Kartchner Caverns State Park - Benson You'll find stunning living caverns of mystery and awe, including exhibits of scientific information on why these internationally acclaimed caverns exist. You'll learn about the bats that make their home here, and how the many huge stalactites and and stalagmites are formed. And you will see why Kartchner Caverns is truly an underground phenomenon unlike any other. Two tours are available: The Rotunda-Throne Room and the Big Room. The Rotunda-Throne Room tour is available all year around; the Big Room is only available from October 15 to April 15, as it serves as a nursery roost for bats during the summer months. Allow 4 hours. Hwy 90 North 19 miles to the park gate on left. Contact: 520-586-CAVE (2283) for reservations Website: www.azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html

Amerind Foundation - Cochise County Located near Cochise Stronghold--the hundreds of rugged acres where the Chiricahua Apache leader hid out--nestled in Texas Canyon of the Little Dragoon Mountains, is the Amerind Foundation. William Shirley Fulton established this unique museum and art gallery in 1937 as a private, nonprofit anthropological and archaeological research center for Native American cultures. Allow 2-3 hours. Picnic facilities available. 10am to 4pm Tuesdays through Sundays; Closed Mondays and major holidays. I-10 East to Dragoon Road; Exit 318; approximately 1 mile to parking area. Contact: 520-586-3666 Website: www.amerind.org

Ash & Miller Canyons - Sierra Vista Whether you are a novice or expert, bird watching at Ash and Miller Canyons is enlightening. The public bird feeding stations are located high in the forested Huachuca Mountain canyons, and depending upon the season during which you visit, the diversity of birds that stop for a quick snack or drink is quite extensive. Rare bird sightings in these canyons, like the Plain-capped Star Throat, the Flame-colored Tanager and the Slatethroated Red Start, have gained national attention.

Benson Museum (San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society - Benson Benson was founded in 1880 as a railroad town. Museum includes a nice variety of items and artifacts. Also, visit Kartchner Caverns State Park for guided cave tours and exhibits. Call for hours. Contact: 520-586-3070 Website: www.bensonmuseum.com/

Bisbee Minings Historical Museum - Bisbee Open Daily 10:00 Am - 4:00 PM. The museum tells the history of Bisbee, the Warren Mining District, Cochise County, and northern Sonora, Mexico, beginning in 1887 Contact: 520-432-7071 Website: www.bisbeemuseum.org

Bisbee Restoration Museum - Bisbee Open: Tues. through Sat.10:00 AM - 3:00PM. A museum showing the fashions and home life of miners and their families in early Bisbee

Border Air Museum - Douglas Call for hours. One of the first international airports. The museum is devoted to the history of aviation in this area Contact: 520-364-4927 or 520-364-2478

Carr House Visitor Center - Cochise County The Carr House Visitor Center in Carr Canyon offers displays and exhibits of historical and natural significance. There are nature trails for strolling as well as more adventurous hiking leading to scenic overlooks, trailheads and a seasonal waterfall that's breathtaking. Allow 2-3 hours. Visitor Center open weekends April-September. Contact: 520-378-0311,

Chiricahua Museum - Willcox Visit the museum honoring the people who created the rich heritage of the area. Collections and exhibits of historic artifacts, including a Geronimo Exhibit are part of the museum. Contact: 520-384-3157

Chiricahua National Monument - Cochise County This traditional haunt of Cochise and his Chiricahua Apache band was declared a preserve in 1924. Known as the Wonderland of Rocks, this territory is truly monumental in every sense, with startling rock formations, a natural bridge, and a ledge made entirely of volcanic hailstones. Wildlife viewing and nature trails abound. Allow 2-3 hours. The Monument is open 24 hours daily; the Visitor Center is open 8am to 4:30pm daily, closed on Christmas. Hwy 90 to I-10 East; Exit 340; right on Hwy 186 to the National Monument sign on left. Contact: 520-824-3560. Website: www.nps.gov/chir

