Visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History for fascinating insights into the state’s history and formation. Housed inside a colonial-style building skirted by palm trees, the museum has a three-story waterfall and offers a cool respite from the afternoon heat. Spend some time learning about the natural history of Arizona in this impressive museum with a comprehensive collection of environmental and cultural treasures.
Bring your whole family to see the fun exhibits and pan for gold in the History Courtyard. Rummage through the Lost Dutchman’s Mine and walk around the cells of a territorial jail.
Dinosaur Hall is filled with enormous skeletons of the fascinating beasts that once walked the earth. Make your way to Dinosaur Mountain to see the difference in deposits that represent different prehistoric eras. Every 23 minutes, a flash flood triggers the flow of the three-story waterfall.
Turn your attention to humans, with a trip through the Cultures of the Ancient Americas exhibit. Learn about the hunter-gatherer lifestyle from 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The site has skeletons of the saber-toothed cat and the Columbian mammoth, among other animals that are now extinct.
Look through the array of more than 10,000 historic photographs to see how Mesa has changed over the decades.
Note that the museum dates back to 1977 and is operated by the City of Mesa. The site opens Thursday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon. Toddlers can enter for free, while kids, students and seniors get discounts on ticket prices.
Find the Arizona Museum of Natural History in the center of Mesa. Arrive at the bus stop just one block east from the museum or travel by tram to the adjacent Center/Main Street stop. Surrounding landmarks include the Nile Theater, the Mesa Arts Center and the i.d.e.a. Museum.
