Area Attractions
The Amerind Foundation is a museum and research facility dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Native American cultures and their histories. Its facilities are located near the village of Dragoon in Cochise County, Arizona, about 65 miles east of Tucson in Texas Canyon. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm. an entrance fee is charged (520-586-3666). Amerind is located in Cochise County, Arizona, one-mile south of I-10, an hour east of Tucson, between Benson and Willcox. Take Exit #318 off interstate 10 to Dragoon Road. The Amerind entrance is on the left (just past mile marker 1) 2100 N. Amerind Road PO Box 400, Dragoon, Arizona 85609.
Cochise Stronghold, the historic site in the Coronado National Forest, provides a fascinating day-trip from Benson. This is the rocky fortress where the great chief and his followers held out against the U.S. Cavalry and the drive provides some fine scenery in addition to the historical experience. To get there, take I -10 east from town, exiting at the Dragoon exit (Texas Canyon). Drive east for 13 miles until you get to SR 191 and turn south (right), driving for another 6 miles. Turn west and drive into the national forest.
Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary has provided a loving home for donkeys since 1998. Many of these intelligent & beautiful animals have health issues because of neglect in their past. Some of these donkeys are in a safe environment, for the first time in their lives. Free Tours are available, please call for reservations 1-520-212-5300. For more information, foreverhomedonkeyrescue@gmail.com
Kartchner Caverns State Park - Located on Hwy 90 in the Whetstone Mountains these unique caverns are the most pristine in the United States. The park just opened the Big Room to the public making the park that much more exciting. These caverns are living, growing, wet caves, and the moisture levels are closely monitored to make sure that they are not destroyed. You do need to call ahead for reservations as a limited number of people are allowed in to the caves daily. There are camping facilities, hiking trails, bird sanctuary, Visitor’s center, interpretive displays and a gift shop. For more information and reservations call 520-586-2283, for general information 520-586-4100 or click the link to access their website.
Mescal Movie Set - "This historic movie set is now open to the public on a limited basis, see website for dates and times. Western enthusiasts can visit and take a tour with a knowledgeable historian. The set will also be available for special events. First and foremost, Mescal is still a working film set available for movies, television, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and more."
Benson Historical Museum - Historical Museum with changing displays and exhibits highlighting local cultures. Once a grocery store, the building is on the National Register for Historical Buildings. 180 S. San Pedro St. Benson, AZ 85602
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) extends from St. David, Arizona to Naco, Mexico. The San Pedro House is located off of Hwy 90 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. On the 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River the conservation area has over 50,000 acres with quantities of wildlife and vegetation, including over 350 species of birds. Over 250 recorded prehistoric and historic sites, the area offers bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, camping, seasonal hunting, horseback riding, nature studies and environmental education. For more information please call Fairbanks BLM Headquarters at Phone: (520) 258-7200.