Chiricahua Regional Museum & Research Center - Willcox Open: Monday through Saturday10:00AM - 5:00PM. History of Apache Indians, military, ranching, railroads, and mining in the Willcox and Sulphur Springs Valley area Contact: 520-384-3971

Coronado National Memorial - Cochise County In the mid-16th century, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his soldiers marched from Mexico into the San Pedro Valley searching for the Seven Cities of Cibola and its fabledgold. The National Park Service operates the 4,750-acre Memorial Park;; it's also the beginning of the famous Arizona Trail, with its outstanding hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. While at the Memorial?s Visitor Center, explore the Coronado Cave. This cave is perfect for folks who would like a caving experience without rappelling, squeezing through tiny passageways or belly crawling. Allow 2 hours. Daylight picnic area; no overnight camping. Open 8am to 4pm daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Hwy 92 Contact: 1-800 -288-3861 or 520-366-5515 Website: www.nps.gov/coro

Douglas/Williams House - Douglas Call for hours. Former home of James Douglas is now a museum with displays and exhibits of this turn-of-the-century copper smelting town. Contact: 520-364-7370

Environmental Operations Park - Sierra Vista Also known as the Sierra Vista Wastewater Wetlands, these unique wetlands also feature a native grass restoration project. The 50-acres of wetlands support aquatic vegetation and grasses once native to the region. Over 2,000 acre-feet of water treated through this natural system is returned to the aquifer each year to help protect the area's unique environment. Check it all out from the 1,800 square-foot wildlife-viewing platform. Guided bird walks conducted on Sundays. Allow 1 hour.Hwy 90 approximately 3.1 miles east of Sierra Vista to entrance on left. Contact: Monday through Friday. 1-800-288-3861 or 520-458-5775; for Sunday morning tours: 520-459-2555; 520-378-0667;

Fairbank Historic Townsite - Tombstone Parking lot and area are open every day from dawn to dusk. The Schoolhouse Museum is open Friday through Sunday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, subject to change. Beginning in 1881, Fairbank was the nearest train depot to Tombstone. The schoolhouse has been restored to its original beauty by the Bureau of Land Management. Contact: 520-457-3062 Website: www.sanpedroriver.org/fairbank.htm

Fort Bowie National Historic Site - Willcox Open: Daily except Christmas, 8:00AM - 4:30 PM. The site commemorates the conflict between the Chiricahua Apaches and the U. S. military. The Fort Is at 1/2 mile hike in. For accessibility questions, please call the Park. Tour the ruins of Fort Bowie and view See exhibits in She Visitor Center. 20 miles east of Willcox on State Road #186 to turnoff onto 8 miles of dirt road Contact: 520-847-2500 Website: www.nps.gov/fobo

Fort Huachuca - Sierra Vista Established in 1877, Fort Huachuca significantly shaped both local and national history. Today, it proudly serves as Arizona's last active Army post. This military installation was instrumental in the surrender of Geronimo in August 1886. It is home to the 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment as well as the Buffalo Soldiers, who honorably earned their nickname during the Indian Wars. Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-533-3000 Website: huachuca-www.army.mil/web-content/index.html

Fort Huachuca Museum & Annex - Sierra Vista There's nothing like the great indoors of our museums to shed light on history. Nowhere is this more true than in the Fort Huachuca Museum and its Annex. Interested in manuscripts over 140 years old? Or would you like to relive the edge-of-the-chair, Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-533-5736

Garden Canyon - Sierra Vista Inhabited since 600 A.D., the Canyon has 53 pictographs, or rock art, from some of its earliest residents, as well as Apache pictographs from the 1700s. The canyon is easily and fully accessible from hiking trails winding through some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Arizona. You'll see a wide variety of wildlife, from deer to javelinas, and birders should be ready to add many special species to their life list. Allow 1 hour. Garden Canyon is occasionally closed for maneuvers. From the Fort Huachuca Main Gate, follow Squier Ave. 2 miles to the Garden Canyon sign on left; continue to Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-533-3000 Website: www.wildlifeviewingareas.com/wv-app/ParkDetail.aspx?ParkID=194

