 to 60

U.S. 88 to 60 Apache Junction

This milepost trek begins in the community of Apache Junction. This starting point, approximately 35 miles east of down town Phoenix, can be reached by traveling east on the Superstition Freeway (Hwy. 60), or east of Mesa on Apache Boulevard.

A few decades ago, Apache Junction was only a gas station at a fork in the road. But in recent years, an influx of desert dwellers has transformed the area into a mid-sized city. Situated at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is best known as the gateway to the Apache Trail (State Route 88), a historic, mostly dirt road that twists above spectacular canyons as it winds its way through Arizona’s desert lakes region.

In the immediate vicinity of Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman State Park offers camping, hiking and impressive views of the massive Superstitions. You can also rent horses, dine at a variety of restaurants, and pick from a wide selection of lodging accommodations.

Take U.S. Hwy. 60 (the Superstition Freeway) to State Route 88 (Idaho Road, Exit 196) northeast. Around milepost 200 on your left is Goldfield Ghost Town, Museum and Mine. At approximately milepost 201 is the Lost Dutchman State Park, which is named after an old German prospector, Jacob Waltz.

You will be entering the Tonto National Forest. It is the largest national forest in Arizona. Close to milepost 203 is Needle Vista View Point. Around milepost 208, from Canyon Lake Vista, take a gander at the lake where a Dolly Steamboat cruise awaits you, or where you may choose to fish, swim, or just revel in Arizona’s nature.

On your drive, look for milepost 213 for Tortilla Flats, an authentic old stagecoach stop. About six miles past the flats, the pavement will end. Near milepost 222, you will find Fish Creek Hill, a beautiful spot overlooking the canyon. At Apache Lake, you can camp, fish, swim, hike or just enjoy the view.

Around milepost 244 is the town of Miami, AZ where Hwy. 88 meets Route 60. Near milepost 227, you will find the town of Superior, AZ. Milepost 224 is in close proximity to the famous Apache Leap. The Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum is located at milepost 223, which boasts more than 1,500 types of desert plants on 1,200 acres. Near milepost 212 is Florence Junction (State Route 79), bringing us to milepost 204 and the unique Renaissance Festival it is held every weekend in February and March. At about milepost 203, you will encounter Peralta Trailhead, which leads into the Tonto National Forest and up to the Superstitions Mountains, and then back to Apache Junction where we started. Whew! That is one panoramic drive around Pinal County!

Birds, Bees and Movie Stars

148 miles of beauty

          You are in the mood for a scenic drive between Phoenix and Tucson. The Pinal Pioneer Parkway will be the route to take to enjoy some of the most pristine areas of Sonoran Desert left in Arizona and many of the species are marked to help identify them. Midway between Florence, AZ and Oracle Junction, you will pass the monument to Western silent-film star, Tom Mix, who died in a car accident in 1940. Each October 12th, on the anniversary of his death, placed anonymously at the monument, appears a bouquet of flowers in a red boot, which stays on the monument until the flowers fade.

Take Hwy. 77 right and continue east enjoying the beauty of the Copper Basin Area.  Heading to Kearney, AZ, the vast, spectacular Ray Open Pit Mine is a must-see, and is educational, too. But the school bus way, way down at the bottom of the open pit does not have students in it; it’s just for size comparison. Turning west to Superior, AZ on Hwy. 60, stop and hunt for Apache Tears at the mountain they call Apache Leap. 

West of Superior on Hwy. 60 at Milepost 223, visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The arboretum is Arizona’s oldest botanical garden where you can view plants from the world’s deserts, panoramic vistas, and many natural habitats with varied wildlife, a hidden canyon, specialty gardens and more. The Smith Interpretive Center was built in 1925 of locally quarried stone, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Heritage Rose Garden is home to a large selection of Heritage roses, Antique or Old Garden Roses, clones of the famous Tombstone Rose and is an idyllic spot for relaxation and rest. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy and take in the excellent views of the surrounding area. Adult Admission is $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 12; children under age five are admitted free. Admission is taken daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (every day except Dec. 25). Summer hours begin May 1, during May, June, July and August the Arboretum will be open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admissions taken at 2 p.m. and the park closing promptly at 3 p.m.

 Mission Statement

The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, as the voice of business, leads, promotes and develops opportunities for the success of our members and the community.

The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce
575 N. Marshall Street, Casa Grande, Az 85222
(520) 836-2125                 (800) 916-1515

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