This place does give a good sense of the history of Tubac. But a lot of the info was jumbled, hard to follow, and just overwhelming (lots of text to read, dates to absorb). You start by watching a 7 minute movie on the history of Tubac. Then you go on a walking tour, including the old school house, and then later the museum. I agree you could spend two hours in the museum part of it, but only if you like to stand and read for awhile. Part of the tour includes an preserved house, which was probably the most interesting part. $10 just seemed like a lot for what it was. Guess they have to make money somehow!
You get to go back in time about 300 years and you get to see some of the remains from a couple of civilizations, but I guess I expected to see more of what it looked like back then, rather than see what is left today. But I guess no one really knows what it was like 300+ years ago, so it is partial guessing. Be prepared to read a lot.
Yesterday my husband and I had the opportunity to visit the artisan mecca of Tubac, AZ. My husband, who is a birder by hobby, took off down the De Anza Trail, leaving me with some time on my hands. Not being a shopper, I wandered into the State Historic Park. What a wealth of information and treasures I encountered! I was greeted by a courteous and enthusiastic volunteer staff member and given a booklet directing me on a self- directed walking tour. Part of the tour brought me underground where a section of the Presidio's foundation was still visible. I spent almost 2 hours viewing the relics and artifacts in the museum. I was impressed with the quantity and quality of items, and also the complete written descriptions and information provided. This is a small town with a wealth of historical information offered! I was told it was run completely by dedicated volunteers, asking only a very small donation for entrance. This is a must-see for visitors in the area.
We've been to this historic park several times over the past decade, & with our latest visit we were very pleasantly surprised at how much it's been upgraded & improved. The museum ~ which was always interesting ~ is even more so now, but also has been refurbished, brightened up & made immensely more enjoyable. And the grounds have been completely redone... cleaned up... re-planted... & a wonderful tour of desert plants created. A lot of people shop & eat & play in the touristy town of Tubac but miss this historical treasure. It's definitely worth a visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed the outside areas with detailed descriptions of the history of the site, some excavation has been done. The Museum follows the history of Tubac from Spanish to Native American, very good displays. Small area to walk and flat, so easily accessible, also good parking. The Museum is free, but donations appreciated.
Not more than a stones throw from the main drag, this park is really well done. A self guided tour is all you need and the museum out back is chock full of history. Yes - do it!
The guided tour of Tumacacori first will set you up nicely for a visit to this park. Very important Arizona history site. Self guided tour and a well organized museum are park highlights. The five dollar fee helps support this site run by volunteer staff. While on the path to the museum, we spotted a large pottery shard which had been exposed by weather. A park volunteer recovered the shard and helped identify it before we left the museum. Appeared to be from a period between 500 AD and 1550 AD. The artifact will be added to the museum collection, leaving us with a feeling that we were helped add something of importance to this wonderful park.
We visited my in laws in Feb 2015 who live in Green Valley Ariz. They took us to Tubac for a day of shopping and exploring. We ate at a wonderful restaurant called Uno 2. I had the tamales and my husband had enchiladas. The folks shared a wonderful salad that was plenty big enough for them. My only wish is thet we could have went for another day. There are so many beautiful shops and artwork to see. I bought several pieces of silver jewelry from a pawn/resale store and I could have spent hours in there. They also have a wonderful spot for the men to sit and relax, have a cigar if they so wish and a cool beverage while waiting for the ladies. Wonderful town with friendly people. We will return soon!
Worth the trip south of Tucson- an easy drive. The town has lots of shops, maybe a bit too "touristy", but the quality in many of the shops is good quality arts and crafts. The museum is terrific. It's staffed by volunteers, all of whom are well informed and interesting to speak with. The exhibits are not flashy or "high tech", but with texts and short films that offer an excellent big sense and overview of the history of the area from the perspective of the Spanish, Native American, and Anglo populations and interactions. The explanations and original equipment showing how the printing of newspapers was done was fascinating. $ 5 per person is well worth the fee!
Quite a large park with lots of displays and much to learn and see. We enjoyed a couple of hours here. Surprising for such a small area.