Henry F. Hauser Museum - Sierra Vista Located in the Ethel Berger Center (across the parking lot from the Sierra Vista Visitor Center), the Henry F. Hauser Museum features Western and Native American displays with historic effects from Sierra Vista's early years. The museum celebrates the the historic events of the multicultural and robust Southeastern Arizona Territory through permanent and themed exhibits, events and publications. Allow 30 minutes. Open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm From the Sierra Vista Visitor Center, stroll across the parking lot. Contact: 1-800-288-3861 520-417-6980 x560

Historic Downtown Willcox - Willcox From the Willcox Commercial, the oldest continually operating store in Arizona, to the restored Southern Pacific Depot (built in 1880), Relive the historic heritage of Willcox on Railroad Avenue. Enjoy a stroll down Railroad Avenue. Visit the Willcox Commercial, the Depot, have a latté at Bucko’s Coffee, stop at the Palace Saloon, visit the Rex Allen Museum and the Chiricahua Regional Museum, have lunch at Rodney’s or Big Tex BBQ.

Las Cienegas National Conservation Area - Cochise County The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages this National Conservation Area of 42,000 acres, which includes the Empire Cienega Ranch. What is truly unique about this area is that it includes five of the rarest habitats in the American Southwest: : cienegas (or marshlands), sacaton grasslands, mesquite bosques, cottonwood-willow riparian forests, and semi-desert grasslands. Majestically accented with rolling oak-studded hills, Las Cienegas attracts countless bird species and a wide variety of wildlife. Allow 2 hours. Hwy 90 North to SR82; turn east. At intersection of SR82 and SR83, turn north; near Milepost 40, turn east into ranch entrance. Contact: 520-258-7200

Muheim House Heritage Museum - Bisbee Open: Fri. through Tues., 10:00AM - 4:00 PM. A Registered National Historic Site. Restored to its earlier elegance, this home exemplifies late19th century architecture. Also visit the Underground Queen Mine Tour, Lavender Pit, and many historic buildings Website: www.bisbeemuseum.org

Muleshoe Ranch Headquarters - Willcox Are you looking for a secluded spot for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing? If so you will treasure your time at the Muleshoe Ranch, located 30 miles northwest of Willcox in the Foothills of the Winchester and Galiuro mountains. Closed June –September. Contact: 520-507-5229 Website: www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/travel/art22005.html

Murray Springs Clovis Site - Cochise County About 12,000 years ago, late ice-age Clovis hunters inhabited the Sierra Vista area and preyed upon Mammoth and Bison. At this self-guided interpretive trail, you will find a nine-panel exhibit including displays of two killsites and one campsite. . Murray Springs Clovis Site is home to major discoveries by the University of Arizona (funded by the National Geographic Society) that date back to the Pleistocene Epoch, a period of history when the ground at the San Pedro River basin reverberated from the thundering strides of ancient Mammoths. Allow 1 hour.Hwy 90 approximately 4.5 miles east of Sierra Vista; left onto Moson Rd; follow the signs Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-439-6400

Nature Conservancy?s Ramsey Canyon Preserve - Cochise County You won't want to miss this world-renowned attraction. The canyon's unique interplay of geology, biology, topography and climate makes it a highly sought-after refuge. A habitat for a multiplicity of plant and animal life, Ramsey Canyon Preserve nurtures over 170 varieties of birds, including14 species of hummingbirds. Inside the Visitor Center at Ramsey Canyon Preserve is the Please Touch Room, and that is always exciting for children. With bird nests, snakeskins and other wildlife bits, all available for touching and holding, this unusual, animal and bird collection is always intriguing. Allow 3 hours. Open 8am to 5pm daily from February through October; seasonal days and hours from November through January (call in advance); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month. No pets or smoking on the Preserve. Hwy 92 South 7 miles (Milepost 327); right onto Ramsey Canyon Rd; 3 miles to the Preserve. Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-378-2785

