Benson Things to Do

This is one of the parks Arizona boasts of. Located in Benson, it is a system of wet caves. It was discovered by two young explorers in 1974 and remained private up until 1988 when the state of Arizona purchased it, turning it into a state park. Opened April through October, it offers visitors an adventure and a feast to the eyes. Because photographs are prohibited, you will not find many photos of the inside of the cave. This makes it more marketable to adventure seekers. You must book your tour in advance otherwise showing up unappointed will lead to disappointment.

I have toured Carlsbad Caverns, but I can not compare what I saw in Kartchner caverns with it. The trails were slippery due to the wetness of the cave, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with enough friction on the sole.

It is quite a tour, we were only able to sit in the big room for a brief moment.
The beautifully formed and unspoiled stalagmites and stalactites are exciting to see. I loved the soda straws, they were nothing like anything I had ever seen. The formations grow from all sides; top bottom and even sideways.

The visitor center/ information center is historic in itself. It is a great historic reminder of the town’s past. In its place once stood the Trans-america train depot; well the idea to build a Trans america rail system to connect the different states did not mature. During its peak, the town was called the ‘Hub’ city because of the connections it afforded through the railway line.

You have probably heard of the Dragoons if you live in Arizona, or visited the Southwest. The Dragoons are spectacular rock formations of the Texas Canyon in the small Dragoon Mountains. If you take Dragoon Road, exit 318 and head south to mile marker 1, you will get to the amazing Amerind. It is a unique Museum of the Native Americans dedicated to their cultures and traditions.

The museum was founded in 1937 by William Shirley Fulton; it is a non profit archaeological museum and serves as a research center as well. Inside are collections of native American baskets, jewelry, artifacts and pottery. I was amazed at how the baskets and pottery reminded me of rural Africa. They chronicle the life of the Native Americans from the past to present day.

One of the exhibits I particularly liked is the Native American art, and history. The beautiful showcase tells the story of a people with strong traditions and the need to preserve it at all costs. It is worth visiting if you find yourself this side of the world.

Fees:
Adults - $8,
Seniors - $7,
Youth (ages 12-18) - $5
Children under 12 - FREE

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Benson is a nice little town right off the Interstate and a great place to gas up, take a break, and sightsee in the area.

Facts about Benson ( a big retirement community also)

Founded in 1880
Elevation: 3,580 feet
Population: 5,164 (more in winter, less in summer)
10 hotels and motels
15 RV parks
19 restaurants
10 fast food locations
45 miles from Tucson
156 miles from Phoenix

Highlights in the area include:

Kartchner Caverns State Park
Amerind Museum
Benson Museum
Gammons Gulch Movie Set
Singing Wind Bookshop

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Benson's Chamber of Commerce web site you will find access to maps of Benson and a self Walking Tour. I so enjoy this information and appreciate it. So if you have time explore here, you should.

One place that caught my eye was the Zearing Merchantile: It was built before the trun of the century during Beson's railroad era. The commerical building has a had several owners, serving mainly as a general mechandise store. As Max Treu Territorial Meat Co., it was used to supply meat to the miners. Listed on the National Register, the building has be restored and features a noteworthy interior.

Benson Visitor Center
249 East 4th Street
Benson, AZ 85602-6613

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It reads: "In honor and memory of our men and women in our armed forces who rendered service to our country during wartime and peacetime at home and overseas. We must never forget those who gave their lives for our country."

It is located right on the Route 80 (4th Street) and next to the train track. Be careful!

Benson Visitor Center (Train Depot)
249 East 4th Street
Benson, AZ 85602-6613

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As you already know, I really enjoy murals and will not hesitate to stop and get a photograph of one. Benson has many wonderful murals located just along the main Route 80 that is 4th Street.

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Although this is just a replica of the train depot that once stood here, it was the beginning of the countries dream of transamerica travel. Benson was called "The Hub City" due to its transcontinental connections through its railroad line and when Route 80 was established. Now this lovely buidling serves as a reminder of Benson rich history and serves as a stopping point as a visitor center. These places are a wealth of information, so please take advantage of them.