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Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park

1300 N College Ave · Tempe, AZ

Why you should go…

The Arizona Historical Society operates the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, a museum tracing Arizona history from western frontier days through wartime and the postwar building boom. The center also houses the Society's research library and archives, used by students, family historians and academics. It is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers programs for both kids and adults.

  • #history
  • #museum
  • #archives
  • #education

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Phoenix Zoo

    $25–$50

    More than 3,000 animals across exhibits themed on four continents, run without public funding.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Tempe

    Free

    Official tourism office for Tempe, Arizona, home to Arizona State University and Tempe Town Lake.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

    Under $25

    A large firefighting museum across from the Phoenix Zoo, with over 130 restored fire trucks, pumpers and gear.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock)

    Free

    Red sandstone buttes and an easy scramble up to a natural window with views over the whole valley.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

    $25–$50

    Smithsonian affiliate museum in Old Town Scottsdale devoted to Western American art, history and culture.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Heard Museum

    Under $25

    One of the world's foremost collections of Native American art and culture, in a Spanish Colonial building.

    8.2 mi awayMore like this