Old Post Cemetery - Sierra Vista Before the end of the Post's first year in 1877, the 6th Cavalry troopers suffered their first casualty and established the need for memorial grounds. The Old Post Cemetery is an emotional "read" for devotees of military history where you'll find the final resting place of many historic figures. You'll also find a lone headstone with the inscription, "The Unknowns"which represents the graves of many who lost their lives in the wilderness beyond the Fort's gates. Allow 30 minutes. From the Fort Huachuca's main gate, follow Squier Ave. to Winrow; left onto Mizner; right onto Grierson; right onto Hungerford; left onto Christy; follow signs to the Old Post Cemetery Contact: 1-800-288-3861

Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine - Cochise County This site, with virtually unlimited panoramic views of the San Pedro Valley, is home to a shrine inspired by a religious pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. The 75-foot Celtic cross, 31-foot statue of the Virgin Mary and a chapel, all provide a peaceful sanctuary that visitors of all faiths can enjoy. The views from the shrine of the surrounding mountains and valley are breathtaking. Allow 1 hour. Hours are 9am to sunset every day. Hwy 92 South; 8 miles south of Sierra Vista; right onto Stone Ridge; to Prince Placer; to entrance on Twin Oaks Rd. Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-378-2950

Parker Canyon Lake - Sierra Vista Set within the gently rolling hills and surrounded by the majestic western Huachuca Mountains, this 125-acre lake and recreation site offers fully accessible fishing opportunities as well as facilities for physically challenged anglers. Its marina has has a deep angled boat ramp for easy launching. There is a 65-unit campground adjacent to the lake. Boats are limited to one 8-hp motor. Fishing license required. Camping, $10 per day. Hwy 90 North; west onto SR 82; follow signs to Elgin and continue through Elgin to the lake (on a predominantly dirt road). Contact: 520-378-0311

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve - Patagonia Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, this 850-acre preserve is located between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains. Thanks to the rich floodplain valley, the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is flush with over 200 species of birds. Allow 2 Allow 2 hours. Open from October 1 to March 31: 7:30am to 4pm,Wednesday through Sunday. From April 1 to September 30: 6:30am to 4pm,Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday all year. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days. Hwy 90 North; left onto Hwy 82; right onto 4th Ave in Patagonia; left at the "T" onto Pennsylvania Ave. Contact: 520-394 -2400

Reservoir Hill Overlook - Sierra Vista Located on the southern portion of the overlook on Fort Huachuca, on a small patch of terrain extending from the hill, the U.S. Army Signal Corps discovered this vantage point for sending heliograph messages to other stations throughout the area. This is truly one of the majestic viewpoints of the San Pedro Valley. Allow 15-30 minutes. Only outdoor amenities. From the Main Gate, take Squier Ave. to Winrow; left on Mizner; right onto Grierson toward Huachuca Canyon. Just before Huachuca Canyon, take a left and follow the road to Reservoir Hill.nge Control; right on Range Road to Garden Canyon. Contact: 1-800-288-3861

Rex Allen Museum - Willcox View the memorabilia of Willcox native Rex Allen, a famous singing cowboy of records, movies, and TV. Rex had a thirty-five year career recording for Decca Records. His hit songs included Crying in the Chapel, Street of Laredo, Don’t Go Near the Indians, and Tiny Bubbles. He narrated many of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color nature shows and other productions. He provided the voice for 150 different cartoon characters created for Disney. Contact: 520-384-4583

San Pedro Riparian - Cochise County With nearly 40 miles of riparian vegetation, you will find this national conservation area teeming with plant and animal life. There are 10 different access locations across the 56,000-acre preserve to explore. Start your exploration from the San Pedro House where docents will provide you with information on trails, habitat, petroglyphs and ghost towns. Special Note on the San Pedro House: Try to time your visit to include hummingbird banding for a unique up close glimpse of these tiny marvels. Allow 3 hours. Hwy 90 East approximately 6 miles to the San Pedro House on the right hand side.

