Benson ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benson, Arizona.
1. Kartchner Caverns State Park
PRISTINE LIMESTONE CAVE SYSTEM
Kartchner Caverns State Park offers visitors a chance to explore a spectacular subterranean limestone cave system with impressive natural formations and a light show finale. The cave system was discovered in the 1970s and carefully preserved, featuring wheelchair-accessible pathways through hand-tunneled pedestrian entrances with airlocks that maintain the pristine cave environment. Visitors can enjoy educational displays, a museum, and outdoor trails for hiking and stargazing, with two main tour options: the Big Rotunda and the Big Room Tour (available seasonally from October to spring).
2. The Thing
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Thing is a famous roadside museum and curiosity shop located just outside of Benson that showcases early 1900s vehicles and interactive exhibits. Visitors are drawn to its unusual displays themed around space aliens, dinosaurs, and a mysterious creature that gives the attraction its name. The quirky stop provides a fun break from travel with plenty of photo opportunities and unique souvenirs.
3. Forever Home Donkey Rescue
COMPASSIONATE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Forever Home Donkey Rescue provides a safe sanctuary for rescued donkeys and offers visitors a chance to interact with these gentle animals. The facility educates guests about donkey care, behavior, and the importance of animal rescue work. Visitors can tour the facility, meet rescued donkeys, and learn about the organization's mission to provide forever homes to these often misunderstood animals.
4. Benson Visitor Center
INFORMATION HUB FOR TRAVELERS
The Benson Visitor Center serves as an essential starting point for tourists looking to explore the region's many attractions. Staff provide maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help visitors make the most of their time in the area. The center offers information about local history, outdoor activities, and upcoming events in Benson and surrounding communities.
5. Benson Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Benson Historical Museum houses changing displays and exhibits highlighting local cultures and the rich history of the region. The museum building itself is historically significant, once serving as a grocery store, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Buildings. Located at 180 S. San Pedro Street, this cultural institution preserves and shares the stories and artifacts of Benson's past with both locals and tourists.
6. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
LUSH DESERT RIVER OASIS
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area spans 50,000 acres along 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River from St. David to Naco, Mexico. This ecological treasure hosts over 350 species of birds and more than 250 prehistoric and historic sites, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and history enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, seasonal hunting, horseback riding, and educational programs about this vital desert riparian ecosystem.
7. Cochise Stronghold
HISTORIC APACHE FORTRESS
Cochise Stronghold in the Coronado National Forest was the natural rocky fortress where the great Apache chief Cochise and his followers held out against the U.S. Cavalry. The site offers a fascinating historical experience combined with spectacular scenery, making it a worthwhile day trip from Benson. Visitors can explore hiking trails through the dramatic rock formations that once provided natural protection for the Apache people.
8. Gammons Gulch Ghost Town Movie Set
AUTHENTIC WILD WEST EXPERIENCE
Gammons Gulch Ghost Town Movie Set is a meticulously recreated 1890s town and mining camp that offers an authentic glimpse into the real Wild West. Every detail is historically accurate, from the working telegraph to the shingle nails, creating an immersive experience for visitors interested in Western history. The attraction also features antique cars, movie memorabilia, a nature path, and a bird area, open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
9. Amerind Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL PRESERVATION
The Amerind Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Native American artifacts in the Southwest, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Texas Canyon's boulder formations, the museum offers exhibits spanning 14,000 years of Native American history. Visitors can explore the main museum building, art gallery, and the picturesque grounds that include picnic areas with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Benson's New Day Spa
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION DESTINATION
Benson's New Day Spa offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate while traveling through Arizona's desert landscapes. The spa provides a variety of treatments designed to soothe travel-weary bodies and minds, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Perfect for travelers seeking a break from outdoor adventures, this wellness destination helps guests feel refreshed and ready to continue exploring the region.
11. Big Jeep Tours
RUGGED DESERT EXPLORATION
Big Jeep Tours provides adventurous excursions into the scenic desert landscapes surrounding Benson, Arizona. Expert guides share knowledge about local geology, wildlife, and history while navigating rugged terrain inaccessible to standard vehicles. These tours offer photographers and nature enthusiasts unique opportunities to experience Arizona's diverse desert ecosystems up close.
12. Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum
COPPER MINING HERITAGE
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, located in the nearby historic town of Bisbee, chronicles the fascinating story of one of the richest mineral sites in the world. Housed in the former headquarters of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company, the museum features interactive exhibits that bring to life the experiences of miners who worked deep beneath the surface. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, it offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into Arizona's mining heritage through historically accurate displays and authentic artifacts.
13. Tombstone
LEGENDARY WILD WEST TOWN
Tombstone, the historic town known as 'The Town Too Tough To Die,' offers visitors a chance to step back in time to the 1880s Wild West era just a short drive from Benson. Famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, this well-preserved frontier town features daily reenactments, historic saloons, museums, and the Boot Hill Graveyard. Visitors can enjoy stagecoach tours, ghost tours, and experience the authentic atmosphere of one of America's most legendary Western towns.
14. Bisbee
ARTISTIC MOUNTAIN MINING TOWN
The historic mining town of Bisbee, nestled in the Mule Mountains, is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, vibrant arts community, and unique shops housed in century-old buildings. Once one of the richest mineral sites in the world, today's Bisbee charms visitors with its quirky atmosphere, steep mountainside streets, and thriving creative culture. Visitors can explore the town's mining history through tours like the Queen Mine Tour, browse art galleries, enjoy local cuisine, or simply wander the picturesque streets of this distinctive Arizona destination.
15. Texas Canyon
DRAMATIC BOULDER-STREWN LANDSCAPE
Texas Canyon is a striking natural area characterized by massive, precariously balanced granite boulders creating a surreal landscape unlike anywhere else in Arizona. Located along Interstate 10 between Benson and Willcox, this geological wonder offers spectacular opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Visitors can explore the boulder fields, hiking trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the Dragoon Mountains while experiencing this unique desert environment.