Slaughter Ranch - Douglas Open: Wed. through Sun. 10:00 AM - 3:00PM. The historic John Slaughter Ranch is an official National Historic Landmark, with ranch house and buildings restored to the turn of the 19fh century era. Also, the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is nearby. In Douglas; visit the historic Gadsden Hotel and walk across the border into Agua Prieta, Mexico Contact: 520-558-2474 Website: www.slaughterranch.com

Spooner?s Oasis & Arboretum - Cochise County Imagine 300 trees of 260 varieties, with more perennial and annual plants than you can shake a shovel at, including an annual planting of over 10,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs. an avid gardener, has a passion for all things botanical. Carefully orchestrated garden paths lead visitors down far more than the proverbial primrose lane. Flowering plants from around the world like clematis and evergreens, with one area devoted exclusively as a desert garden with many varieties of southwestern cacti and succulents, grow in harmony here. Allow 1 hour. Guided tours. Reservations required. Miracle Valley, just south of Sierra Vista. Contact: 1-800-288-3861

The Marty Robbins Museum - Willcox Visit a true tribute to one of the most popular and successful country singers of his era, Marty Robbins. Marty was the first county western signer to receive a Grammy for his song El Paso in 1959. In 1970 he won his second Grammy Award for his song My Woman, My Woman, My Wife. Robbins was named "Artist of the Decade" (1960-69) by the Academy of Country Music, was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982, and was given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998 for his song "El Paso". In addition to his music Robbins was an avid race car driver, competing in the 1973 Daytona 500. Open: Mon - Sat 10:00AM - 4:00 PM Contact: 520-766-1404 Website: www.friendsofmartyrobbins.org/

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park - Tombstone Get a glimpse of the true old West at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Built in 1882 in the shape of a Roman cross, the two-story Victorian structure once housed the offices of the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, board of supervisors, jail, and courtrooms of Cochise County. Today, the 12,000 square foot courthouse is a museum filled with the glitter and guns of those who tamed the territory. Exhibits portray the authentic history of Tombstone as a frontier silver mining boomtown. Learn about miners, cattlemen and pioneers, and see a reproduction of the courtroom and sheriff’s office.Displays include a tax license for operating a brothel and an invitation to a hanging. A replica of the gallows in the courtyard represents where seven men were hanged. The park includes a museum, exhibits, a gift shop, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. Contact: 520-457-3311 Website: www.azparks.gov/Parks/TOCO/index.html

U.S. Army Military Intelligence Museum (MI Museum) - Sierra Vista Visitors will see surveillance and espionage tools from the Civil War, the notorious Enigma Machine coding device used by the Germans during WW II, one of our Cold War espionage jeeps, a surveillance drone and, the real thing, a 12' x 10' section of 10' section of the Berlin Wall, replete with graffitied political statements. Allow 1 hour. Free admission; donations accepted. Open weekdays 9am to 4pm; weekends from 1pm to 4pm. . From the Main Gate take Squier Ave. to Winrow; left onto Mizner; right onto Grierson; right onto Hungerford; parking on the left. Contact: 1-800-288-3861 or 520-533-5736

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area - Cochise County This 1,500-acre wildlife habitat is famous for the large population of Sandhill Cranes during the winter season of October through February. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area lies in the Chiricahua desert grassland habitat of the Sulphur Springs Valley. Spotting scopes are located on the viewing platforms for use by visitors. Allow 2 hours. Hwy 92 South; then Hwy 80 East at Bisbee; take Double Adobe Road north onto Frontier Rd; east onto Davis Rd; south onto Coffman Rd to entrance. Contact: or 520-642-3763

Willcox Playa Wildlife Area - Willcox Each winter season, October through February, more than 20,000 Sandhill Cranes flock to this playa (an ancient, closed basin lakebed). The area was formed from ancient sedimentary deposits of gravel, sand and silt, as well as dune sand and landslide landslide masses. A birding festival held every January, "Wings Over Willcox", features food, field trips, seminars, etc. Allow 2 hours. North on Hwy 90 to I-10 east; Exit #331 (Hwy 191 South) for 8 miles; turn left at the Apache Wildlife Area sign just before Milepost 58. South to Milepost 334; turn right at Memorial sign Contact: 1-800-200-2272